| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Taos/100k people | New Mexico/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 443 | n/a (estimate) | 6,915 | 3,468 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 10.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 15.6 | 53.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 31.2 | 65.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 57 | n/a | 889.8 | 587.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 60 | n/a (estimate) | 937 | 717 | 359 |
| Burglary | 71 | n/a | 1,108.3 | 500.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 273 | n/a | 4,261.6 | 1,750.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 39 | n/a | 608.8 | 499.9 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 383 | n/a (estimate) | 5,979 | 2,751 | 1,760 |
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 Taos crime rate is higher than the national average by 226.3%. Specifically, there were 60 violent crimes in Taos, equivalent to 937 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 160.8%. Furthermore, Taos recorded 383 property crimes, amounting to 5979 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 239.7%.
In Taos, the crime rate stands at 6915 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 226.32%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Taos that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
Taos has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 937 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Taos falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 107 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Taos reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
Taos has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 5979 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Taos is 1 in 17, which is far higher than the national average.
Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Taos ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 39 vehicle thefts, amounting to 609 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Taos within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 165.
AreaVibes surveyed 36 local residents in Taos to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 44% of people answered that there was very little crime in Taos and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 56% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To determine if Taos is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Taos has a total crime rate that is 226% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.21 daily crimes (0.16 violent daily crimes and 1.05 daily property crimes) in Taos.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Taos. 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 Taos has increased by 38.4%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 93.6%, while property crime has increased by 32.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Taos.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Taos currently has an unemployment rate of 3.8%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Taos stands at $519,036, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
In Taos, the average rental rates are $1,181 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| Item | Taos | New Mexico | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 35 | 3,705 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 6.1 | 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 |
| Talpa, NM | 1,273 | 140 | 538 | 678 |
| Ranchos de Taos, NM | 2,157 | 182 | 698 | 879 |
| Taos Pueblo, NM | 1,489 | 265 | 1,017 | 1,282 |
| Arroyo Hondo, NM | 599 | 290 | 1,111 | 1,401 |
| Taos Ski Valley, NM | 48 | 290 | 1,111 | 1,401 |
| Peñasco, NM | 669 | 749 | 2,874 | 3,623 |
| Chamisal, NM | 376 | 787 | 3,021 | 3,808 |
| Taos, NM | 6,117 | 937 | 5,979 | 6,915 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hilmar-Irwin, CA | 6,116 | 420 | 1,795 | 2,214 |
| Gladewater, TX | 6,118 | 396 | 1,346 | 1,742 |
| Old Tappan, NJ | 6,114 | 48 | 191 | 239 |
| Brownfields, LA | 6,120 | 420 | 1,854 | 2,274 |
| Fountainhead-Orchard Hills, MD | 6,113 | 367 | 1,790 | 2,157 |
| Taos, NM | 6,117 | 937 | 5,979 | 6,915 |
Here are the best places to live in New Mexico
Safest Cities In The US
Check out the 10 safest cities in New Mexico
These are the largest cities in New Mexico