Top 10 Safest Cities in New Mexico

Deserving of its nickname, “Land of Enchantment,” New Mexico is a haven for those who are mesmerized by clear night skies, ancient landforms and awe-inspiring scenery.

Not surprisingly, tourism is a major economic driver in this beautiful state, but so is oil and gas production. New Mexico ranks among the top natural oil and gas producers in the United States, which has helped usher in a more positive economy including an uptick in home sales. A median home price of $187,000 doesn’t hurt either. Home buyers often consider many factors when thinking about moving to a new area – affordability, nearby schools and, perhaps most important, safety. So how does New Mexico stack up when it comes to safe communities? Prepare to be enchanted as we explore the 10 safest cities in New Mexico to build your dream home.

The Top 10 Safest Cities in New Mexico

1. Corrales

• Population: 8,544
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 35
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 349.8
• Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny

79% Below National Crime Rate

Corrales tops the charts as the safest city in New Mexico. Proud residents aggressively strive to ensure their community maintains a rural flavor. Folks here desire a slower pace, but don’t think of it as boring. This historic village is alive and active, offering unique restaurants, galleries to explore and epic festivals. It’s definitely a city to check out when considering a move to New Mexico.

2. Los Alamos

• Population: 12,373
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 127.1
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 466
• Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny

72% Below National Crime Rate

Sliding in at a close second is Los Alamos, Spanish for “the cottonwoods” or “the poplars.” This quickly growing town is considered one of the best places in the state to raise a family thanks to top schools and housing opportunities — and for its bountiful supply of entertainment options. Come scout out your new home — they start around $300,000.

3. Rio Rancho

• Population: 94,765
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 202.3
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,225.9
• Most Common Crime: Property

28% Below National Crime Rate

Rio Rancho, one of the state’s fastest-growing cities, takes third on our safest cities list. Just on the outskirts of Albuquerque, this town is a hub for cultural diversity. Folks here boast of the nearby national parks, world-class museums, archeological ruins and breathtaking landscapes, most an easy day-trip away.

4. Grants

• Population: 9,063
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 211.5
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 656.9
• Most Common Crime: Property

33% Below National Crime Rate

You may want to keep this vibrant town about an hour west of Albuquerque on your radar. Once known for the uranium mining in the region, Grants is a laid-back community where the Main Street farmers market is the place to be on Saturdays. Homes are quite reasonable; the median price of $103,200 is 44% percent less than the U.S. average.    

5. Lovington

• Population: 11,575
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 134.2
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,190.2
• Most Common Crime: Property

35% Below National Crime Rate

Safe, friendly and uncrowded, Lovington is calling you home. Bustling with economic development, the town also offers a low cost of living. The average home price is right at $100,000, while some new construction homes come with a price tag of just over $200,000.

6. Anthony

• Population: 9,368
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 440.2
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 161.1
• Most Common Crime: Property

66% Below National Crime Rate

Anthony is a hidden gem for wine tasters. Come explore La Viña Winery and the Mesa Vista Winery Tasting Room. This town is only a hop, skip and a jump from the Texas border. You can also saddle up and join a horseback riding tour or practice your swing at the golf course. After all, the weather here is almost perfect year-round.

7. Raton

• Population: 6,145
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 218.1
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,476.5
• Most Common Crime: Property

14% Above National Crime Rate

The picturesque landscapes of Raton are undeniably breathtaking. Locals say this town offers a getaway from the hustle and bustle of big cities. With access to world-class parks for hiking, camping and fishing, residents spend an inordinate amount of time outdoors — and don’t feel one bit guilty. From coal mining camps to Railroad Wars and the Santa Fe Trail, there are plenty of pieces of history to discover.

8. Alamogordo

• Population: 31,230
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 306.4
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 2,610.7
• Most Common Crime: Property

39% Above National Crime Rate

Alamogordo is close to the Chihuahuan Desert and is bordered by both the Sacramento Mountains and the White Sands National Monument. You can only imagine how majestic the sunsets are, and it can be yours with homes priced around $125,000. The town is known for its connection to the first explosion of an atomic bomb at the White Sands Missile Range and later as an unofficial center for research on the nascent U.S. space program; nearby Holloman Air Force Base is a major local employer.

9. Ruidoso

• Population: 7,757
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 38
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 460
• Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny

29% Above National Crime Rate

Ruidoso exudes history and culture. Outdoor enthusiasts will never get bored, not with alpine skiing and hundreds of miles of trails for hiking or horseback riding. And naturally, there’s year-round golf. The town’s economy is improving, while the cost of living remains low — 12.9 percent lower than the national average. So a $200,000 new home is not out of reach for those who want to relocate to Ruidoso.

10. Aztec

• Population: 6,369
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 375.7
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,541.9
• Most Common Crime: Property

8% Above National Crime Rate

Aztec may be small, but it is loaded with culture, rich tradition and history. The median age is 33, which gives the community a youthful feel, and the town has a low cost of living. It’s a tight-knit community where residents enjoy getting together. That includes living in the fast lane at Kart Kanyon Speedway and Aztec Motocross.