Is Carlsbad or Santa Fe Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Carlsbad is safer than Santa Fe (Safety Score 15/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 3,316 per 100,000 versus 5,999 for Santa Fe — 45% lower. Carlsbad has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Carlsbad has a 86% lower rate.
Note: Santa Fe is 2.9x 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
Santa Fe — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Carlsbad, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Carlsbad | Santa Fe | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,315.9 | 5,998.8 | -2,682.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 524.9 | 842.2 | -317.2 |
| Murder Rate | 3.2 | 4.5 | -1.3 |
| Rape Rate | 35.2 | 64.7 | -29.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 12.8 | 89.2 | -76.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 473.7 | 683.8 | -210.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,791.0 | 5,156.6 | -2,365.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 326.5 | 973.8 | -647.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,051.7 | 3,380.9 | -1,329.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 412.9 | 802.0 | -389.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carlsbad or Santa Fe safer?
Carlsbad is safer with a total crime rate of 3,316 per 100K vs 5,999 for Santa Fe — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Carlsbad has a violent crime rate of 524.9 per 100K while Santa Fe has 842.2. 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 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.