Is Albuquerque or Carlsbad Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Carlsbad is safer than Albuquerque (Safety Score 15/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 3,316 per 100,000 versus 5,811 for Albuquerque — 43% lower. Albuquerque has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Carlsbad has a 92% lower rate.
Note: Albuquerque is 17.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Albuquerque — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Carlsbad — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Albuquerque, NM
Carlsbad, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Albuquerque | Carlsbad | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,810.9 | 3,315.9 | +2,494.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,182.1 | 524.9 | +657.2 |
| Murder Rate | 18.4 | 3.2 | +15.2 |
| Rape Rate | 62.5 | 35.2 | +27.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 159.3 | 12.8 | +146.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 941.6 | 473.7 | +467.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,628.8 | 2,791.0 | +1,837.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 772.5 | 326.5 | +446.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,839.2 | 2,051.7 | +787.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,017.1 | 412.9 | +604.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Albuquerque or Carlsbad safer?
Carlsbad is safer with a total crime rate of 3,316 per 100K vs 5,811 for Albuquerque — a 43% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Albuquerque has a violent crime rate of 1,182.1 per 100K while Carlsbad has 524.9. Carlsbad has lower violent crime.
About Albuquerque, NM
Nestled in the Rio Grande Valley, Albuquerque is New Mexico's largest city, known for its vibrant Hispanic culture and the annual International Balloon Fiesta. Its high desert elevation provides stunning mountain views and a unique southwestern character. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 558,745, Albuquerque has a total crime rate of 5,810.9 per 100,000 residents.
About Carlsbad, NM
Carlsbad, New Mexico, a city founded by pioneers near the Pecos River, is home to over 28,000 residents. Its economy has historically been tied to potash mining and oil and gas, influencing its demographic makeup. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 31,243, Carlsbad has a total crime rate of 3,315.9 per 100,000 residents.