Is Farmington or Las Cruces Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Farmington is safer than Las Cruces (Safety Score 14/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,415 per 100,000 versus 5,594 for Las Cruces — 39% lower. Farmington has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Farmington has a 64% lower rate.
Note: Las Cruces is 2.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Farmington — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Las Cruces — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Farmington, NM
Las Cruces, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Farmington | Las Cruces | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,415.0 | 5,594.2 | -2,179.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 955.6 | 720.8 | +234.8 |
| Murder Rate | 4.3 | 12.1 | -7.7 |
| Rape Rate | 121.3 | 57.8 | +63.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 71.5 | 57.8 | +13.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 754.1 | 592.4 | +161.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,459.4 | 4,873.4 | -2,414.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 364.0 | 737.2 | -373.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,837.5 | 3,442.9 | -1,605.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 257.9 | 693.2 | -435.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Farmington or Las Cruces safer?
Farmington is safer with a total crime rate of 3,415 per 100K vs 5,594 for Las Cruces — a 39% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Farmington has a violent crime rate of 955.6 per 100K while Las Cruces has 720.8. Las Cruces has lower violent crime.
About Farmington, NM
Farmington, NM, a hub in the Four Corners region, sits at the confluence of three rivers. Its history is deeply rooted in the Navajo Nation, whose lands surround the city. With a safety score of 14/100 and a population coverage of 46,150, Farmington has a total crime rate of 3,415.0 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.