Most dangerous cities in New Mexico research summary. We analyzed the most recent FBI crime data using Saturday Night Science to determine the most dangerous cities in New Mexico.
We examined the violent and property crime per capita statistics for every place with over 5,000 residents. In total, we analyzed 32 New Mexico cities. Here are the results of our analysis:
The most dangerous city in New Mexico is Gallup based on the most recent FBI crime data.
The violent crime rate in New Mexico is 1,554 per 100k people.
The property crime rate in New Mexico is 4,800 per 100k people.
The safest city in New Mexico is Los Alamos.
New Mexico is the most dangerous state in the United States.
Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Methodology | FAQs | References
There are really dangerous places in New Mexico.
Some might say it’s because of the proximity to the border, some say the state needs to offer better jobs with competitive salaries, and some might say that it’s just people being people; any way you look, the numbers don’t lie.
How’d we determine the most dangerous places in New Mexico? We analyzed the FBI’s latest crime report for violent crime and property crime statistics for every place with over 5,000 residents.
The residents of New Mexico should not be too shocked to find so many dangerous places, considering the Land of Enchantment is the most dangerous state in the country.The Most Dangerous Cities In New Mexico For 2024
What is the most dangerous place in New Mexico for 2024? The most dangerous place in New Mexico is Gallup.
New Mexico has over 100 law enforcement agencies employing close to 5,000 police officers, but they just can’t be everywhere. More prominent cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe are starting to feel the effects of crime.
For more New Mexico reading, check out:
- Most dangerous cities in the US
- Best Places To Live In New Mexico
- Cheapest Places To Live In New Mexico
- Best Places To Raise A Family In New Mexico
The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In New Mexico For 2024
/10
Population: 21,228
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,554 (Most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,800 (Fifth most dangerous)
Murders: 2
More on Gallup: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
Located in the northwest corner of New Mexico, Gallup is famous for being mentioned in the song ” Route 66″. But now, Gallup is also famous because it ranks fifth highest in property crime and highest in violent crime, making it the most dangerous city in New Mexico for 2024. These numbers may be why Gallup is also known for being one of the worst places to live in New Mexico.
Gallup experienced 330 violent crimes, mostly aggravated assault. And of the property crimes, residents experienced 736 personal property crimes. For a city with a population of 21,228 those numbers are high. So if you’re taking a ride down Route 66 and stop in Gallup, watch out for suspicious characters and keep your valuables close to you.
/10
Population: 560,557
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,380 (Second most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,795 (Sixth most dangerous)
Murders: 125
More on Albuquerque: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
Ever seen Breaking Bad? Then you might already think of Albuquerque as a dangerous place. That well-respected TV series told the story of a chemistry teacher turned violent drug dealer — a dark tale set in New Mexico’s biggest city.
Fictional gang wars aside, Albuquerque suffers many of the problems endemic to large cities. That includes crime. As such, it’s no surprise that the metro area ranks as the number 2 most dangerous location in New Mexico. In a population of 560,557, the community saw 125 murders and 344 sexual assaults. Albuquerque also experiences high rates of burglaries, robberies, arsons, and car thefts.
/10
Population: 38,912
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 953 (Sixth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,833 (Fourth most dangerous)
Murders: 3
More on Hobbs: Data | Cost Of Living
Hobbs, situated in Lea County, comes in as the third most dangerous city in New Mexico for the year 2024.
The statistics do not paint a pretty picture of this city in Lea County. With 371 violent crimes and 1,881 property crimes reported, Hobbs has the sixth highest violent crime rate and ranks fourth highest in property crime.
/10
Population: 88,705
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 923 (Seventh most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,884 (Third most dangerous)
Murders: 5
More on Santa Fe: Data | Cost Of Living
Santa Fe, the fourth most populous city in New Mexico and the state’s capital is unfortunately also the fourth most dangerous place to live in New Mexico.
Located at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe is known for its Pueblo-style architecture and vibrant arts scene. However, a concerning issue of crime lies beneath the cultural richness and historical significance.
The city reported a total of 819 violent crimes in 2024, ranking it as the seventh highest in the state. This includes 5 murders and 42 cases of rape. Property crime, with a staggering figure of 4,333, ranked Santa Fe as the 3 most dangerous city for property crimes in New Mexico.
/10
Population: 7,460
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,099 (Third most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,463 (Eighth most dangerous)
Murders: 1
More on Belen: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
Belen is Spanish for Bethlehem, but this small town is not quite peaceful. For a town of 7,460, Belen has a lot of crime, and it’s 188% higher than the national average. That means you have a 1 in 91 chance of being a victim of murder, rape, robbery, or aggravated assault. And you have a 1 in 22 chance of being a victim of property crime. That’s why Belen ranks as one of the most dangerous cities in New Mexico for 2024 and is also on the worst places to live in New Mexico list too.
