F
166%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
273%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
145%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Search Homes for Sale
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleAlbuquerque/100k peopleNew Mexico/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime34,620n/a (estimate)6,1763,7652,324
Murder125n/a22.312.06.3
Rape344n/a61.454.640.0
Robbery1,651n/a294.5110.666.1
Assault5,617n/a1,002.0603.3268.2
Violent crime7,737n/a (estimate)1,380781370
Burglary4,555n/a812.6604.0269.8
Theft16,431n/a2,931.21,838.41,401.9
Vehicle theft5,897n/a1,052.0541.7282.7
Property crime26,883n/a (estimate)4,7962,9841,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Albuquerque, NM

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Albuquerque crime rate is 165.7% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Albuquerque, there were 7737 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1380 per 100,000 individuals, 273.2% higher than the national average. Additionally, Albuquerque recorded 26883 property crimes, amounting to 4796 per 100,000 residents, 145.4% higher than the U.S. average.

Albuquerque has a crime rate of 6176 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 165.73%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Albuquerque. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.

With a violent crime rate of 1380 crimes per 100,000 residents, Albuquerque is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Albuquerque ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 73 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.

Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Albuquerque has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 125 murders in Albuquerque, which is 22 murders per 100,000 people.

Every year, one in 21 people fall victim to a property crime in Albuquerque - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 4796 per 100,000 people, Albuquerque has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.

Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Albuquerque has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Albuquerque reported 5897 vehicle thefts, which equates to 1052 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Albuquerque is 1 in 96.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Albuquerque?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Albuquerque. Based on the results of the surveys (517 responses), 15% of people felt that there was very little crime in Albuquerque and felt safe walking alone at night. While 85% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Albuquerque a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Albuquerque a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Albuquerque crime rate is 166% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 94.85 crimes per day - 21.2 violent crimes and 73.65 property crimes.

Has Crime in Albuquerque Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Albuquerque has increased by 6.9% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Albuquerque is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 1.2%, while property crime has increased by 9.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Albuquerque.

Albuquerque Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Albuquerque region comprises an array of over 210 distinct neighborhoods, each characterized by its unique crime rate influenced by factors including location and socioeconomic conditions. Typically, neighborhoods situated near the city center or downtown core exhibit higher crime rates owing to their higher population density. Conversely, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts tend to boast lower population density, along with reduced unemployment and poverty rates, contributing to a safer environment. Among the secure neighborhoods in Albuquerque are exemplars such as Alameda N Valley, Tijeras Arroyo and Desert Spring Flower, whereas Quigley Park, La Mesa and Montgomery Heights grapple with an above-average reported crime rate. This underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation across multiple neighborhoods, given their notable variations in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Albuquerque

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Albuquerque crime rates. In Albuquerque, the poverty rate stands at 16%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

Albuquerque has a population density of 2992.7 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Albuquerque crime rates.

In Albuquerque, the average rental rates are $889 per month, compared to the national average of $949. 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.

Albuquerque crime map



The Albuquerque crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Albuquerque as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Albuquerque crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Albuquerque crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
New Real Estate Listings in Albuquerque Area
Search Homes for Sale in Albuquerque, NM

Compare Albuquerque, NM Crime

      vs

      Crime Quick Facts

      • Albuquerque crime rates are 166% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Albuquerque are 273% higher than the national average
      • In Albuquerque you have a 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Albuquerque is safer than 1% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Albuquerque has increased by 8%

      Albuquerque, NM Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Albuquerque

        See all the best places to live around Albuquerque
        How would you rate the amount of crime in Albuquerque?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Albuquerque?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        See all Albuquerque poll results

        Daily Crime In Albuquerque (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in Albuquerque, NM per 100,000 people. In Albuquerque, the total number of daily crimes is 1.64 times more than the New Mexico average and 2.66 times more than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in Albuquerque is 1.77 times more than the New Mexico average and 3.73 times more than the national average. With regards to property crimes, Albuquerque has a daily crime rate that is 1.61 times more than the New Mexico average and 2.45 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is Albuquerque (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Albuquerque in comparison to other New Mexico communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Albuquerque safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Albuquerque being safer than 2% of cities in New Mexico and 1% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking New Mexico cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Albuquerque. In conclusion, Albuquerque ranks below average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Albuquerque

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Albuquerque is 1 in 73
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Albuquerque is 1 in 21
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Albuquerque is 1 in 17
        Are you at risk of becoming a victim of crime in Albuquerque, New Mexico? If you reside in Albuquerque, then there is a 1 in 73 chance that you will experience a violent crime. These types of crimes may include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. Your risk of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 21. These types of crime include burglary, petty theft, and theft of motor vehicles. Altogether, there is a 1 in 17 risk that you will become a victim of crime in Albuquerque.

        Year Over Year Crime In Albuquerque (per 100,000 people)

        An analysis of year to year crime rates in Albuquerque, New Mexico (per 100,000 people) is a useful indicator of whether the area is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live. The amount of violent crime in Albuquerque has decreased by 1%, the amount of property crime in Albuquerque has increased by 10%, and the total amount of crime in Albuquerque has increased by 8% year over year.

        Albuquerque police department

        Item Albuquerque New Mexico National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)1,4133,705558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.64.43.3
        There are a total of 1,413 Albuquerque police officers. This results in 2.6 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 42.1% less than the New Mexico average and 21.5% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in New Mexico

        State Total offenders New Mexico /100K National /100K
        New Mexico3,129155266
        There are a total of 3,129 sex offenders in New Mexico. This yields a total of 155 sex offenders in New Mexico per 100,000 residents which is 42% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        San Antonito, NM837113430543
        Corrales, NM8,636150555705
        Sandia Heights, NM3,111149568717
        Carnuel, NM1,0372369031,139
        Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM6,1202549701,224
        Indian Hills, NM8103901,4941,884
        Monterey Park, NM1,0974381,6752,113
        Albuquerque, NM560,4471,3804,7966,176

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Tucson, AZ545,3407203,4314,151
        Milwaukee, WI592,6491,5093,5075,016
        Fresno, CA526,1478653,4494,314
        Baltimore, MD602,2741,5533,2774,830
        Mesa, AZ508,9184271,7702,197
        Albuquerque, NM560,4471,3804,7966,176
        Source: The Albuquerque, NM crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.