Doña Ana County, the second most populated county in New Mexico, had 219,561 residents according to the 2020 U.S. Census. The county’s main city is Las Cruces, the second largest in the state and home to New Mexico State University. Known for its varied culture, picturesque landscapes, and historic sites, not all parts of Doña Ana County offer safety and prosperity.
Certain areas face higher levels of crime, poverty, and social issues, making them less desirable places to reside. This article will delve into the most worst favorable neighborhoods in Doña Ana County, based on data from NeighborhoodScout. These neighborhoods include:
Picacho Hills
This area, situated on the western side of Las Cruces near the Rio Grande, is called Picacho Hills. It has a population of 2,669 and the typical household earns around $38,750. Unfortunately, Picacho Hills has a significantly higher crime rate, about 79.91% above the national average, making it one of the more dangerous neighborhoods in the country.
The likelihood of experiencing a violent crime in Picacho Hills is 1 in 208, compared to 1 in 478 for the entire county. As for property crimes, the chances are 1 in 28 for Picacho Hills, while it’s 1 in 32 for the entire county.
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Bataan Memorial West / Venus Street
This area in the northern part of Las Cruces, near Interstate 25, is known as Bataan Memorial West / Venus Street. It’s home to around 3,249 people, with a median household income of $29,375. Unfortunately, it has a notably high crime rate, being 69.63% above the national average. This makes it one of the more perilous neighborhoods in the country.
The likelihood of falling victim to a violent crime in this area is 1 in 213, as opposed to 1 in 478 for the entire county. Regarding property crimes, the chances of being a victim in Bataan Memorial West / Venus Street are 1 in 29, while for the entire county, it’s 1 in 32.
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Mesquite
This neighborhood is situated on the southern side of Las Cruces, close to the Mexican border. It has a population of 3,268 and an average household income of $24,375. Mesquite has a crime rate that is 64.31% higher than the national average, making it one of the more perilous neighborhoods in the country.
In Mesquite, the likelihood of experiencing a violent crime is 1 in 217, whereas it’s 1 in 478 for the whole county. The likelihood of falling victim to a property crime in Mesquite is 1 in 30, in contrast to 1 in 32 for the entire county.
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Doña Ana
This neighborhood is situated on the northern side of Las Cruces, close to Doña Ana Mountain Park. It has a population of 1,379 people and a median household income of $26,250. Doña Ana has a crime rate that is 60.97% higher than the national average, making it one of the more dangerous neighborhoods in the country.
In Doña Ana, the likelihood of experiencing a violent crime is 1 in 221, while for the entire county, it’s 1 in 478. The chances of falling victim to a property crime in Doña Ana are 1 in 31, compared to 1 in 32 for the entire county.
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University Park / New Mexico State University
This area lies on the eastern side of Las Cruces, close to New Mexico State University campus. It has a population of 4,192 and a median household income of $19,375.
In terms of safety, University Park / New Mexico State University has a crime rate that’s 57.62% higher than the national average, making it one of the riskier neighborhoods in the country.
The likelihood of experiencing a violent crime in University Park / New Mexico State University is 1 in 225, compared to 1 in 478 for the whole county. The odds of falling victim to a property crime in University Park / New Mexico State University are 1 in 32, whereas it’s 1 in 32 for the entire county.
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Final Words
Here are the most worst neighborhoods in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, based on NeighborhoodScout data. These areas face high levels of crime, poverty, and social issues, making them less safe and appealing for residents.
However, it’s important to note that these neighborhoods don’t reflect the entire county. Doña Ana County is diverse and vibrant, with numerous other areas that are secure, thriving, and culturally vibrant. It provides a wide range of opportunities and attractions for both residents and visitors.
