Revealing the Shadows: The Ten Most Dangerous Cities in New Mexico for 2024 – Looking Into the Hidden Side of the Southwest

Revealing New Mexico’s Ranking: The Nation’s Second-Most Dangerous State

Risk Factors: Unlawful Immigration and Economic Inequalities

As stated in the Southwest Journal, New Mexico is the second most dangerous state in the United States, and the state’s darker truths come to light. By examining crime data from 22 cities, it can be seen that risks are increased by things like economic inequality and illegal immigration. Because of the higher-than-usual rates of violent and property crime, both locals and tourists must exercise extreme caution when traveling in these urban environments.

New Mexico is the second most dangerous state in the United States (PHOTO: Vogue)

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 A Glimpse into Crime Rates and Safety Concerns in New Mexico

Belen

Belen Residents here face daunting odds, with a 1 in 49 chance of experiencing serious crimes like murder, rape, robbery, or aggravated assault. Sadly, Belen finds itself among New Mexico’s most dangerous cities for 2022, making it a challenging place to call home.

Gallup

Gallup, a town in the northwest of New Mexico that gained notoriety after being featured in the famous song “Route 66,” is not in a particularly favorable situation. Gallup has garnered a reputation for being first in the state for property crime and second in the state for violent crime, despite its historical appeal. With 21,935 residents, the city’s worrisome crime statistics include 437 violent offenses and 987 cases of personal property crime. Passengers should be cautious and watch out for any dangers to their valuables.

Deming

Once dubbed “New Chicago” for its promising location at a major railway intersection, Deming’s aspirations for growth have been overshadowed by its crime rates. Deming continues to hold its place among New Mexico’s most dangerous cities, underscoring the challenges its inhabitants face in pursuit of safety and security.

Bernalillo

Bernalillo has a reputation for being a wine-growing region, but in 2022, it also became one of the most violent cities in New Mexico. The 10,353 residents of the city face a 1 in 121 risk of falling victim to violent crime, particularly severe assault. Bernalillo, which is located in the magnificent Sandia Mountains, has had a sharp increase in crime, which is a depressing reminder of the challenges towns confront in striking a balance between public safety and natural beauty.

Taos

Taos is an artistic refuge blighted by safety problems, set amid the stunning background of the Sangre de Cristos Mountains. There is a significant risk for the 5,963 residents, with a 1 in 18 probability of becoming victims of property crime. Even though Taos’s crime rate dropped from the previous year, it is still one of the most dangerous cities in New Mexico, and potential residents are advised not to ignore safety concerns in the city’s captivating cultural scene.

Las Cruces

Las Cruces is the second-biggest city in the state and the home of New Mexico State University, yet there are rising worries about safety. The likelihood of violent crime is 1 in 201 for locals, and the likelihood of property crime is 1 in 27. Considered one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, Las Cruces faces the twin challenges of rapidly increasing population and rising crime rates. As such, the community is encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance in protecting their personal property and well-being.

Artesia

Residents of Artesia are advised to walk with caution along Main Street in light of the alarming crime figures. The town has a population of 12,366 but ranks tenth in the state for violent and property crime. Named after the artesian springs in the area, Artesia grapples with a 1 in 32 chance of property crime and a 1 in 190 chance of violent crime. Despite these alarming figures, the town paradoxically retains its status as one of New Mexico’s best places to live, underscoring the complexities of community safety.

Clovis

Clovis, which is near the Texas border, is one of the most dangerous cities in New Mexico despite its diversity. Clovis, so named because of prehistoric settlers who are thought to have moved there in search of mammoths, has alarmingly high rates of rape and murder. Despite this, locals take comfort in the city’s improved ranking on the list, which is evidence of continuous efforts to address safety concerns amid the city’s rich cultural diversity.

Roswell

Infamous for the UFO incident of 1947, Roswell has earned a reputation as one of New Mexico’s most dangerous cities in 2024. Serving as the county seat of Chaves County and hosting Eastern New Mexico University, Roswell struggles with high rates of property crime, particularly robbery. Despite its historical intrigue, the city finds itself on the list of New Mexico’s worst places to live, highlighting the sobering reality faced by its residents amidst rumors of extraterrestrial encounters.

Los Lunas

The rapid expansion causes Los Lunas to become a risk hotspot, and by 2024, it ranks among the most dangerous cities in New Mexico. Though the city is only 19 miles away from Albuquerque, it faces unsettling statistics, such as a 1 in 24 risk of becoming a victim of property crime. Wealthy residents of Los Lunas are encouraged to be especially cautious when protecting their belongings from possible dangers, even though their neighborhood is a part of the larger Albuquerque metropolitan region.

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