Only in Your State | New Mexico | Posted January 6, 2020 | Monica Spencer
The Land of Enchantment, unfortunately, isn’t an enchanting experience for everyone.
In a state that has a population of just over 2 million, the reported violent crime rate here is pretty high. The FBI just released findings of reported violent and property crimes in each state and New Mexico had a whopping 11,829 violent crimes in 2018 (the most recent official report), and while math isn’t my strongest suit, it’s not hard to see that this makes the per capita ratio quite high.
In fact, the data website RoadSnacks also listed New Mexico as one of the most dangerous in the country for 2020 based on the numbers.
New Mexico was actually ranked as the second most dangerous state, coming in just behind Alaska.
It is important to keep in mind this is just data from jurisdictions that voluntarily provided information to the FBI, but let’s take a look at the numbers for some of the most dangerous cities on the list.
This is not the result of a formal analysis that would include population density, economic conditions, substance abuse, or community response to crime.
7. Hobbs
Violent Crimes in 2018: 251
Hobbs has roots as a humble homestead and has since grown into a mining city in southeastern New Mexico.
The reported numbers of violent crimes came in at 251 and most were aggravated assaults (192).
6. Santa Fe
Violent Crimes in 2018: 333
This artsy city comes in at sixth on our list, with a reported 333 violent crimes. The city had 207 reported aggravated assaults, 89 robberies (a crime different from burglary), and 32 reported rapes.
5. Gallup
Violent Crimes in 2018: 338
This Route 66 city has certainly seen better days in its 139 years.
In 2018, it had 338 reported violent crimes, including 254 aggravated assaults and 65 robberies.
4. Roswell
Violent Crimes in 2018: 396
You can’t blame little green men for Roswell’s violent crimes.
In 2018, Roswell’s law enforcement reported 396 violent crimes. This included 314 aggravated assaults, 44 rapes, 30 robberies, and 8 murders.
3. Las Cruces
Violent Crimes in 2018: 413
Las Cruces is the second-largest city in the state but comes in at third on this list. Overall, the city had 413 reported violent crimes, including 313 aggravated assaults, 56 rapes, 39 robberies, and 5 murders.
2. Farmington
Violent Crimes in 2018: 593
One of New Mexico’s most populous cities, Farmington ranks as the second-highest rate of violent crimes. It had 434 aggravated assaults, 81 rapes, 70 robberies, and 8 murders. Yikes.
1. Albuquerque
Violent Crimes in 2018: 7,646
It probably comes as no surprise that New Mexico’s largest city also has the highest number of reported violent crimes. The city had the highest number of aggravated assaults (5,119), robberies (1,979), rapes (479), and murders (69) in the state.
Again, take this information with a grain of salt. Violent crimes like rape and murder are rarely random. These are typically perpetrated by someone known to the victim, such as a spouse, family member, or acquaintance.
What are your thoughts about this list?
Did any of the cities listed here surprise you?
