Is Las Cruces or Portales Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Portales is safer than Las Cruces (Safety Score 11/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,653 per 100,000 versus 5,594 for Las Cruces — 35% lower. Las Cruces has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Portales has a 41% lower rate.
Note: Las Cruces is 9.9x 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
Portales — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Las Cruces, NM
Portales, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Las Cruces | Portales | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,594.2 | 3,652.7 | +1,941.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 720.8 | 781.5 | -60.7 |
| Murder Rate | 12.1 | 8.5 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 57.8 | 51.0 | +6.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 57.8 | 42.5 | +15.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 592.4 | 679.6 | -87.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,873.4 | 2,871.2 | +2,002.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 737.2 | 1,495.1 | -757.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,442.9 | 1,070.3 | +2,372.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 693.2 | 305.8 | +387.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Las Cruces or Portales safer?
Portales is safer with a total crime rate of 3,653 per 100K vs 5,594 for Las Cruces — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Las Cruces has a violent crime rate of 720.8 per 100K while Portales has 781.5. 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 Portales, NM
Portales, New Mexico, a Roosevelt County seat, is known for its peanut industry and as home to Eastern New Mexico University. This small city, with a population around 12,000, sits on the High Plains near the Texas border. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 11,772, Portales has a total crime rate of 3,652.7 per 100,000 residents.