Awe-inspiring landscapes and low crime? Yes, please.
New Mexico offers more than just stunning views. Across the state, you’ll find cities with low crime, affordable living, and a strong sense of community from mountain towns to desert suburbs.
Why it matters: Safety is a top priority for homebuyers. These cities prove you don’t have to sacrifice security to enjoy the Land of Enchantment’s stunning scenery and economic growth.
What’s ahead: We break down crime rates, cost of crime, and local perks in the 10 safest cities, so you can find the peace of mind you’re looking for.
1. Rio Rancho
A fast-growing hub on Albuquerque’s edge
Crime Rate Comparison: 41st percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 27.34, Violent: 4.173, Property: 12.65
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $1,258/$455
Rio Rancho, close to Albuquerque, has built its own identity as a hub for high-tech jobs, anchored by employers like Intel. Along with an affordable housing market, nearby national parks, world-class museums, archeological ruins and breathtaking landscapes, Rio Rancho offers a quieter lifestyle with excellent schools, reliable public services, and a strong sense of community.
2. Lovington
Safe, friendly, and uncrowded
Crime Rate Comparison: 32nd percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 30.81, Violent: 4.331, Property: 14.27
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $2,970/$874
Rooted in oil and gas production, Lovington balances economic momentum with a low cost of living. Community safety programs like neighborhood watch help keep crime in check while preserving small-town charm in southeastern New Mexico. Proximity to Lubbock, Texas, provides access to larger city.
3. Alamogordo
Majestic landscapes, secure living
Crime Rate Comparison: 28th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 32.65, Violent: 4.734, Property: 15.16
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $1,365/$557
Close to the Chihuahuan Desert and Las Cruces, Alamogordo is bordered by both the Sacramento Mountains and the White Sands National Monument. Known for its connection to the first explosion of an atomic bomb at the White Sands Missile Range, it is an unofficial center for research on the nascent U.S. space program; nearby Holloman Air Force Base is a major local employer. Its affordability with a low cost of living and reasonably priced homes makes it a great place to put down roots.
4. Artesia
Reliable roots, modest risk
Crime Rate Comparison: 27th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 33.53, Violent: 5.200, Property: 17.22
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $1,991/$759
Set in the heart of southeastern New Mexico’s oil and gas country, Artesia blends small-town familiarity, a relatively strong sense of safety, and affordability. Though crime rates sit just below the national midpoint, most incidents are non-violent, and property related. Enjoy a walkable downtown filled with public art, and proximity to Carlsbad Caverns and Roswell.
5. Anthony
Rural charm with urban access
Crime Rate Comparison: 25th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 34.51, Violent: 4.419, Property: 17.62
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $2,012/$653
Anthony sits near the New Mexico-Texas border, offering easy access to El Paso and Las Cruces. A relatively low cost of living and affordable housing market close to the Franklin Mountains makes it a draw. Wine lovers appreciate La Viña Winery and the Mesa Vista Winery Tasting Room.
6. Aztec
Rich heritage, youthful energy
Crime Rate Comparison: 22nd percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents):
Overall: 36.56, Violent: 6.039, Property: 20.24
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $1,722/$631
Small but mighty, Aztec sits in northwestern New Mexico, just 15 miles from Farmington. With a youthful feel, cultural heritage, proximity to the Aztec Ruins National Monument, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, residents appreciate its safe environment and low-cost housing.
7. Sunland Park
Border city with room to grow
Crime Rate Comparison: 21st percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 37.34, Violent: 4.759, Property: 19.96
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $2,170/$706
Tucked along the Texas border minutes from El Paso, Sunland Park offers desert views, access to big-city amenities, and a multicultural community. While crime rates trend higher – driven mostly by property-related offenses – violent crime remains relatively low. Residents benefit from affordable housing, proximity to jobs in El Paso and Juárez, and attractions like Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino and nearby hiking in the Franklin Mountains. Affordability meets opportunity with safety gradually improving.
8. Corrales
New Mexico’s safest treasure
Crime Rate Comparison: 18th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 39.69, Violent: 5.575, Property: 20.80
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $1,461/$601
Corrales is a rural village just northwest of Albuquerque, known for its horse properties, vineyards, galleries, and seasonal festivals. Residents find a low crime rate and a high quality of life.
9. Ruidoso
Mountain charm with a secure embrace
Crime Rate Comparison: 14th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 43.45, Violent: 7.629, Property: 20.12
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $1,778/$767
Nestled in the Sierra Blanca mountain range, Ruidoso exudes history and culture. Outdoor lovers enjoy alpine skiing, golf, and hundreds of miles of trails for hiking or horseback riding. The Lincoln National Forest and the Mescalero Apache Reservation are big tourism draws. Affordable and diverse housing along with a lower cost of living put this secure New Mexico locale on the map.
10. Los Alamos
Innovation and vigilance in harmony
Crime Rate Comparison: 11th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 47.22, Violent: 4.241, Property: 27.69
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $1,363/$604
Los Alamos is a fast-growing town with top-rated schools, strong housing options, and local entertainment. The community takes a proactive approach to maintaining security with the Community Watch program and high civic engagement. Located about 35 miles northwest of Santa Fe and roughly 100 miles from Albuquerque, Los Alamos is best known as the birthplace of the atomic bomb and is home to Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), a massive research facility employing thousands of scientists, engineers, and security personnel.
The Bottom Line
New Mexico’s safest cities deliver more than just scenic beauty. They provide secure, community-focused living. From high desert charm to family-friendly suburbs, New Mexico’s safest cities offer quality of life, affordability, and natural beauty in one captivating package.
The "Safest Cities" series evaluates and ranks the safest cities in each U.S. state using crime data from the FBI and state databases. Our analysis considers population size, violent and nonviolent crime rates, the most common crime, and comparisons to national and state averages. Violent crimes include homicide, assault, robbery, and sexual assault, while nonviolent crimes encompass burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offenses. Each city’s safety score is weighted, emphasizing violent crimes. Data inconsistencies and reporting variations are acknowledged as limitations. This analysis aims to help individuals and families make informed decisions about where to live.
Other New Mexico Resources
Best Suburbs Surrounding Santa Fe, New Mexico
Moving to Santa Fe, NM? Read Our Relocation Guide
Best Tiny Home Builders in New Mexico
Best State Parks in New Mexico
How to Build a House in New Mexico
The Top 10 Most Affordable Cities in New Mexico
Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.