Belen may be a historic community in the Rio Grande Valley but not a safe place to live.
/10
Population: 6,613
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 695 (11th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 6,381 (Most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Taos: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
Located in the Sangre de Cristos Mountains in Northern New Mexico, the artist residents of Taos have a 1 in 15 chance of being a victim of a property crime, which is a lot for a town of 6,613. But the good news is that crime is no change from last year.
Taos is one of the most diverse cities in New Mexico. But it also is number 6 on the most dangerous cities in New Mexico for 2024.
If you’re thinking about relocating or retiring to Taos to experience the clean air and mythical light, just know that this town is also known as one of the worst places to live in New Mexico.
/10
Population: 14,011
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 899 (Eighth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,703 (Seventh most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Deming: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
When Deming was founded, residents nicknamed it “New Chicago”. Being located at a major railroad hub, everyone believed that Deming would grow to be a large, bustling city. Deming never did grow as expected, but it has one thing in common with the big city of Chicago — crime.
Deming is has been one of the worst place sto live in New Mexico last several years. With crime statistics like residents having a 1 in 21 chance of a property crime and ranking eighth highest in violent crime, it’s no wonder why Deming ranks as one of the most dangerous cities in New Mexico for 2024.
/10
Population: 114,102
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 616 (14th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,339 (Second most dangerous)
Murders: 10
More on Las Cruces: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
Home to New Mexico State University, Las Cruces is the second-largest city in New Mexico. Residents in Las Cruces have a 1 in 162 chance of being a victim of a violent crime and a 1 in 18 chance of being a property crime victim.
Las Cruces is one of the fastest-growing cities and is one of the best places for singles in New Mexico. Not only that, it’s one of the most expensive places to live. Maybe that’s why crime rates are up 3 from last year.
If you live in the city of crosses, be sure to keep your purses, wallets, and cell phone in your sights at all times.
/10
Population: 13,151
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,018 (Fifth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,600 (12th most dangerous)
Murders: 1
More on Las Vegas: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
Who wouldn’t want to spend some time in Las Vegas? It’s one of the world’s premier vacation destinations, right? But hold on a second. Before you book your ticket, you might want to check the fine print. This isn’t that Las Vegas. This is Las Vegas, New Mexico.
Despite a distinct lack of showgirls, world-class restaurants and internationally known casinos, this version of Las Vegas has other issues that might keep travellers at a minimum. This community represents the 9 most dangerous area in New Mexico. In particular, the town faces high rates of robberies and car thefts.
/10
Population: 47,625
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 881 (Ninth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,983 (Tenth most dangerous)
Murders: 9
More on Roswell: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living
Known for the UFO incident of 1947, Roswell ranks as one of the most dangerous cities in New Mexico for 2024. Roswell is the county seat of Chaves County and is also the home to Eastern New Mexico University. If you live in Roswell, you can almost guarantee that someone has tried to steal your personal property with larceny numbers at 1,036.
Not only is Roswell on this list, but it’s also on the worst places to live in the New Mexico list. Because these numbers are down 2 from last year, Roswell residents and the little green men can’t be happy that.
Crime By City In New Mexico
| Rank | City | Population | Total Crimes Per 100K | Violent Crimes Per 100K | Property Crimes Per 100K | Murders |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gallup | 21,228 | 6,354 | 1,554 | 4,800 | 2 |
| 2 | Albuquerque | 560,557 | 6,175 | 1,380 | 4,795 | 125 |
| 3 | Hobbs | 38,912 | 5,787 | 953 | 4,833 | 3 |
| 4 | Santa Fe | 88,705 | 5,808 | 923 | 4,884 | 5 |
| 5 | Belen | 7,460 | 5,563 | 1,099 | 4,463 | 1 |
| 6 | Taos | 6,613 | 7,076 | 695 | 6,381 | 0 |
| 7 | Deming | 14,011 | 5,602 | 899 | 4,703 | 0 |
| 8 | Las Cruces | 114,102 | 5,956 | 616 | 5,339 | 10 |
| 9 | Las Vegas | 13,151 | 3,619 | 1,018 | 2,600 | 1 |
| 10 | Roswell | 47,625 | 3,865 | 881 | 2,983 | 9 |
