Is Albuquerque or Hobbs Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Hobbs is safer than Albuquerque (Safety Score 5/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 4,544 per 100,000 versus 5,811 for Albuquerque — 22% lower. Albuquerque has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Hobbs has a 68% lower rate.
Note: Albuquerque is 14.3x 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
Hobbs — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Albuquerque, NM
Hobbs, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Albuquerque | Hobbs | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,810.9 | 4,544.3 | +1,266.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,182.1 | 792.9 | +389.2 |
| Murder Rate | 18.4 | 20.5 | -2.1 |
| Rape Rate | 62.5 | 66.7 | -4.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 159.3 | 51.3 | +108.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 941.6 | 651.8 | +289.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,628.8 | 3,751.4 | +877.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 772.5 | 869.9 | -97.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,839.2 | 2,512.1 | +327.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,017.1 | 369.5 | +647.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Albuquerque or Hobbs safer?
Hobbs is safer with a total crime rate of 4,544 per 100K vs 5,811 for Albuquerque — a 22% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Albuquerque has a violent crime rate of 1,182.1 per 100K while Hobbs has 792.9. Hobbs 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 Hobbs, NM
Hobbs, New Mexico, a city founded on the oil industry, sits in the southeastern corner of the state, near the Texas border. It's the largest community in Lea County, with a diverse, growing population. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 38,972, Hobbs has a total crime rate of 4,544.3 per 100,000 residents.