Is Dayton or Las Cruces Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Las Cruces is safer than Dayton (Safety Score 3/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 5,594 per 100,000 versus 5,673 for Dayton — 1% lower. Dayton has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Las Cruces has a 77% lower rate.
Dayton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Las Cruces — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dayton, OH
Las Cruces, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dayton | Las Cruces | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,673.4 | 5,594.2 | +79.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,339.2 | 720.8 | +618.4 |
| Murder Rate | 29.7 | 12.1 | +17.6 |
| Rape Rate | 116.4 | 57.8 | +58.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 252.9 | 57.8 | +195.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 940.3 | 592.4 | +347.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,334.2 | 4,873.4 | -539.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 859.4 | 737.2 | +122.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,144.5 | 3,442.9 | -1,298.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,330.3 | 693.2 | +637.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dayton or Las Cruces safer?
Las Cruces is safer with a total crime rate of 5,594 per 100K vs 5,673 for Dayton — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dayton has a violent crime rate of 1,339.2 per 100K while Las Cruces has 720.8. Las Cruces has lower violent crime.
About Dayton, OH
Dayton, birthplace of aviation, is a mid-sized city in southwest Ohio. Nestled in the Miami Valley, its population is diverse, with a notable manufacturing legacy. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 134,857, Dayton has a total crime rate of 5,673.4 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.