New Mexico’s Safest Cities of 2025

Cathy Habas
Mar 17, 2025
Icon Time To Read4 min read
Icon CheckEdited ByKit Smith
Icon CheckData Analysis ByDaniel Delgado

For over 11 years, SafeWise experts have conducted independent research and testing to write unbiased, human reviews (not robots). Learn more.

11th annual Safest Cities report banner

Here are the 5 Safest Cities in New Mexico for 2025

See crime rates for the safest cities.

Results from our latest State of Safety survey show high levels of concern about crime in New Mexico. About 58% of New Mexico respondents say they worry about their safety every day—the third-highest level of concern in the US. New Mexicans also reported the lowest confidence level nationwide when asked if they feel safe in their state. 

In this report

Download the full list of cities in your state
Enter your email to get the full list with crime stats.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

NOTE: If your city is missing from our full report, it means that it was below the population threshold or didn’t submit a complete crime report to the FBI in 2023.

Do people feel safe in New Mexico? Survey insights for 2025

Bar chart comparing how safe New Mexico residents feel, with 28% feeling safe versus the 48% national average.

Bar chart comparing how safe New Mexico residents feel, with 28% feeling safe versus the 48% national average. Image: SafeWise

More people in New Mexico feel unsafe than anywhere else in the nation. Fewer than three in 10 survey respondents told us they feel safe calling New Mexico home—although that's better than last year. Our 2024 survey showed just one in four residents who felt safe.

With that number of people not sure how safe their hometown is, it's no surprise that almost seven in 10 think crime is increasing (68%), compared to six in 10 nationwide (61%). Unfortunately, that sentiment matches reported experiences with crime in New Mexico. The state reported the country's most personal experiences with property crime and the second-highest incidence of package theft.

We didn't have enough viable data to calculate statewide crime rates this year, but New Mexico has historically had higher-than-average per capita crime rates for both property and violent crime. Most residents seem to be in tune with that trend, with more than one in three adding new security measures in 2024.

Find safety and security resources in New Mexico.

Property crime in New Mexico: Fear vs. reality

New Mexicans report the highest level of property crime experience and the second highest level of package theft experience nationwide. As such, it's no surprise that they also report the highest national levels of concern for both crimes.

  • 46% of New Mexicans said they personally experienced a property crime in the 8 months prior to our survey, which is the highest percentage in the nation and up from 40% the previous year (US 27%).
  • 71% of our survey participants said they worry about property crime on a daily basis, which is the highest percentage nationwide and up from 61% the year before (US 54%).
  • Property crime is the most concerning crime among New Mexicans.
  • 47% of New Mexicans experienced package theft in the 8 months prior to our survey, up from 39% year over year (US 37%).
  • Only Washington residents reported a higher rate of package theft than New Mexicans (NM 47%, WA 48%).
  • 67% told us they worry about package theft, which is the highest percentage nationwide and up from 57% the year before (US 52%).
  • New Mexico residents prefer to protect their property with guard dogs (48%), security cameras (43%), and firearms (37%). 
  • New Mexicans are among those most likely to use guard dogs or other animals for property protection. Only Kentuckians (50%) were more likely to use this security measure. 
  • 22% of New Mexicans say they use security bars on their windows and doors, which is the second-highest percentage behind Arizona (25%).
"In my area, it seems to be auto theft and high levels of shoplifting."
—New Mexico resident*

Natural disasters in New Mexico

  • Nearly 6 in 10 (59%) of New Mexico residents worries about drought, which is the highest percentage in the nation. 
  • New Mexico residents are also among those most likely to worry about extreme temperatures (65%), but their neighbors in Arizona and Texas report the highest levels of concern nationwide at 79%.
  • 56% of New Mexicans said they worry about fires and smoke, which is the seventh highest percentage in the country (US 42%). 
  • 9% of our survey participants said they had evacuated due to a natural disaster in the 8 months prior to our survey, which matches the national average. 

What security measures do New Mexicans use most?

Top security measures used in New Mexico: guard dogs, firearms, and security cameras, compared to national trends.

Top security measures used in New Mexico: guard dogs, firearms, and security cameras, compared to national trends. Image: SafeWise

What crimes are New Mexico residents most concerned about?

Bar chart of top crime concerns in New Mexico, showing violent crime, property crime, gun violence, and package theft rates.

Bar chart of top crime concerns in New Mexico, showing violent crime, property crime, gun violence, and package theft rates. Image: SafeWise

Violent crime in New Mexico: Fear vs. reality

Concern about violent crime has increased year over year in The Land of Enchantment, as have personal experiences with violent crime. New Mexicans are among those most likely to worry about and experience violent crime nationwide.

