F
204%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
88%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
227%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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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 peopleTaos/100k peopleNew Mexico/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime468n/a (estimate)7,0773,7652,324
Murder0n/a0.012.06.3
Rape3n/a45.454.640.0
Robbery7n/a105.9110.666.1
Assault36n/a544.4603.3268.2
Violent crime46n/a (estimate)696781370
Burglary129n/a1,950.7604.0269.8
Theft256n/a3,871.21,838.41,401.9
Vehicle theft37n/a559.5541.7282.7
Property crime422n/a (estimate)6,3812,9841,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Taos, NM

The Taos crime rates are 204.5% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 46 violent crimes in Taos (696 per 100,000 people), which is 88.1% higher than the national average and there were a total of 422 property crimes (6381 per 100,000 residents) which is 226.5% higher than average.

With a crime rate of 7077 per 100,000 residents, Taos has a crime rate that is 204.49% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Taos that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.

In the latest reported crime year, Taos recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

Taos faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 6381 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Taos stands at 1 in 16, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Taos is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Taos reported a total of 37 vehicle thefts, resulting in 560 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 179, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Taos?

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.

Is Taos a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Taos is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Taos has an overall crime rate that is 204% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.28 daily occurrences, comprising 0.13 violent crimes and 1.16 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Taos as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Taos Increased Since Last Year?

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 46.3%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 48.4%, while property crime has increased by 46%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Taos.

Potential Causes for Crime in Taos

Taos has a poverty rate that stands at 22.4, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Taos crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Taos, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 6.12 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

In Taos, the average rental rates are $775 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.

Taos crime map



The Taos crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Taos 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 Taos crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Taos 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.
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Crime Quick Facts

  • Taos crime rates are 204% higher than the national average
  • Violent crimes in Taos are 88% higher than the national average
  • In Taos you have a 1 in 15 chance of becoming a victim of crime
  • Taos is safer than 4% of the cities in the United States
  • Year over year crime in Taos has increased by 31%

Taos, NM Crime Quiz

     

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        Daily Crime In Taos (per 100,000 people)

        The chart above shows the number of daily crimes in Taos, NM per 100,000 people. In Taos, the number of daily crimes is projected to be 1.88 times more than the New Mexico average and 3.04 times more than the national average. The average number of daily violent crimes in Taos is 1.12 times less than the New Mexico average and 1.88 times more than the daily national average. With regards to property crimes, Taos has a daily crime rate that is 2.14 times more than the New Mexico average and 3.27 times more than the overall daily national average.

        How Safe is Taos (higher is better)

        Is Taos safe in comparison to other cities in the state of New Mexico as well as in comparison to the rest of the areas across the United States. Using the gauges above, which compare crime in Taos to other cities in the state and across the country, Taos is 13% safer than other cities of New Mexico and 4% safer than other cities in the nation. Taos has a ranks below average in comparison to other cities in the country.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Taos

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Taos is 1 in 144
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Taos is 1 in 16
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Taos is 1 in 15
        Are you at risk of becoming a victim of crime in Taos, New Mexico? If you reside in Taos, then there is a 1 in 144 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 16. These types of crime include burglary, petty theft, and theft of motor vehicles. Altogether, there is a 1 in 15 risk that you will become a victim of crime in Taos.

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

        Determining whether Taos is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Taos violent crime rates have increased by 33%. At the same time, property crime has increased by 31% year over year. Total crimes for Taos has increased by 31% in the same time frame.

        Taos police department

        Item Taos New Mexico National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)353,705558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents6.14.43.3
        There are a total of 35 Taos police officers. This results in 6.1 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 38.8% greater than the New Mexico average and 88.1% greater 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
        Ranchos de Taos, NM2,0862218451,066
        Taos Pueblo, NM1,4433341,2781,612
        Arroyo Seco, NM2,3114081,5621,970
        Talpa, NM1,2457863,0093,795
        Peñasco, NM6489813,7524,733
        Chamisal, NM3641,0013,8284,828
        Rio Lucio, NM5221,0133,8764,889
        Taos, NM5,9506966,3817,077

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Hidden Valley Lake, CA5,9485102,3912,901
        Geneva, OH5,9472961,7942,089
        Slaton, TX5,9531561,9302,086
        Southold, NY5,946140560700
        Kingston, TN5,94649775824
        Taos, NM5,9506966,3817,077
        Source: The Taos, 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.