| 11 | Farmington | 46,249 | 3,455 | 1,070 | 2,384 | 4 |
| 12 | Los Lunas | 18,366 | 4,459 | 511 | 3,947 | 0 |
| 13 | Carlsbad | 31,532 | 3,396 | 558 | 2,838 | 1 |
| 14 | Portales | 11,975 | 3,131 | 651 | 2,480 | 1 |
| 15 | Clovis | 37,734 | 3,092 | 689 | 2,403 | 1 |
| 16 | Bernalillo | 10,353 | 2,801 | 763 | 2,038 | 0 |
| 17 | Artesia | 12,084 | 2,946 | 364 | 2,581 | 0 |
| 18 | Ruidoso | 7,826 | 2,760 | 357 | 2,402 | 1 |
| 19 | Bloomfield | 7,335 | 2,085 | 518 | 1,567 | 1 |
| 20 | Alamogordo | 31,832 | 2,598 | 317 | 2,280 | 0 |
| 21 | Rio Rancho | 107,435 | 2,128 | 457 | 1,671 | 3 |
| 22 | Aztec | 6,130 | 1,843 | 473 | 1,370 | 0 |
| 23 | Edgewood | 6,125 | 2,073 | 261 | 1,812 | 1 |
| 24 | Sunland Park | 17,441 | 1,135 | 458 | 676 | 1 |
| 25 | Truth or Consequences | 6,060 | 2,095 | 214 | 1,881 | 0 |
| 26 | Lovington | 11,322 | 2,190 | 97 | 2,093 | 2 |
| 27 | Raton | 6,063 | 1,682 | 247 | 1,434 | 0 |
| 28 | Grants | 9,199 | 804 | 282 | 521 | 3 |
| 29 | Anthony | 8,631 | 822 | 185 | 637 | 0 |
| 30 | Tucumcari | 5,162 | 968 | 0 | 968 | 0 |
| 31 | Corrales | 8,652 | 705 | 150 | 554 | 0 |
| 32 | Los Alamos | 19,227 | 369 | 46 | 322 | 0 |
Methodology: How we determined the most dangerous cities in New Mexico for 2024?
Every year the FBI release two crime datasets on cities in New Mexico. First a preliminary dataset limited to the biggest cities in New Mexico, followed by a more detailed release at the end of the year.
For our analysis, we focused on the 2022 data, specifically the 2022 Crime In The United States Report for New Mexico.
So what criteria did we use? Have a look:
- Violent Crimes Per Capita
- Property Crimes Per Capita
In order to make the analysis as apples to apples as possible, we only considered New Mexico cities over 5,000 in population. That left us with 32 cities in New Mexico.
We then ranked each city from 1 to 32 for the two criteria with a #1 ranking being the most dangerous for the particular criteria.
Next, we averaged the two rankings into one “Dangerous Index”.
Finally, we ranked every city on the “Dangerous Index” with the lowest index being the most dangerous in New Mexico — Gallup. Any ties went to the smaller city.
This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. It is our tenth time ranking the most dangerous places to live in New Mexico and is updated for 2024.
Most Dangerous Places To Live In New Mexico FAQs
Yes, New Mexico is a dangerous state as it ranks as the #1 most dangerous state in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. The violent crime rate in New Mexico ranks second most dangerous in the United States — 110.46% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the Land of Enchantment ranks second most dangerous in the United States — 45.41% worse than US average property crime rate. The latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022.
Yes, Albuquerque is a dangerous city. Albuquerque ranks as the #21 most dangerous out of 328 major cities over 100,000 people in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. Keep in mind that are always safe and dangerous parts of any city, so even though Albuquerque might be considered dangerous you still need to be aware of where you are. For example, Valley Gardens is the safest in Albuquerque, while Barelas is considered dangerous by many based on recent crime stats.
Compared to other big cities, the violent crime rate in Albuquerque ranks 17th highest in America — 149.36% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the ranks 25th highest in the United States — 75.75% worse than US average property crime rate. Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022 and that no city in America is ‘dangerous’. Despite the uptick in murders, it’s nothing like you’d see in Tijuana or Caracas where the murder rate is 2x any American city.
Graphing The Most Dangerous And Safest Places In New Mexico
Summary: Locking It All Up In New Mexico
So what is the most dangerous city in New Mexico? After analyzing 32 cities in New Mexico, Gallup takes the top spot as the most dangerous city in New Mexico based on the most recently reported FBI data — 2022.
The latest FBI crime data shows that Gallup ranks as the most dangerous city in New Mexico for 2024.
The most dangerous cities in New Mexico are .
We want to point out again that there’s still safes places in Gallup and that this isn’t a comment on the people that live there. So please don’t beat us up.
What is the most dangerous place in New Mexico for 2024? The most dangerous place in New Mexico is Gallup.
New Mexico has over 100 law enforcement agencies employing close to 5,000 police officers, but they just can’t be everywhere. More prominent cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe are starting to feel the effects of crime.
Learn more about the safest places in New Mexico.
If you’re looking for something more national, check out the most dangerous cities in America or the most dangerous states in America.
