Is Carlsbad or Las Cruces Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Carlsbad is safer than Las Cruces (Safety Score 15/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,316 per 100,000 versus 5,594 for Las Cruces — 41% lower. Carlsbad has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Carlsbad has a 78% lower rate.
Note: Las Cruces is 3.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Carlsbad — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Las Cruces — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Carlsbad, NM
Las Cruces, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Carlsbad | Las Cruces | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,315.9 | 5,594.2 | -2,278.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 524.9 | 720.8 | -195.9 |
| Murder Rate | 3.2 | 12.1 | -8.9 |
| Rape Rate | 35.2 | 57.8 | -22.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 12.8 | 57.8 | -45.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 473.7 | 592.4 | -118.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,791.0 | 4,873.4 | -2,082.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 326.5 | 737.2 | -410.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,051.7 | 3,442.9 | -1,391.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 412.9 | 693.2 | -280.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carlsbad or Las Cruces safer?
Carlsbad is safer with a total crime rate of 3,316 per 100K vs 5,594 for Las Cruces — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Carlsbad has a violent crime rate of 524.9 per 100K while Las Cruces has 720.8. Carlsbad has lower violent crime.
About Carlsbad, NM
Carlsbad, New Mexico, a city founded by pioneers near the Pecos River, is home to over 28,000 residents. Its economy has historically been tied to potash mining and oil and gas, influencing its demographic makeup. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 31,243, Carlsbad has a total crime rate of 3,315.9 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.