Is Las Cruces or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Las Cruces (Safety Score 17/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 5,594 for Las Cruces — 44% lower. Las Cruces has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Las Cruces has a 68% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 14.3x 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
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Las Cruces, NM
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Las Cruces | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,594.2 | 3,125.4 | +2,468.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 720.8 | 800.0 | -79.2 |
| Murder Rate | 12.1 | 8.4 | +3.7 |
| Rape Rate | 57.8 | 64.3 | -6.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 57.8 | 181.6 | -123.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 592.4 | 545.3 | +47.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,873.4 | 2,325.3 | +2,548.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 737.2 | 317.2 | +420.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,442.9 | 1,582.1 | +1,860.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 693.2 | 426.0 | +267.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Las Cruces or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 5,594 for Las Cruces — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Las Cruces has a violent crime rate of 720.8 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Las Cruces 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 Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, Arizona, the "Valley of the Sun," is a sprawling desert metropolis with a rich Native American heritage, including the Hohokam people. It's the fifth-largest city in the United States by population, experiencing rapid growth in recent decades. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 1,662,809, Phoenix has a total crime rate of 3,125.4 per 100,000 residents.