Here are the safest cities in New Mexico:
- Edgewood (Pop. 6,125)
- Sunland Park (Pop. 17,441)
- Truth or Consequences (Pop. 6,060)
- Lovington (Pop. 11,322)
- Raton (Pop. 6,063)
- Grants (Pop. 9,199)
- Anthony (Pop. 8,631)
- Tucumcari (Pop. 5,162)
- Corrales (Pop. 8,652)
- Los Alamos (Pop. 19,227)
For more New Mexico reading, check out:
- Best Places To Live In New Mexico
- Cheapest Places To Live In New Mexico
- Best Places To Raise A Family In New Mexico
- Safest Places In New Mexico
- Worst Places To Live In New Mexico
Stan……How long have you been a complete Idiot?
Can we please call them by their non-rascist name given to them by the ananake? They called them Quills, for what should be obvious reasons.
Roswell provides daily crime, two doors from where you live. For me, that’s a fact!! Small time drug dealers are a dime a dozen and would be replaced within minutes if removed. Just another one in line to be king of the block. For a while until they get killed or od’d!!
I would have never known if not for this article
I have lived in Albuquerque for most of my life and have not really had many problems. Traffic and drivers here suck. People are generally friendly here in this state. Being alert to your surroundings is a bonus, anywhere…not just here.
I lived in Oregon for a third of the time I have in New Mexico and yet, my vehicle was stolen…in Oregon, NOT New Mexico. They found my car in California.
A lot of it has to do with your attitude…Stan – you would not last long here with that sort of drool seeping out of your mouth.
So Stan did not graduate second grade I see
There’s actually a LOT of good people there who deserve much better chances and opportunities in life than what they were dealt, but you never know or see it because they’re overshadowed by a lot of very bad people who ruin opportunities for everyone and breed animosity and mistrust. And NO, you don’t have to do anything wrong to be hassled by these types, and when you stand up to them and put them in their place you suddenly are known as a troublemaker.
Made a stop in town called Ft Sumner. It looks like it used to be a really nice town. Has Old Ft Sumner and Billy the Kids grave as well as a decent museum. Since it has the ability to attract tourists there it shocked me to see the shape the town is in. As well as the fact I found on the internet that 30% of the residents live in poverty. This is not a slam against this town. I wanted to open a bar as the old bar/restaurant across the street from the museum is up for sale. $330000. Not a bad price. I thought it was doable. Come to find out the liquor license would cost me a little under a million. That was a deal breaker. My point is New Mexico needs to loosen up regulations/taxation to give towns like Ft Sumner a chance. It’s a town filled with good people from what I saw. These same people can rebuild this town if that chance were given. Good luck Ft Sumner.
Poverty, crime rate and teenage pregnancy rates-which tend to follow each other-are largely due to NM’s environmental handicaps (most of the state is sinkhole and wildfire prone and water challenged) and other impediments to attract private investment. And with all due respect, NM has more than enough bars. Indeed, how many criminally inclined New Mexicans have imbibed prior to beating, killing or robbing someone? Economic diversification and producing highly marketable goods and services that create good jobs, encourage personal savings, attract further investment and building partnerships between government and industries, rather than 40% relying on oil and gas extraction is what NM needs most.
Socorro should be a little higher up on your list. I live here and businesses are closing up due to theft. As well as the “founding members, city council, and mayor” just raising taxes and not providing incentives to formulate and provide employment to this dying town. Drugs are rampant, not much of a city police squad just a few officers employed. Our jail is just a revolving door no one gets justice for crimes committed against them. Nor is getting held accountable for their own crimes. There’s a bunch more…
I think New Mexico is beautiful in it’s own way may have potential if corruption was not a problem, but not for me totally… Helicopters every night in Albuquerque out right above like there is not any regulations … It’s worse than California and Albuquerque is a smaller than most of California large cities. I think it was quieter in LA lol. The police cant do anything about it if you call and can only complain to 311. People smoking meth and pot all the time as well coming into your windows so keep yourself from smelling fresh air anymore by closing your windows at night..
Do you eat vegetables or wear cotton clothing (like maybe your unmentionables??)? More than likely something you consume every day was connected with a Mexican or other country’s immigrants…
We don’t WANT people with attitudes like yours living here. So if you haven’t even been here, that’s just fine. (Your loss.) You can’t appreciate what you haven’t experienced… more for me! Ja ja ja!
Maybe you need a grilled cheese on white bread (quesadillas are better) and to go hang out with other white, grilled, pasteurized processed (fake) ‘American’ cheese consumers who can’t appreciate another beautiful culture, a good chile relleno and a cold Tecaté with salt and lime, or a fresh margarita! Those are Mexican! Yummy! Que ríco, chico! I’ll pray for your epiphany…
Excuse me. People like you with your attitude are the reason the riots have run rampant in the US.
Silver City’s crime rate should have been listed here too; among the state’s highest. Between crime, wildfires and the economic weaknesses of most counties to reduce their
threats, I’ve lost my dream to retire to the Land of Enchantment. Wisdom indeed cautions that Beauty is often dangerous; a hard and painful lesson to learn and have to live with.