New Mexico is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes. However, it also has a darker side: it holds the unfortunate distinction of being the most dangerous state in the United States, according to the latest FBI crime data.
The state has a high violent crime rate of 1,888 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 4,778 incidents per 100,000 people. Both of these rates are significantly above the national averages of 368 and 2,110, respectively.
So, which cities in New Mexico face the highest levels of danger? In this article, we will unveil the five most perilous cities in New Mexico for 2023, based on the analysis conducted by RoadSnacks.
Carlsbad
Carlsbad, a city located in the southeast corner of the state, is home to approximately 29,000 residents. It is renowned for its natural attractions, including the Carlsbad Caverns National Park and the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. However, it also grapples with a significant issue of high crime rates, particularly in terms of property crimes.
The property crime rate in Carlsbad stands at 6,331 incidents per 100,000 people, which is a staggering 200% above the national average, making it the fifth-highest in the state.
Additionally, Carlsbad experiences a violent crime rate of 1,032 incidents per 100,000 people, surpassing the national average by 180% and ranking it as the tenth-highest in the state.
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Clovis
Clovis, located in the east-central part of the state near the Texas border, is home to around 38,000 residents. It serves as a significant hub for agriculture and the military, housing both the Cannon Air Force Base and the Clovis Municipal Airport. However, the city grapples with a significant crime issue, particularly in terms of violent offenses.
Clovis experiences a violent crime rate of 1,233 per 100,000 individuals, surpassing the national average by 235% and ranking as the sixth-highest in the state. Additionally, the city’s property crime rate stands at 5,053 per 100,000 people, which is 140% higher than the national average and the eighth-highest in the state.
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Albuquerque
Albuquerque, with a population of over 560,000 people, is the largest and most densely populated city in New Mexico. It serves as the state’s primary economic, cultural, and educational center, home to institutions like the University of New Mexico, the Sandia National Laboratories, and the Albuquerque International Sunport.
However, it’s worth noting that according to FBI crime data, Albuquerque holds the unfortunate distinction of being the most dangerous city in New Mexico. The city boasts a violent crime rate of 1,365 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 271% higher than the national average and ranks as the fourth-highest in the state.
Additionally, Albuquerque records a property crime rate of 6,179 cases per 100,000 people, which is 193% higher than the national average and places it as the sixth-highest in the state.
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Gallup
Gallup, located in the west-central part of the state along historic Route 66, is home to 21,000 people. It’s a popular tourist spot, celebrated for its Native American culture, arts, and crafts. However, it also faces a significant issue with high crime rates, particularly in violent crimes.
The city of Gallup experiences a violent crime rate of 1,537 incidents per 100,000 people, surpassing the national average by 318% and ranking as the third-highest in the state. Additionally, Gallup has a property crime rate of 5,892 incidents per 100,000 people, exceeding the national average by 179% and ranking as the seventh-highest in the state.
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Belen
Belen, located in the central part of the state south of Albuquerque, is a small town with a population of 7,000. It holds historical and religious significance, bearing the Spanish name for Bethlehem. However, it is worth noting that Belen has been identified as the most dangerous town in New Mexico, based on the RoadSnacks analysis.
The violent crime rate in Belen stands at 1,925 incidents per 100,000 people, a staggering 423% higher than the national average, making it the highest in the state. Additionally, the property crime rate is 5,051 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 140% higher than the national average and ranks ninth in the state.
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Conclusion
New Mexico offers a variety of attractions and opportunities, but it also comes with its share of dangers and challenges. According to the RoadSnacks analysis using FBI crime data for 2023, the five most dangerous cities in New Mexico are Belen, Gallup, Albuquerque, Clovis, and Carlsbad.
These cities have significantly higher rates of both violent and property crimes compared to the national and state averages. If you find yourself in or planning to visit any of these cities, it’s important to be mindful of the risks and take necessary precautions to safeguard yourself and your belongings.
