Is Albuquerque or Las Vegas Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Las Vegas is safer than Albuquerque (Safety Score 37/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 2,122 per 100,000 versus 5,811 for Albuquerque — 63% lower. Albuquerque has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Las Vegas has a 76% lower rate.
Note: Albuquerque is 43.6x 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 Vegas — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Albuquerque, NM
Las Vegas, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Albuquerque | Las Vegas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,810.9 | 2,122.4 | +3,688.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,182.1 | 655.4 | +526.7 |
| Murder Rate | 18.4 | 7.8 | +10.6 |
| Rape Rate | 62.5 | 23.4 | +39.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 159.3 | 39.0 | +120.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 941.6 | 585.2 | +356.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,628.8 | 1,466.9 | +3,161.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 772.5 | 249.7 | +522.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,839.2 | 1,108.0 | +1,731.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,017.1 | 109.2 | +907.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Albuquerque or Las Vegas safer?
Las Vegas is safer with a total crime rate of 2,122 per 100K vs 5,811 for Albuquerque — a 63% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Albuquerque has a violent crime rate of 1,182.1 per 100K while Las Vegas has 655.4. Las Vegas 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 Vegas, NM
Las Vegas, NM, a city with a rich Wild West past and over 900 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, sits at 6,431 feet in elevation. Its diverse population reflects a blend of Hispanic and Anglo cultures. With a safety score of 37/100 and a population coverage of 12,816, Las Vegas has a total crime rate of 2,122.4 per 100,000 residents.