Crime Rates in New Mexico: Explaining Increased Crime Rates In New Mexico

Crime in New Mexico remains a significant concern—frequently ranking among the highest in the nation for both violent and property offenses. In this post, we unpack the latest data, explore drivers behind these troubling numbers, and highlight efforts underway to address public safety. Let’s dive in.

The State of Crime in New Mexico: How It Compares to National Rankings

According to the most recent data, New Mexico consistently sits near the top for both violent and property crime:

• The violent crime rate stands at 749 cases per 100,000 residents, more than double the national average. Property crime amounts to 2,888 per 100,000, which is roughly 51% above the national average.
• A U.S. News & World Report ranking similarly placed New Mexico as the most dangerous state, with those same crime figures.
• In addition, WorldPopulationReview reports a violent crime rate near 778 per 100,000, still among the highest nationwide.

These statistics paint a stark picture of the scale of crime challenges within the state.

Crime Rates in New Mexico: Historical and Regional Context

• Back in 2022:
  • New Mexico logged approximately 63,063 property crimes and 16,494 violent crimes.
  • The violent crime rate that year was about 780 per 100,000—105% above the national average, while the property crime rate was 2,984 per 100,000, 53% higher than the U.S. average.
  • Over the last decade (2012–2022), violent crime rose by 40% in New Mexico, even as the U.S. average slightly declined.

Such long-term growth reflects deep-seated issues that transcend any single event or policy.

Breaking Down the Numbers: 7 Crime Rates in New Mexico by Type

Violent Crimes

• Murder rate: 11.5 per 100,000, more than twice the U.S. average of 5.7.
• Aggravated assault: The leading violent offense, occurring at 612.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 132% higher than the national average.
• Rape: 52.7 per 100,000, nearly 39% above national users.
• Robbery: 72.9 per 100,000, modestly higher than average.

Property Crimes

• Burglary: 517.9 per 100,000, 106% higher than the national average.
• Larceny/theft: 1,850.1 per 100,000, 37% higher than U.S. norms.
• Motor vehicle theft: 519.5 per 100,000, a 63% increase over the national figure.

Taken together, these figures reinforce the urgent and widespread scope of crime across New Mexico.

Recent Developments: Is Crime Rates in New Mexico Improving?

There are glimmers of improvement amid the broader challenges:

• Data from early 2023 to 2024 shows a 6.36% decline in violent crime and a 3.77% drop in property crime. Notably, homicides dropped 10.26%, while robberies decreased by 35.33%.

While encouraging, these declines didn’t erase New Mexico’s top rankings in crime nationwide.

Crime Rates in New Mexico: Hotspots and Local Trends

Rural Emergency: Rio Arriba County

In August 2025, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency in Rio Arriba County, a rural region facing rising violent crime, drug trafficking, and substance abuse. The move unlocked $750,000 in funding for law enforcement, community safety, and support services. No National Guard deployment yet, but that option remains available.

Urban Response: Albuquerque Mobilizes

Earlier in April 2025, a similar emergency was declared for Albuquerque. The state deployed 60–70 National Guard personnel to assist law enforcement by handling non-enforcement duties—traffic control, crime scene support, drone operations—freeing police officers to concentrate on public safety.

Though somewhat controversial, these interventions underscore the severity of crime concerns across both rural and metropolitan areas.

Isolated Incidents: University of New Mexico Shooting

A tragic campus shooting at UNM in July 2025 left a 14-year-old dead and another injured. The suspect, aged 18, appeared to be under drug influence. The incident has intensified public discussion around gun violence and campus safety in Albuquerque.

Underlying Causes Behind High Crime Rates In New Mexico

High Crime rates New Mexico isn’t random—it’s rooted in multiple overlapping systemic issues:

• Economic hardship and poverty remain pervasive, especially in rural and tribal communities, limiting opportunities and access to services.
• Substance abuse, including opioids, meth, and alcohol, fuels both violent and property crimes, particularly in areas with poor access to treatment.
• Geographic and resource challenges hinder policing in vast, rural counties, where response times can be slow.
• Social and historical inequalities, including underinvestment in education, mental health, housing, and infrastructure, continue to amplify crime risk.

Statewide Initiatives: Reform and Recovery

Efforts to correct the high crime rates in New Mexico are multi-faceted:

• Governor Lujan Grisham proposed reforms focused on public safety, mental health, addiction treatment, and poverty reduction. Proposals include a $1 billion trust fund for mental health and addiction, along with stronger accountability for repeat offenders.
• The Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) department, launched in 2020, redirects non-violent emergency calls to trained responders, easing the burden on traditional police and improving service to vulnerable populations.

These initiatives reflect a recognition that public safety solutions must be systemic and community-based.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for New Mexico?

Crime rates in New Mexico remain one of the toughest challenges facing the state, but recent data and programs offer hope:

• Violent and property crime rates are among the highest nationally—but recent small declines signal that interventions may be working.
• Emergency declarations and National Guard deployment illustrate the urgency—but also the state’s willingness to act decisively.
• Long-term success depends on addressing root-causes: unemployment, addiction, poverty, and lack of mental health services.
• Continued police reform, community engagement, and alternate response models like ACS are essential parts of a modern, effective approach.

Conclusion

Crime rates in New Mexico face a complex and deeply entrenched crime landscape—characterized by high rates of violence and property offenses, persistent economic and social disparities, and geographic challenges. However, recent declines, strategic emergency actions, mental health investments, and innovative policing reforms indicate that progress is possible.

For crime rates in New Mexico to truly fall, New Mexico must double down on holistic strategies—targeting addiction, poverty, mental health, and community violence prevention, alongside modern, compassionate policing models. It’s a long journey ahead—but not an impossible one.