Safest cities in New Mexico

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Known as the 'Land of Enchantment,' New Mexico is celebrated for its stunning desert landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant arts scene. Located in the southwestern United States, New Mexico boasts a diverse geography that includes the Rocky Mountains, vast deserts, and fertile valleys. The state's economy is driven by industries such as energy, tourism, and agriculture. Santa Fe, the state capital, is known for its historic adobe architecture, thriving arts community, and unique cultural blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo influences. New Mexico is also home to numerous national parks and monuments, offering a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities and natural beauty.

Low crime rates are essential for enhancing the livability of communities in New Mexico, making the safest cities highly desirable places to live. Safety provides a foundation for economic stability and community well-being, allowing residents to feel secure in their daily lives. Factors that contribute to the safety of New Mexico's cities include community policing, neighborhood watch programs, and active citizen participation. The safest cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, offering a reliable measure of security. This emphasis on safety ensures that residents can enjoy the many amenities and natural attractions New Mexico has to offer without the overshadowing concern of crime.

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Anthony Population: 9,283 321 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 80 Property Crime / 100k: 240 chance of being a victim: 1 in 312

Anthony proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in New Mexico. With only 321 crimes per 100,000 people, Anthony has a crime rate that is 91% lower than the New Mexico average. This equates to an average of 0.08 crimes per day and a 1 in 312 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.

Los Alamos Population: 12,978 454 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 56 Property Crime / 100k: 398 chance of being a victim: 1 in 220

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Los Alamos comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in New Mexico with a crime rate of 454 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 36 counts of burglary, 301 counts of theft, 61 counts of vehicle theft, 46 counts of assault, 0 counts of robbery, 10 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Los Alamos, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Corrales Population: 8,636 624 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 231 Property Crime / 100k: 393 chance of being a victim: 1 in 160

With a population of 8,636 and a total crime rate of 624 per 100,000 residents, Corrales is the 3rd safest city in New Mexico. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 91% lower than the New Mexico average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.

Sunland Park Population: 17,581 906 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 328 Property Crime / 100k: 578 chance of being a victim: 1 in 110

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Sunland Park is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 906, 82% lower than the New Mexico average. This amounts to 0.45 crimes per day and a 1 in 110 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Sunland Park a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Raton Population: 6,020 1,476 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 470 Property Crime / 100k: 1,007 chance of being a victim: 1 in 68

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Raton consistently ranks high in safety. In Raton, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 1,476, which is 94% lower than the state average.

Edgewood Population: 6,113 1,636 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 393 Property Crime / 100k: 1,243 chance of being a victim: 1 in 61

Edgewood has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in New Mexico. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 1,636 crimes per 100,000 people, 94% lower than the New Mexico average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 278 reports of burglary, 785 reports of theft, 180 reports of vehicle theft, 344 reports of assault, 0 reports of robbery, 49 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

Rio Rancho Population: 97,976 1,658 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 318 Property Crime / 100k: 1,339 chance of being a victim: 1 in 60

Rio Rancho ranks as the seventh safest city in New Mexico and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 60 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 5.12 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Rio Rancho’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in New Mexico.

Bernalillo Population: 10,077 1,794 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 481 Property Crime / 100k: 1,312 chance of being a victim: 1 in 56

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Bernalillo is the 8th safest city in New Mexico. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 91% lower than the New Mexico average, reporting a total of 1,794 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.

Aztec Population: 6,467 1,915 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 458 Property Crime / 100k: 1,457 chance of being a victim: 1 in 52

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Aztec is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in New Mexico, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 1,915 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 94% lower than the state average.

Grants Population: 8,987 2,044 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 424 Property Crime / 100k: 1,620 chance of being a victim: 1 in 49

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in New Mexico, is Grants. With a low rate of crime that included 391 burglaries, 905 thefts, 324 vehicle thefts, 290 assaults, 67 robberies, 67 rapes and 0 homicides, the overall crime rate was 91% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in New Mexico

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Property Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Anthony	9,283	80	240	321
2	Los Alamos	12,978	56	398	454
3	Corrales	8,636	231	393	624
4	Sunland Park	17,581	328	578	906
5	Raton	6,020	470	1,007	1,476
6	Edgewood	6,113	393	1,243	1,636
7	Rio Rancho	97,976	318	1,339	1,658
8	Bernalillo	10,077	481	1,312	1,794
9	Aztec	6,467	458	1,457	1,915
10	Grants	8,987	424	1,620	2,044
11	Las Vegas	13,055	655	1,467	2,122
12	Bloomfield	7,791	709	1,460	2,169
13	Artesia	12,463	494	2,156	2,650
14	Alamogordo	31,635	334	2,847	3,181
15	Truth or Consequences	5,839	819	2,473	3,292
16	Carlsbad	29,278	525	2,791	3,316
17	Roswell	47,751	848	2,509	3,357
18	Farmington	44,967	951	2,459	3,411
19	Los Lunas	15,814	584	2,913	3,496
20	Portales	11,713	782	2,871	3,653
21	Hobbs	38,475	790	3,751	4,542
22	Belen	7,476	1,159	4,235	5,394
23	Gallup	21,637	1,504	3,896	5,400
24	Las Cruces	102,950	720	4,873	5,593
25	Albuquerque	560,447	1,182	4,629	5,811
26	Santa Fe	84,418	842	5,157	5,999
27	Taos	5,950	937	5,979	6,915

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in New Mexico is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included New Mexico cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.