Is Las Vegas or Santa Fe Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Las Vegas is safer than Santa Fe (Safety Score 37/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 2,122 per 100,000 versus 5,999 for Santa Fe — 65% lower. Las Vegas has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Las Vegas has a 72% lower rate.
Note: Santa Fe is 7.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Las Vegas — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Santa Fe — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Las Vegas, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Las Vegas | Santa Fe | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,122.4 | 5,998.8 | -3,876.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 655.4 | 842.2 | -186.7 |
| Murder Rate | 7.8 | 4.5 | +3.3 |
| Rape Rate | 23.4 | 64.7 | -41.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 39.0 | 89.2 | -50.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 585.2 | 683.8 | -98.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,466.9 | 5,156.6 | -3,689.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 249.7 | 973.8 | -724.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,108.0 | 3,380.9 | -2,272.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 109.2 | 802.0 | -692.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Las Vegas or Santa Fe safer?
Las Vegas is safer with a total crime rate of 2,122 per 100K vs 5,999 for Santa Fe — a 65% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Las Vegas has a violent crime rate of 655.4 per 100K while Santa Fe has 842.2. Las Vegas has lower violent crime.
About Las Vegas, NM
Las Vegas, NM, a city with a rich Wild West past and over 900 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, sits at 6,431 feet in elevation. Its diverse population reflects a blend of Hispanic and Anglo cultures. With a safety score of 37/100 and a population coverage of 12,816, Las Vegas has a total crime rate of 2,122.4 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.