| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Portales/100k people | New Mexico/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 430 | n/a (estimate) | 3,653 | 3,468 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 8.5 | 10.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 51.0 | 53.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 5 | n/a | 42.5 | 65.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 80 | n/a | 679.6 | 587.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 92 | n/a (estimate) | 782 | 717 | 359 |
| Burglary | 176 | n/a | 1,495.1 | 500.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 126 | n/a | 1,070.3 | 1,750.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 36 | n/a | 305.8 | 499.9 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 338 | n/a (estimate) | 2,871 | 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 Portales crime rate is higher than the national average by 72.4%. Specifically, there were 92 violent crimes in Portales, equivalent to 782 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 117.6%. Furthermore, Portales recorded 338 property crimes, amounting to 2871 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 63.1%.
Portales has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 782 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Portales falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 128 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.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Portales. Based on the results of the surveys (5 responses), 20% of people felt that there was very little crime in Portales and felt safe walking alone at night. While 80% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Portales 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 Portales crime rate is 72% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.18 crimes per day - 0.25 violent crimes and 0.93 property crimes.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Portales. 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 Portales has increased by 19.4%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 67.3%, while property crime has increased by 10.8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Portales.
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. Portales currently has an unemployment rate of 7.7%, 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 educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Portales, 73.9% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
In Portales, the median home price stands at $204,971, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Portales | New Mexico | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 36 | 3,705 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 |
| Portales, NM | 12,084 | 782 | 2,871 | 3,653 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bogalusa, LA | 12,080 | 1,131 | 4,214 | 5,345 |
| Oskaloosa, IA | 12,090 | 140 | 902 | 1,042 |
| Spearfish, SD | 12,076 | 264 | 1,823 | 2,087 |
| Florham Park, NJ | 12,075 | 27 | 576 | 602 |
| Red Bank, TN | 12,075 | 396 | 1,172 | 1,569 |
| Portales, NM | 12,084 | 782 | 2,871 | 3,653 |
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