Whether you’re a New Mexico resident or a tourist passing through, it’s a good idea to be informed about crime rates. These could be considered the 10 most dangerous cities in New Mexico based on these rates.

The good news is that overall murder rates in New Mexico have decreased in recent years, going down to 4.8 per 100,000 people—that’s still a hair above the U.S. average of 4.5 murders per 100,000 people. However, the rate of robberies in the state consistently remains below the national average.

That being said, you’re more likely to be a victim of crime in certain places in New Mexico. We’ve drawn data from Home Security Shield, because it ranks cities with populations above 5000, according to violent crime rates. The FBI combines the following offenses into the category of violent crime: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.

Update: Visit the Roadsnacks Most Dangerous Cities in New Mexico 2022 list for a more recent compilation, as data changes from year to year. Four cities from our list are included, with six that are different, including Gallup as the most dangerous town in New Mexico.

1. Española (population 10,329)

Crime is on the rise in Española and this trend is expected to continue in later years, with a predicted 303 incidents of violent crime. The rate of violent crime per 1000 residents is 26.14. This works out to 1 in 9 people in Española being victims of crime. Some may feel this makes it the worst city in New Mexico, but it is the starting or ending point for one of the most scenic byways in NM.

2. Gallup

(population 22,365)

Some statistics put Gallup ahead of Detroit in terms of crime! Your odds of becoming a crime victim are 1 in 9.

3. Artesia (population 11,389)

Since 2012, overall crime has trended upwards in Artesia. That being said, property crime is down. It is violent crime that’s on the rise. Overall, you have a 1 in 16 chance of being a victim of crime. If you're driving through, though, you might want to check out Artesia's bizarre roadside attraction!

4. Farmington

(population 45,328)

The likelihood that you will be a crime victim is 1 in 19 in Farmington.

5. Taos

(population 5722)

In Taos you have a 1 in 11 chance of falling prey to any form of crime. Those odds are worse than some of the towns and cities further up this list, but the order is based on violent crime. Property crime in Taos is 134% above the state average.

6. Socorro

(population 9069)

Both violent crime and property crime are more than 30% above the state average. The probability of being a crime victim in Socorro is 1 in 18.

7. Silver City

(10,285)

One in 1 in 14 people in Silver City fall victim to crime.

8. Albuquerque

(population 553,684)

Given that Albuquerque has the highest population in New Mexico, more crimes are going to occur in the city. However, your odds of being a victim are 1 in 16.

9. Hobbs (population 34,543)

1 in 19 people in Hobbs are victims of crime. And in fact, a notorious perpetrator is now in a Hobbs prison serving time for a crime he committed in a case that was solved thanks to Katie's Law, which led to a DNA match in the case that had been cold for 14 years!

10. Roswell

(population 48,623)

Both property crime and violent crime are above the national average in Roswell. The chances that you will be a crime victim are 1 in 17.

Are you surprised by any of the most dangerous cities in New Mexico on this list? Share your thoughts in the comments. On the opposite end of the spectrum, here are some of the safest places to live in New Mexico.