Is Albuquerque or Las Cruces Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Las Cruces is safer than Albuquerque (Safety Score 3/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 5,594 per 100,000 versus 5,811 for Albuquerque — 4% lower. Albuquerque has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Las Cruces has a 64% lower rate.
Note: Albuquerque is 4.8x 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
Las Cruces — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Albuquerque, NM
Las Cruces, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Albuquerque | Las Cruces | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,810.9 | 5,594.2 | +216.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,182.1 | 720.8 | +461.3 |
| Murder Rate | 18.4 | 12.1 | +6.4 |
| Rape Rate | 62.5 | 57.8 | +4.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 159.3 | 57.8 | +101.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 941.6 | 592.4 | +349.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,628.8 | 4,873.4 | -244.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 772.5 | 737.2 | +35.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,839.2 | 3,442.9 | -603.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,017.1 | 693.2 | +323.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Albuquerque or Las Cruces safer?
Las Cruces is safer with a total crime rate of 5,594 per 100K vs 5,811 for Albuquerque — a 4% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Albuquerque has a violent crime rate of 1,182.1 per 100K while Las Cruces has 720.8. Las Cruces 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 Las Cruces, NM
Nestled in the Chihuahuan Desert, Las Cruces is New Mexico's second-largest city, known for its vibrant Hatch chile industry. Home to New Mexico State University, it boasts a diverse population and a rich history influenced by Spanish and Mexican cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 115,977, Las Cruces has a total crime rate of 5,594.2 per 100,000 residents.