| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Santa Clara/100k people | New Mexico/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 27 | n/a (estimate) | 1,700 | 3,765 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 12.0 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 54.6 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 110.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 8 | n/a | 503.8 | 603.3 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 8 | n/a (estimate) | 504 | 781 | 370 |
| Burglary | 5 | n/a | 314.9 | 604.0 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 12 | n/a | 755.7 | 1,838.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 125.9 | 541.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 19 | n/a (estimate) | 1,196 | 2,984 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Santa Clara crime rate is lower than the national average by 26.9%. Specifically, there were 8 violent crimes in Santa Clara, equivalent to 504 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 36.2%. Furthermore, Santa Clara recorded 19 property crimes, amounting to 1196 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 38.8%.
Santa Clara showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Santa Clara, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Santa Clara presents a total crime rate that is 27% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Santa Clara experiences an average of 0.07 daily crimes, comprising 0.02 violent incidents and 0.05 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Santa Clara. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Santa Clara has increased by 58.8%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 60%, while property crime has increased by 58.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Santa Clara.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Santa Clara, 68% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Santa Clara, the cost of living is 16.16% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Santa Clara, there are 3.57 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
| Item | Santa Clara | New Mexico | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 6 | 3,705 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.6 | 4.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | New Mexico /100K | National /100K |
| New Mexico | 3,129 | 155 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bayard, NM | 2,415 | 580 | 580 | 1,159 |
| Arenas Valley, NM | 1,224 | 292 | 1,118 | 1,410 |
| Hurley, NM | 1,393 | 372 | 1,424 | 1,796 |
| White Signal, NM | 290 | 483 | 1,847 | 2,330 |
| Tyrone, NM | 472 | 814 | 3,114 | 3,928 |
| Silver City, NM | 9,530 | 828 | 3,167 | 3,994 |
| Mimbres, NM | 404 | 888 | 3,399 | 4,287 |
| Santa Clara, NM | 1,708 | 504 | 1,196 | 1,700 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Garrison, ND | 1,708 | 209 | 557 | 767 |
| Mancelona, MI | 1,708 | 229 | 762 | 991 |
| Delavan, IL | 1,708 | 128 | 749 | 877 |
| Mazomanie, WI | 1,709 | 99 | 461 | 560 |
| Unionville, GA | 1,707 | 200 | 924 | 1,124 |
| Santa Clara, NM | 1,708 | 504 | 1,196 | 1,700 |
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