Is Las Cruces or Los Lunas Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Lunas is safer than Las Cruces (Safety Score 13/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,496 per 100,000 versus 5,594 for Las Cruces — 38% lower. Las Cruces has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Los Lunas has a 58% lower rate.
Note: Las Cruces is 5.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Las Cruces — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Lunas — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Las Cruces, NM
Los Lunas, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Las Cruces | Los Lunas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,594.2 | 3,496.2 | +2,098.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 720.8 | 583.6 | +137.3 |
| Murder Rate | 12.1 | 5.1 | +7.0 |
| Rape Rate | 57.8 | 35.5 | +22.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 57.8 | 60.9 | -3.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 592.4 | 482.1 | +110.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,873.4 | 2,912.7 | +1,960.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 737.2 | 568.3 | +168.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,442.9 | 1,902.9 | +1,540.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 693.2 | 441.5 | +251.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Las Cruces or Los Lunas safer?
Los Lunas is safer with a total crime rate of 3,496 per 100K vs 5,594 for Las Cruces — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Las Cruces has a violent crime rate of 720.8 per 100K while Los Lunas has 583.6. Los Lunas has lower violent crime.
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.
About Los Lunas, NM
Los Lunas, a village in Valencia County, straddles the Rio Grande south of Albuquerque. Its name derives from the Luna family, who received a land grant in the 17th century. The community is home to a diverse population, with a significant Hispanic heritage. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 19,707, Los Lunas has a total crime rate of 3,496.2 per 100,000 residents.