Is Albuquerque or Roswell Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Roswell is safer than Albuquerque (Safety Score 15/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 3,359 per 100,000 versus 5,811 for Albuquerque — 42% lower. Albuquerque has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Roswell has a 73% lower rate.
Note: Albuquerque is 12.0x 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
Roswell — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Albuquerque, NM
Roswell, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Albuquerque | Roswell | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,810.9 | 3,359.3 | +2,451.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,182.1 | 850.5 | +331.6 |
| Murder Rate | 18.4 | 12.9 | +5.6 |
| Rape Rate | 62.5 | 81.4 | -19.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 159.3 | 42.9 | +116.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 941.6 | 711.3 | +230.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,628.8 | 2,508.7 | +2,120.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 772.5 | 428.5 | +344.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,839.2 | 1,883.2 | +956.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,017.1 | 197.1 | +820.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Albuquerque or Roswell safer?
Roswell is safer with a total crime rate of 3,359 per 100K vs 5,811 for Albuquerque — a 42% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Albuquerque has a violent crime rate of 1,182.1 per 100K while Roswell has 850.5. Roswell 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 Roswell, NM
Roswell, a city in southeastern New Mexico, is globally known for the alleged 1947 UFO incident. Its desert climate and relatively remote location contribute to a close-knit community of around 48,000 residents. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 46,677, Roswell has a total crime rate of 3,359.3 per 100,000 residents.