New Mexico has the highest rate of residential crimes in the US, according to an analysis of FBI crime data by the Omega Law Group. The study examined the number of crimes committed in residences per 100,000 residents across all 50 states, revealing significant regional differences in residential safety.
New Mexico recorded 3,465. A 75 residential crimes per 100,000 people, far exceeding other states.
States with the highest residential crime rates
- New Mexico — 3,465.75
- Kansas — 2,865.15
- Tennessee — 2,733.73
- South Carolina — 2,693.54
- Louisiana — 2,688.16
Kansas followed New Mexico with a rate 17.3% lower, while Tennessee, South Carolina, and Louisiana completed the top five. Higher residential crime rates were particularly concentrated in the South and Midwest.
States with the lowest residential crime rates
- Hawaii — 627.52
- New Jersey — 1,037.23
- Vermont — 1,110.49
- New Hampshire — 1,229.13
- Maine — 1,245.23
Hawaii emerged as the safest state, with a residential crime rate nearly six times lower than New Mexico’s. The Northeast featured prominently among the lowest-risk areas, highlighting potential regional factors influencing residential security.
“These numbers tell an important story about regional safety patterns across America,” said a spokesperson from Omega Law Group. “Many factors contribute to residential crime rates, including economic conditions, population density, and law enforcement resources.”
The spokesperson also noted the stark contrast between the highest and lowest states: “The five-fold difference demonstrates that location plays a major role in determining residential safety risks. We recommend residents research their local crime statistics and take reasonable precautions. Even in states with lower crime rates, basic security measures remain important.”
The analysis draws on verified FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data, focusing specifically on incidents in residential settings. While broader property crime trends, including burglaries, have declined in many areas, residential-specific risks vary widely by state. Factors such as poverty levels, urban-rural divides, and policing resources often correlate with these patterns.
Residents in higher-risk states may benefit from enhanced home security, while those in lower-risk areas should not become complacent. The findings emphasise that understanding local crime data can help homeowners assess their risk and take practical steps to protect their homes and communities.