Is Gallup or Las Cruces Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Gallup is safer than Las Cruces (Safety Score 3/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 5,400 per 100,000 versus 5,594 for Las Cruces — 3% lower. Gallup has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Las Cruces has a 77% lower rate.
Note: Las Cruces is 5.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Gallup — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Las Cruces — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gallup, NM
Las Cruces, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Gallup | Las Cruces | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,399.9 | 5,594.2 | -194.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,503.6 | 720.8 | +782.7 |
| Murder Rate | 35.0 | 12.1 | +22.9 |
| Rape Rate | 74.9 | 57.8 | +17.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 249.8 | 57.8 | +192.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,143.9 | 592.4 | +551.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,896.3 | 4,873.4 | -977.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 709.3 | 737.2 | -27.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,792.4 | 3,442.9 | -650.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 394.6 | 693.2 | -298.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gallup or Las Cruces safer?
Gallup is safer with a total crime rate of 5,400 per 100K vs 5,594 for Las Cruces — a 3% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Gallup has a violent crime rate of 1,503.6 per 100K while Las Cruces has 720.8. Las Cruces has lower violent crime.
About Gallup, NM
Gallup, a historic trading hub on Route 66, is nestled in McKinley County, bordering the Navajo Nation. Its vibrant downtown is a testament to its long-standing connection with Native American art and culture. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 20,019, Gallup has a total crime rate of 5,399.9 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.