Sandoval County, situated in the U.S. state of New Mexico, had a population of 149,684 as per the 2020 census, making it the fourth most populous county in the state.
The county seat is Bernalillo, and the largest city is Rio Rancho. Sandoval County is a part of the Albuquerque metropolitan area and boasts attractions like the Jemez Mountains, the Sandia Mountains, and the Coronado Historic Site.
However, it’s worth noting that not all areas within Sandoval County are equally safe and tranquil. According to crime statistics, certain neighborhoods experience higher rates of both violent and property crimes.
This article will delve into the five neighborhoods in Sandoval County deemed the most dangerous, based on per capita crime data from CrimeGrade.org.
San Ysidro
San Ysidro, a village in Sandoval County, is situated approximately 18 miles north of Bernalillo. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 194 people. San Ysidro is renowned for its annual harvest festival and its close proximity to the Zia Pueblo.
However, it’s worth noting that San Ysidro experiences a relatively high rate of violent crime, with 502.5 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is more than double the national average of 22.7. On the other hand, property crime is not a significant issue in San Ysidro, as there were no reported incidents in 2019.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Aroostook County, Maine
Bernalillo
Bernalillo, situated in Sandoval County and located approximately 5 miles south of Rio Rancho, serves as the county seat and had a population of 6,742 people according to the 2010 census.
Bernalillo is a historically significant town dating back to the 17th century, offering various cultural and recreational attractions, including the Santa Ana Star Casino, the Coronado Historic Site, and the New Mexico Wine Festival.
However, it’s worth noting that Bernalillo also faces a notable challenge when it comes to crime rates. It has a high rate of both violent and property crimes, with 821 and 2,240.9 incidents per 100,000 residents, respectively. These figures are more than 36 times and 63 times higher than the national averages of 22.7 and 35.4, respectively.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Dallas, Texas
Rio Rancho
Rio Rancho, situated approximately 15 miles north of Albuquerque in Sandoval County, is the largest city in the county and the third-largest in the state, boasting a population of 52,052 people as of the 2010 census.
This rapidly expanding and diverse city offers various amenities, including the Santa Ana Star Center, the Rio Rancho City Center, and the Rio Rancho Public Library.
However, it’s important to note that Rio Rancho experiences a moderate rate of both violent and property crime, with 190.2 and 1,483.5 incidents per 100,000 residents, respectively. These figures are significantly higher than the national averages of 22.7 and 35.4, respectively.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Safest Neighborhoods in Davidson County, Tennessee
Corrales
Corrales, situated about 6 miles east of Rio Rancho in Sandoval County, is a village with a population of 8,577 people, as per the 2010 census.
This rural and picturesque community takes pride in preserving its agricultural and historical heritage. It offers various attractions like the Corrales Bosque Preserve, Casa San Ysidro Museum, and the Corrales Harvest Festival.
However, it’s worth noting that Corrales experiences a moderate level of property crime, with 711.4 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is significantly higher than the national average of 35.4. On the other hand, violent crime is not a prominent concern in Corrales, with only 12 reported incidents in 2019.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Safest Neighborhoods in South Portland, Maine
Edgewood
Edgewood, located approximately 28 miles east of Rio Rancho in Sandoval County, is home to a population of 3,816 people, as per the 2010 census.
This town, characterized by its rural and mountainous terrain, offers a range of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and horseback riding. It boasts various parks, trails, and wildlife areas including the Edgewood Wildlife Area, Edgewood Nature Park, and Edgewood Equestrian Center.
Unfortunately, Edgewood also experiences the highest rate of violent crime in Sandoval County, with 324.6 incidents per 100,000 residents. This surpasses the national average of 22.7 by more than 14 times.
Property crime is another concern in Edgewood, with 1,233.6 incidents per 100,000 residents, exceeding the national average of 35.4 by over 34 times.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Underrated Neighborhoods in Nampa, Idaho
Conclusion
Sandoval County offers a rich blend of beauty and diversity, providing numerous attractions and opportunities for both residents and visitors. Nevertheless, there are certain areas that experience higher levels of crime.
To fully enjoy the county in a secure and tranquil manner, it’s important to stay informed about crime statistics and take necessary precautions. Always remember, if you observe something suspicious, don’t hesitate to report it to the authorities.
