Carlsbad, NM Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Carlsbad, NM

The Carlsbad crime rates are 46.1% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 176 violent crimes in Carlsbad (558 per 100,000 people), which is 50.9% higher than the national average and there were a total of 895 property crimes (2838 per 100,000 residents) which is 45.2% higher than average.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Carlsbad is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Carlsbad reported a total of 145 vehicle thefts, resulting in 460 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 218, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Carlsbad?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Carlsbad residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 25 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 24% of Carlsbad 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, 76% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Carlsbad a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Carlsbad, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Carlsbad presents a total crime rate that is 46% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Carlsbad experiences an average of 2.93 daily crimes, comprising 0.48 violent incidents and 2.45 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 Carlsbad Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Carlsbad crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Carlsbad has increased by 11% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 16.6% and property crime has increased by 10%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Carlsbad

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Carlsbad crime rates. In Carlsbad, the poverty rate stands at 14.7%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

In Carlsbad, 80.2% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Carlsbad, the cost of living is 11.43% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Carlsbad crime map