Albuquerque, also known as The Duke City, is the most populous city in the state of New Mexico and the fourth most populous city in the Southwest. Albuquerque is full of rich history, historic landmarks, and media companies. It is also home to the popular University of New Mexico. Because of all of these amazing attractions, many people move to the city every year.
If you are thinking about moving to Albuquerque, then you may be wondering how safe the city is. The Albuquerque crime rate is high, but this is to be expected in a big city. Although the city sees crime, there are many safe places to live in the area. This is what you should know about crime in Albuquerque, New Mexico before planting your roots in the area.
Understanding the Albuquerque Crime Rate – How Crime Rates Are Calculated
In order to better understand the crime rate in Albuquerque, you need to understand exactly how the crime rates are calculated. Crime rates are based on FBI crime data that is collected from local law enforcement agencies. To find the final crime rate statistic, the FBI takes the total number of crimes committed in an area and then divides it by the total population of that area. Then, these numbers are multiplied by 100,000, which is why you see crime rates reported as “X crimes per 100,000.” This makes it easier to compare crime rates between cities of all sizes.
Although crime rates can be helpful at times, there are many flaws in this system. Firstly, crime rates can be misleading. The crime rate you see reported is a reflection of the whole city. Crime rates don’t take into account that different neighborhoods (or even different streets) can have different levels of crime. This can allow one area of a city to drive up the overall crime rate. According to Denver Channel 7, the FBI actually discourages using crime rate data to evaluate the effectiveness of their law enforcement agencies.
These numbers may also not be accurate due to the way they are reported. Not all crimes are reported to the police, and crimes such as sexual assault and domestic violence often go unreported. Also, law enforcement is not required to share their information with the FBI. So, if a crime rate is low, then it may just be due to the law enforcement in the area not correctly reporting their information. Lastly, many times of crime are likely to be targeted, meaning the victim and assailant know each other and the crime was not random. Crime rates do not differentiate between random crime and planned crime, such as gang activity or domestic violence.
What Is the Albuquerque NM Crime Rate?
Now that we know how the numbers are calculated, let’s take a look at the Albuquerque crime rate compared to both the state and national crime rates.
Albuquerque crime rate:
- 6,356 crimes per 100,000 people
- 1,344 crimes per 100,000 people
- 5,012 crimes per 100,000 people
- 1 in 16 chance of being a victim of a crime
New Mexico crime rate:
- 3,620 crimes per 100,000 people
- 778 violent crimes per 100,000 people
- 2,842 property crimes per 100,000 people
- 1 in 28 chance of being a victim of a crime
National crime rate:
- 2,346 crimes per 100,000 people
- 388 violent crimes per 100,000 people
- 1,158 property crimes per 100,000 people
- 1 in 43 chance of being a victim of a crime
The crime rate in Albuquerque, New Mexico is 75.6% higher than the state average and 170.9% higher than the national average. Although these numbers are high, most of the crime in Albuquerque is committed in areas where nightlife and gang activity are more prevalent. These numbers are also on the decline. According to the Albuquerque Police, violent crime decreased 8% from 2021 to 2022 and is only continuing to fall. The police department also has several crime prevention programs in place, such as Neighborhood Watch, General Presentation, Personal Safety, and Children’s Crime Prevention.
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Albuquerque Crime Map & Crime Reports
Using an Albuquerque crime map is a great way to see crime hot spots and break different offenses down by neighborhood. The Albuquerque Police Department uses CrimeMapping, which allows you to see crimes in the area as they are reported. Use this interactive map to view Albuquerque crime reports and hot spots for crime around the city.
Another great way to assess crime in the city is to check out the Albuquerque police reports. This is public information and can be accessed on the department’s website at any time.
Violent crime in Albuquerque
Albuquerque violent crime statistics:
- Murders in Albuquerque: 14 per 100,000 people
- Albuquerque violent crime rate: 1,344 crimes per 100,000 people
- Total number of violent crimes in Albuquerque: 7,552
- Chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime: 1 in 74
The violent crime rate in Albuquerque, NM is 72.7% higher than the state average and 246.6% higher than the national average.
Although the Albuquerque violent crime rate is high, it is getting lower every month. Although 2021 saw a spike in violent crime, 2022 brought the lowest violent crime rate in six years. Rape was down 36%, robbery was down 10%, and aggravated assault was down 5%. According to the New York Times, homicides in Albuquerque have decreased by 24% in the first half of 2023.
The Albuquerque Police Department also has helpful information on how to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of violent crime.
