Is Artesia or Las Cruces Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Artesia is safer than Las Cruces (Safety Score 25/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,650 per 100,000 versus 5,594 for Las Cruces — 53% lower. Artesia has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Artesia has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Las Cruces is 9.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Artesia — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Las Cruces — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Artesia, NM
Las Cruces, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Artesia | Las Cruces | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.8 | 5,594.2 | -2,944.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 493.8 | 720.8 | -227.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 12.1 | -12.1 |
| Rape Rate | 139.9 | 57.8 | +82.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 16.5 | 57.8 | -41.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 337.4 | 592.4 | -255.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,156.0 | 4,873.4 | -2,717.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 436.1 | 737.2 | -301.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,604.7 | 3,442.9 | -1,838.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 115.2 | 693.2 | -578.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Artesia or Las Cruces safer?
Artesia is safer with a total crime rate of 2,650 per 100K vs 5,594 for Las Cruces — a 53% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Artesia has a violent crime rate of 493.8 per 100K while Las Cruces has 720.8. Artesia has lower violent crime.
About Artesia, NM
Artesia, New Mexico, a town of around 12,000 residents in Eddy County, thrives on oil and agriculture. Its name comes from the artesian wells discovered in the early 1900s, transforming the arid landscape. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 12,152, Artesia has a total crime rate of 2,649.8 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.