One of the states in the United States of America, New Mexico has numerous characteristics including geographical diversity, historical background, and culture; so, this article attempts to provide an analysis of this state. But when considering a relocation to New Mexico, one of the most crucial concerns is then security. We will evaluate the crime and natural catastrophe data from all across New Mexico to assist you in determining if this state is safe enough to live in.
Selected New Mexico Cities with their corresponding crime rates.
Usually, New Mexico is regarded as among the most hazardous states in the nation. Still, there are certain areas where crime rates exceed the national average; yet, overall the crime rates rely on the city and the district.
For many years now, Albuquerque the largest city situated in New Mexico has been experiencing high levels of crime. Albuquerque in the year 2021 had one of the highest violent crime rates among all the major cities in the United States with a violent crime rate of 1,477 per 100000 inhabitants. The most frequently reported violent crimes such as aggravated assault and robbery are often noted in the southeastern part of the city within impoverished areas.
However, there are many safer communities in Albuquerque and they are located in the northeast and northwest quarters of this city. Neighbourhoods such as Sandia Heights, North Valley, and Academy Acres for instance are categorized as middle to upper classes, and therefore the crimes recorded are considerably low.
The data also proved that the capital city of Santa Fe is safer than Albuquerque. Known as “The City Different”, Santa Fe has adobe-style Pueblo structures and an art culture that is exceptional across the globe. However, with only 549 violent crime incidents per 100,000 residents.
The second largest city of New Mexico is Las Cruces which sits right in between on the violent crime index with 834 per 100000 residents. Las Cruces, however, is still safer than the national average, though choosing the city means risking being robbed more often than in other cities of comparable size in the Southwestern region.
What kind of crime and safety issues are most prevalent in rural areas?
Nevertheless, it is particularly known to the close vicinity of West Mexico suburbs in which offenses tend to be reduced noticeably. Living in the countryside has its advantages, such as not having to worry about safety issues. In New Mexico at least, the country is full of "break-ins, cattle rustling, and poachers."
Crimes related to the border of both these countries include drug and human trafficking. Here in southern New Mexico, by our geography with the Mexican border as one line of a triangle that runs from San Diego to Houston and beyond), more than one county qualifies for High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas designation by DEA.
Accidents and other aspects of environmental hazards
Whereas crime unfolds a drama that people are unable to ignore, Mother Nature poses equally serious safety risks to the lives of New Mexico residents. This area is relatively dry and mountainous and is at risk of experiencing multiple natural disaster events annually.
Thus, essentially the most crucial environmental threat in New Mexico is possibly wildfires. Drought and high wind, common in the region, escalate fire intensity and spread across thousands of acres of land each year. In the year 2022, New Mexico was ravaged by the biggest wildfire outbreak in the state’s history, the wildfires claiming over 700000 acres in total. Deliberate and accidental fires are common and the risks of evacuating due to smoke and fire are a part and parcel of life for many countryside dwellers.
Flash floods are commonplace in regions where wildfire seasons have occurred and are still prevalent. Arroyos and mesas are New Mexico’s features that during stormy monsoons flood with water and sand runoff in summertime. These highly dangerous flash floods have affected and killed campers, hikers as well as drivers almost every year.
Tornadoes are also possible, with the greatest hazard along the eastern plains and the area encompassing the Pecos River valley. It is rare to get tornadoes that originate east of Albuquerque and Roswell; however, EF3 tornadoes have occurred before.
Finally, many thunderstorms include hail and strong winds that are common in the northeastern part of New Mexico, especially in spring. The vicinity of Raton Pass along the I-25 corridor endures approximately billions of dollars in property loss from hailstorms every decade.
This is a measure to assess safety at the county level.
While the crime rate and disaster risks may differ significantly, it is crucial to understand these factors on a county level in New Mexico. When moving to a new place, assessing the crime statistics on the county level gives an actual perception of the area’s safety.
For this reason, we can confirm that Los Alamos County is the safest in New Mexico according to the following measures. This mountain county of the north is home to the Los Alamos National Laboratory and has the lowest level of violent crime in New Mexico. Yet, there are times when wildfires become a threat to the area, and radiation, at the lab used in nuclear research, is a very small and rare threat.
The safest county in New Mexico is De Baca County with a safety score of 1.325, while the second safest is Santa Fe County with 1.276 and Rio Arriba County with 1.255 is ranked #3. All of the rural counties in the following list have violent crime rates of 200 or less per 100,000 people. The southernmost Costilla has the highest crime index, while Doña Ana in the southern area including Las Cruces city stands second.
Tornado and severe thundershowers are most frequent in Curry and Roosevelt counties in Eastern New Mexico. While Southeast New Mexico has to cope with oil and gas industry emissions and a Crossfire Gas Plant, Catron County in the southwest corner is concerned with severe wildfire smoke and Border Patrol operations.
Is New Mexico Safe? How to Stay Protected
Although Albuquerque and several other areas of New Mexico are becoming notorious for high crime rates relative to other US states, there are many safe areas all over New Mexico. Choosing a safe neighborhood, avoiding trekking on some lonely pathways, and keeping an emergency pack can assist you avoid becoming a victim of crime or a natural catastrophe.
With more than 300 days of sunlight annually and a varied culture combining Native American, Hispanic, and Western elements, New Mexico is a wonderful area to live in despite the above-listed risks: its beauty is undeniable. Compared to the stunning natural surroundings and the appeal New Mexico may not be as dangerous as others would have you choose your place of residence or company activity.
