Chaves County Crime & Safety

Chaves County, New Mexico

Safety Score

6/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

3343.1

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

743.4

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

2599.7

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

6/100

Higher = safer

State avg 45/100

State Safety Rank

#29

of 32 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Chaves County, New Mexico

Higher Crime Than National Benchmarks

Chaves County records a total crime rate of 3,343.1 per 100K, which exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. This elevated activity results in a local safety score of 94.7.

Ranking Below State Safety Levels

With a safety score of 94.7, Chaves County trails the New Mexico state average of 97.4. The total crime rate here is nearly double the statewide average of 1,638.5 per 100K.

More Activity Than Nearby Counties

Chaves County's crime rate of 3,343.1 is higher than neighbor Eddy County at 3,147.0 and significantly higher than De Baca County. This suggests a more active criminal landscape in the Roswell area than in surrounding rural sectors.

Analyzing the Crime Composition

Property crime is the most frequent issue, occurring at a rate of 2,599.7 per 100K. Violent crime, while lower at 743.4, still stays well above the national average of 369.8.

Proactive Steps for Homeowners

High property crime rates mean homeowners should be diligent about locking vehicles and securing garages. Installing visible security cameras can act as a powerful deterrent against opportunistic theft.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Chaves County, NM?

Chaves County has a total crime rate of 3343.1 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (743.4 per 100K) and property crimes (2599.7 per 100K).

Is Chaves County, NM safe?

Chaves County has a safety score of 6/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #29 out of 32 counties in New Mexico for safety (1 = safest).

How does Chaves County crime compare to the New Mexico average?

With a safety score of 94.7, Chaves County trails the New Mexico state average of 97.4. The total crime rate here is nearly double the statewide average of 1,638.5 per 100K.

What types of crime are most common in Chaves County?

Property crime is the most frequent issue, occurring at a rate of 2,599.7 per 100K. Violent crime, while lower at 743.4, still stays well above the national average of 369.8.

How is crime data measured and reported for Chaves County?

Crime data for Chaves County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Chaves County?

Chaves County has a safety score of 6/100, which is below the New Mexico average of 45/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.