Property crime in Albuquerque
Albuquerque property crime statistics:
- Albuquerque property crime rate: 5,012 crimes per 100,000 people
- Total property crimes in Albuquerque: 28,171
- Chance of becoming a victim of a property crime: 1 in 20
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Based on these Albuquerque crime statistics, the property crime rate in the city is 76.4% higher than the state average and 155.9% higher than the national average. Just like the violent crime rate, the property crime rate in Albuquerque is also on the decline. According to the Albuquerque Police Department, property crime has fallen 40% over the past six years. The APD has a lot of valuable information on its website on how to prevent common property crimes such as auto theft. There are also over 2,000 Albuquerque neighborhoods participating in the Neighborhood Watch program, which aims to protect citizens, their homes, and their belongings.
High Crime Areas of Albuquerque
While there are many amazing neighborhoods in the city, there are a few areas to avoid in Albuquerque. Here are just a few bad areas in Albuquerque that you may want to stay away from.
International District
The International District in southeast Albuquerque is often referred to as the “War Zone.” This is one of the poorest areas in Albuquerque and has a very high violent crime rate.
Quigley Park
Just off Interstate 40, Quigley Park has a crime rate that is 318% higher than the Albuquerque average.
La Mesa
La Mesa is one of the worst areas in Albuquerque, with a crime rate that is 220% higher than the Albuquerque average. La Mesa is located right next to the International District, so a lot of the crime from there bleeds into the area.
Crestview Bluff
Crestview Bluff is generally safe during the day, but at night, it sees a lot of gang activity and should be avoided. The neighborhood has a crime rate that is 170% higher than the Albuquerque average.
Enchanted Park
With a population of 1,799, the violent crime rate in Enchanted Park is 3,187 per 100,000 people. This is 130% higher than the Albuquerque average.
Safest Neighborhoods of Albuquerque
Although there are places to avoid, there are also many great places to live in the city. Here are a few of the safest neighborhoods in Albuquerque. You can also check out our guide to the best neighborhoods in Albuquerque for even more options.
Valley Gardens
Valley Gardens has a crime rate of just 275 per 100,000 people, which is 95% lower than the Albuquerque average. Valley Gardens is also home to the top-rated Pajarito Elementary School.
Desert Spring Flower
Desert Spring Flower is one of the safest places to live in Albuquerque. This beautiful neighborhood has a crime rate that is 90% lower than the Albuquerque average.
North Albuquerque Acres
North Albuquerque Acres has a crime rate that is 87% lower than the city average. This area is situated right next to the beautiful Sandia Mountains and is home to the popular Albuquerque New Mexico Temple.
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Vecinos Del Bosque
This gorgeous Albuquerque neighborhood is situated along the Rio Grande River and has a crime rate that is 75% less than the Albuquerque average.
Volcano Cliffs
When it comes to safe neighborhoods in Albuquerque, Volcano Hills should be at the top of the list. This neighborhood has a crime rate that is 82% less than the city average and is right next to the famous Petroglyph National Monument.
Campus Crime & Safety
According to the most recent crime report from the University of New Mexico in 2021, there were 83 reported car thefts, 30 aggravated assaults, and 13 rapes on the UNM campus. If you are a student or find yourself on the UNM campus, then it is important to be aware of campus safety tools.
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You can reach the University of New Mexico Police at 505-277-2241. The police department is located at 2500 Campus Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106.
Other important information:
- Daily Crime Report
- University of New Mexico security escorts: 505-277-2241
- University of New Mexico security: 505-277-6059
Albuquerque Police Department
The Albuquerque Police Department was founded in 1881, however the first police chief was not appointed until 1916. Today, the Albuquerque Police Department is the largest police force in the state, with nearly 1,000 officers on the force. The force is led by Police Chief Harold Medina.
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Albuquerque Police Department, 400 Roma Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, 505-768-2020
Albuquerque New Mexico Crime Rate FAQ
Is Albuquerque Safe?
Yes, Albuquerque is a safe place to live.
What Is the Crime Rate in Albuquerque New Mexico?
The Albuquerque crime rate is 6,356 crimes per 100,000 people.
Is Albuquerque Dangerous?
Although there are a few dangerous areas in Albuquerque, it is generally safe as long as you take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
So, how safe is Albuquerque, New Mexico? Although the Albuquerque crime rate is high, there are plenty of safe places to live in the area. When you are ready to make your move to The Duke City, then let the best movers in Albuquerque help you! Give Pro-Move Logistics a call today at 505-471-3434 to receive a free quote.
