Alamosa, CO Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Alamosa, CO

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Alamosa crime rate is higher than the national average by 198.5%. Specifically, there were 76 violent crimes in Alamosa, equivalent to 770 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 108.1%. Furthermore, Alamosa recorded 609 property crimes, amounting to 6168 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 215.6%.

In Alamosa, the crime rate stands at 6937 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 198.49%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Alamosa that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.

Alamosa has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 770 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Alamosa falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 130 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Alamosa stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Alamosa, there were a total of 4 murders, translating to 41 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

Alamosa faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 6168 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Alamosa stands at 1 in 17, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Alamosa?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Alamosa residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 16 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 63% of Alamosa residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 38% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Alamosa a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Alamosa, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Alamosa presents a total crime rate that is 198% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Alamosa experiences an average of 1.88 daily crimes, comprising 0.21 violent incidents and 1.67 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Alamosa Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Alamosa. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Alamosa has increased by 19.8%. Violent crimes have decreased by 1.3%, while property crimes have increased by 23%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Alamosa

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Alamosa, the cost of living is 10.16% lower than the national average.

In Alamosa, the median home price stands at $153,800, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

In Alamosa, the average rental rates are $683 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Alamosa crime map