Is Las Cruces or Santa Fe Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Las Cruces is safer than Santa Fe (Safety Score 3/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 5,594 per 100,000 versus 5,999 for Santa Fe — 7% lower. Las Cruces has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Santa Fe has a 63% lower rate.
Las Cruces — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Santa Fe — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Las Cruces, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Las Cruces | Santa Fe | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,594.2 | 5,998.8 | -404.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 720.8 | 842.2 | -121.3 |
| Murder Rate | 12.1 | 4.5 | +7.6 |
| Rape Rate | 57.8 | 64.7 | -6.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 57.8 | 89.2 | -31.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 592.4 | 683.8 | -91.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,873.4 | 5,156.6 | -283.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 737.2 | 973.8 | -236.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,442.9 | 3,380.9 | +62.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 693.2 | 802.0 | -108.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Las Cruces or Santa Fe safer?
Las Cruces is safer with a total crime rate of 5,594 per 100K vs 5,999 for Santa Fe — a 7% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Las Cruces has a violent crime rate of 720.8 per 100K while Santa Fe has 842.2. 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 Santa Fe, NM
Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, Santa Fe, New Mexico, is the nation's oldest capital city. Its adobe architecture and vibrant arts scene reflect a unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures, drawing a diverse, often affluent, population. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 89,652, Santa Fe has a total crime rate of 5,998.8 per 100,000 residents.