Is Albuquerque or Santa Fe Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Albuquerque is safer than Santa Fe (Safety Score 2/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 5,811 per 100,000 versus 5,999 for Santa Fe — 3% lower. Albuquerque has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Santa Fe has a 76% lower rate.
Note: Albuquerque is 6.2x 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
Santa Fe — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Albuquerque, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Albuquerque | Santa Fe | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,810.9 | 5,998.8 | -187.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,182.1 | 842.2 | +340.0 |
| Murder Rate | 18.4 | 4.5 | +14.0 |
| Rape Rate | 62.5 | 64.7 | -2.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 159.3 | 89.2 | +70.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 941.6 | 683.8 | +257.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,628.8 | 5,156.6 | -527.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 772.5 | 973.8 | -201.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,839.2 | 3,380.9 | -541.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,017.1 | 802.0 | +215.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Albuquerque or Santa Fe safer?
Albuquerque is safer with a total crime rate of 5,811 per 100K vs 5,999 for Santa Fe — a 3% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Albuquerque has a violent crime rate of 1,182.1 per 100K while Santa Fe has 842.2. Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe, NM
Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, Santa Fe, New Mexico, is the nation's oldest capital city. Its adobe architecture and vibrant arts scene reflect a unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures, drawing a diverse, often affluent, population. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 89,652, Santa Fe has a total crime rate of 5,998.8 per 100,000 residents.