  • 19% of New Mexicans said they personally experienced violent crime in the 8 months prior to our survey, up from 18% the year before (US 14%).
  • Residents in only 7 other states reported higher levels of violent crime experience, and New Mexico has a higher percentage than each of its neighbors. 
  • The percentage of New Mexico residents who worry about violent crime on a daily basis increased from 58% to 67% year over year.
  • Residents in only 8 other states worry more about violent crime than New Mexicans. 
  • 4 in 10 survey participants report using some form of personal protection—above the US average of 35%.
  • New Mexico residents prefer to protect themselves with pocket knives (24%), pepper spray (19%), and firearms (18%). 
"In a certain part of town that I sometimes have to go to, it's scary. I can't be driving alone for fear of something happening to me."
—New Mexico resident*

Attitudes about gun violence in New Mexico

  • 62% of New Mexico respondents named gun violence as a top safety concern, up from 60% the year before (US 57%).
  • Gun violence is the least worrisome crime among New Mexicans.
  • 10% said they had a personal experience with gun violence in the 8 months prior to our survey, down from 14% the previous year and below the national average of 11%.
  • New Mexico experienced 2 mass shooting incidents in 2024, down from 3 the year before.
  • Compared to national averages, New Mexicans are more likely to use firearms for personal and property protection. 
"My biggest concern is literally just being around anyone because of all the murders."
—New Mexico resident*

*Quotes collected from our latest State of Safety survey.

A closer look at the safest cities in New Mexico

For the purposes of this report, the terms “dangerous” and “safest” refer explicitly to crime rates as calculated from FBI crime data—no other characterization of any community is implied or intended.

  • 17 New Mexico cities met the criteria for ranking this year.
  • Corrales is this year's safest city in new Mexico, reporting zero murders, rapes, and robberies.
  • Artesia also reported zero robberies.
  • Corrales' property crime rate is nearly 8 times lower than Artesia's.
  • Except for Anthony, every safest city saw a year over year decrease in violent crime. 
  • Corrales, Anthony, and Rio Rancho saw year over year decreases in property crime.

The 5 safest cities in New Mexico

Map of the safest cities in New Mexico for 2025, listing top 5 ranked cities based on SafeWise crime data.

Map of the safest cities in New Mexico for 2025, listing top 5 ranked cities based on SafeWise crime data. Image: SafeWise

Corrales, NM map
#1
Corrales
(
+1
Up
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    8,496
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    1.2, 1.5, N/A
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    3.8, 5.5, N/A
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Raton, NM map
#2
Anthony
(
+1
Up
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    8,603
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    2.1, 1.9, N/A
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    4.7, 6.5, N/A
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Sunland Park, NM map
#3
Sunland Park
(
+2
Up
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    17,731
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    4.2, 4.6, 3.9
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    8.3, 7.4, 5.5
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Rio Rancho, NM map
#4
Rio Rancho
(
+4
Up
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    109,992
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    4.1, 4.6, N/A
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    15.4, 17.4, N/A
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
#5
Artesia
(
+5
Up
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    12,145
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    2.1, 3.6, 2.4
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    29.6, 29.5, 18.4
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime

How we determined the safest cities

Learn how we identified the safest cities on our methodology page.

How to make a safe home anywhere

Over 6 in 10 Americans surveyed don't have a home security system, despite over 50% of all burglaries being residential. Unfortunately, a majority of people who have a security system added it after they had a break-in. One of the best ways to stop a burglary before it happens—and get immediate help if a break-in is detected—is to add a monitored home security system.

Light Bulb
Get a home security system

Find out which companies we recommend for every budget and lifestyle in our roundup of the best security systems—and learn the basics of how to choose a security system

Compare top security systems

Brand
Installation type
Self-monitoring option
Monthly cost Icon Tooltip  Dark
Contract required
Learn more
SimpliSafe
DIY
Icon Yes  LightYes
No
Vivint
Pro
Icon No  LightNo
No *
Cove
DIY
Icon No  LightNo
No *
ADT Shield
Pro
Icon No  LightNo
Yes

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Full ADT disclaimer

Find the safest cities in each state

Click on the state below to check out the safest cities for each state.

Find all endnotes and sources in our full methodology.

FBI Crime Data Explorer, "Documents & Downloads." Accessed March 17, 2025.

  • 2023 Crime in the United States Annual Reports
    • Offenses Known to Law Enforcement
  • 2023 NIBRS Estimation Tables

Bureau of Justice Statistics, "National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS)." Accessed March 17, 2025.

Gun Violence Archive, "Mass Shootings." Accessed March 17, 2025.

Cathy Habas
Written by
With over eight years of experience as a content writer, Cathy has a knack for untangling complex information. Her natural curiosity and ability to empathize help Cathy offer insightful, friendly advice. She believes in empowering readers who may not feel confident about a purchase, project, or topic. Cathy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Indiana University Southeast and began her professional writing career immediately after graduation. She is a certified Safe Sleep Ambassador and has contributed to sites like Safety.com, Reviews.com, Hunker, and Thumbtack. Cathy’s pride and joy is her Appaloosa “Chacos.” She also likes to crochet while watching stand-up comedy specials on Netflix.

Recent Articles

A photo of our testing of the SimpliSafe home security system.
The Best Home Security Systems of 2025
Looking for the best home security systems of 2025? Our expert test and rank SimpliSafe...
Vivint sign in front of rose garden.
Vivint Customer Service: Reviews and Contact Info
We've summarized the latest reviews, contact info, and FAQs about Vivint customer service. Here's what...
neighborhood
SimpliSafe vs. ADT
We compare ADT's and SimpliSafe's pricing, contracts, equipment, and customer service to help you decide...
car seat with mother buckling in young daughter
Best Car Seats of 2025
With so many types of car seats on the market, how do you choose? We...