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New Mexico Crime Rates

Key Findings

  • On average, there is approximately 1 violent crime occurring for every 74 people in New Mexico.

  • New Mexico's violent crime rate is considerably higher than the national average. It stands at 13.6 incidents per 1000 residents, in stark contrast to the national average of 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

  • New Mexico's property crime rate is considerably higher than the national average. It is recorded at 46.57 incidents per 1000 residents, in stark contrast to the national average of 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

    by | Sep 24, 2024

    Understanding the safety of a state is crucial, whether you are planning to move, live temporarily or permanently, work, or simply visit. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the crime data of New Mexico, shedding light on the state’s overall crime rate and offering valuable insights to aid you in making well-informed decisions.

     

    Within the diverse landscape of New Mexico, various types of criminal activities occur. To offer you a clear picture, we will categorize these offenses into three primary groups: Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, and Other Crimes.

    Total number of crimes in New Mexico. The information may differ from what we’ll discuss below¹.

    Is New Mexico Safe? Crimes Breakdown

    ViolentPropertyOther
    Total Number17,48859,8658,252
    Rate per 100013.646.576.42

     

    Based on NIBRS data², there are approximately 19 different types of crimes recorded in New Mexico. These crimes vary in severity, with some considered less serious, such as simple assaults, forgery, and ATM fraud, while others are treated with utmost seriousness, including murder and rape. In our analysis, we have focused on the most significant crimes, particularly those that have a direct impact on people’s safety and lives.

     

    New Mexico’s Violent Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    New Mexico has a higher violent crime rate compared to the national average. In New Mexico, the rate of violent crimes is 13.6 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Violent Crime Rates: New Mexico vs. National Average

    Examining the violent crime rate in New Mexico compared to the national average enables us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the percentage variance for each specific crime. By conducting this analysis, we can effectively gauge the relative levels of safety and security in New Mexico in relation to the broader national landscape.

     

    New Mexico’s Violent Crimes Statistics

    MurderRapeAssaultRobberyKidnapping
    Total Number1751,38813,2492,029822
    Rate per 10000.141.0810.311.440.64
    Population1,285,483

    United States Violent Crimes Statistics

    MurderRapeAssaultRobberyKidnapping
    Total Number23,195145,750939,092207,61636,890
    Rate per 10000.070.442.830.630.11
    Population331,889,360

     

    Insights into Violent Crimes in New Mexico

    • New Mexico’s murder crime rate is 0.14, which is higher than the national average of 0.07 by 100%.
    • On the other hand, The state’s rape crime rate is 1.08, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.44 by 145%.
    • The assault crime rate of the state stands at 10.31, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.83 by 264%.
    • Robbery is a significant concern in New Mexico, with a crime rate of 1.44, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.63 by 129%.
    • The state’s kidnapping crime rate is 0.64, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.11 by 482%.

    New Mexico’s Property Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    New Mexico has a higher property crime rate compared to the national average. In New Mexico, the rate of property crimes is 46.57 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average for property crimes is 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Property Crime Rates: New Mexico vs. National Average

    Similar to our examination of violent crime rates, analyzing the property crime rates in New Mexico compared to the national average provides us with valuable insights into the percentage variances for each specific property-related offense.

     

    New Mexico’s Property Crime Rate Statistics

    BurglaryArsonVandalismBlackmailTheftVehicle TheftIdentity Theft
    Total Number7,24923015,7609125,6577,3163,562
    Rate per 10005.640.1812.260.0719.965.692.77
    Population1,285,483

     

    United States Property Crimes Statistics

    BurglaryArsonVandalismBlackmailTheftVehicle TheftIdentity Theft
    Total Number898,48727,9171,307,22912,2704,630,773888,618187,853
    Rate per 10002.720.083.940.0413.952.680.87
    Population331,889,360

     

    Insights into Property Crimes in New Mexico

    • New Mexico experiences a burglary crime rate of 5.64, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.72 by 107%.
    • The arson crime rate is 0.18, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.08 by 125%.
    • Vandalism is a significant concern in New Mexico, with a crime rate of 12.26, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.94 by 211%.
    • The blackmail crime rate is 0.07, which is higher than the national average of 0.04 by 75%.
    • Theft is another area of focus, with a crime rate of 19.96 in New Mexico, which is higher than the national average of 13.95 by 43%.
    • On the other hand, motor vehicle theft in the state has a rate of 5.69, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.68 by 112%.
    • New Mexico faces a higher rate of identity theft, with a crime rate of 2.77, which is 218% higher than the national average of 0.87.

     

    New Mexico’s Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs OffensesWeapon Law ViolationsProstitutionAnimal Cruelty
    Total Number5,6382,5162276
    Rate per 10004.391.960.020.06
    Population1,285,483

     

     

    United States Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs OffensesWeapon Law ViolationsProstitutionAnimal Cruelty
    Total Number1,290,858267,95511,56516,497
    Rate per 10003.890.810.040.05
    Population331,889,360

    New Mexico’s Other Crimes Data Insights

    • Drug offenses are a concern in New Mexico, with a rate of 4.39, which is higher than the national average of 3.89 by 13%.
    • Weapon law violations are a significant area of concern in the state. The state’s weapon law violations rate is 1.96, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.81 by 142%.

     

    Conclusion

    New Mexico’s crime rates show a mixed picture compared to the national average. The state has higher rates of murder, rape, assault, robbery, kidnapping, burglary, arson, vandalism, theft, motor vehicle theft, and identity theft. However, drug offenses are lower than the national average, and weapon law violations are significantly higher. These statistics highlight areas of concern in New Mexico’s crime landscape and the need for targeted efforts to address the high rates of violent crimes and property-related offenses in the state.

    ¹For this analysis, we will focus on the more significant ones that directly affect people’s safety and well-being, rather than delving into less critical offenses like simple assaults, ATM frauds, and forgery.

    ²The FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) aims to enhance the quality of crime data collected by law enforcement agencies. It accomplishes this by capturing comprehensive details for each crime incident, including information about victims, known offenders, relationships between victims and offenders, arrestees, and the property involved in the crimes.