United States · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Albuquerque scores 68/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Albuquerque is moderately safe for travelers, requiring normal security precautions. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
United States · Assessed 29 July 2026
68
/ 100
Safer than ~69% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
No advisory against travel
“This travel advice also covers American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and United States Virgin Islands. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe.”
Updated 2026-07-23T16:13:06Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for United States: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
ModerateWorry about being mugged or robbed is a significant concern for residents, and violent crime is seen as a local problem.
Pickpocketing
ModerateProperty crime is reported as a major local problem, suggesting a risk of theft, particularly in crowded areas.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly negative
56/100
Local sentiment indicates significant concerns about crime, with a low score for feeling safe walking alone at night and a high score for worrying about mugging or robbery.
Albuquerque is moderately safe for travelers, requiring normal security precautions.
While official advisories are low-risk, local sentiment and crime statistics indicate higher concerns, particularly regarding property crime and personal safety after dark. Travelers should be aware of their surroundings and take standard precautions.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Albuquerque presents a mixed safety profile for travelers. While official government advisories from Canada and the UK suggest exercising normal security precautions, local sentiment and crime data indicate a higher level of concern, particularly regarding property crime and personal safety after dark. The composite safety index is moderate, but specific indicators like the crime index and the feeling of safety walking alone at night are considerably lower.
On the ground, travelers should be aware that property crime is considered a significant local problem, and there is a notable worry about being mugged or robbed. While violent crime has reportedly seen a decline, it still ranks high among major US cities. The dossier highlights that portions of Central Avenue, especially east of Carlisle and around the Fairgrounds, can be perceived as less safe after dark, as can smaller streets near Downtown. The areas around motels by the airport are also noted for potential illicit activities.
Recent news from the dossier indicates ongoing concerns, with reports of a spitting incident being investigated as a potential hate crime and arrests made in connection with a fatal shooting. Protests related to international events have also occurred in the city. Despite these concerns, official data shows low rates of sexual violence and a relatively low number of detected human-trafficking victims. Air quality is good, and there are no active disaster alerts or significant natural hazards.
To ensure a safe trip, travelers are advised to remain vigilant, especially during nighttime hours, and to avoid poorly lit or isolated areas. It is recommended to use ride-sharing services or taxis for transportation through areas perceived as less safe after sunset. Given Albuquerque's arid climate and high altitude, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using sunscreen to prevent sunburn are practical health tips. Be prepared to encounter beggars and vagrants, particularly around the University of New Mexico area.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 7 Albuquerque districts for visitors: 3 safer, 4 needing caution. See them plotted on the Albuquerque safety map.
DowntowncautionCan be dicey after dark, especially on side streets; property crime is a concern.
Central Avenue (East of Carlisle)cautionBecomes seedier and potentially unsafe, especially around the Fairgrounds after dark.
Central Avenue (West of Downtown to University Blvd)cautionCan be somewhat dangerous after dark; consider transport.
Airport Area MotelscautionMotels and parking lots can be sites for illicit activity; avoid engaging.
Nob Hill/UNM AreasaferGenerally considered safe, even at night, with a lively atmosphere.
Old TownsaferHistoric area, generally safe for visitors during daylight hours.
UptownsaferModern commercial and residential area, considered safe.
07 · After Dark
60% of people in United States say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2023).
Worry about being mugged or robbed is a significant concern for residents, and violent crime is seen as a local problem.
After dark, be most careful around Downtown, Central Avenue (East of Carlisle), Central Avenue (West of Downtown to University Blvd), Airport Area Motels. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Albuquerque's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Albuquerque is moderately safe for travelers, requiring normal security precautions. While official advisories are low-risk, local sentiment and crime statistics indicate higher concerns, particularly regarding property crime and personal safety after dark. Travelers should be aware of their surroundings and take standard precautions. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Central Avenue (East of Carlisle) after dark; Central Avenue (West of Downtown to University Blvd) after dark; Certain side streets in Downtown after dark. See the district-by-district safety map.
Albuquerque ranks #9 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 68/100. See the United States safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the United States safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: albuquerque.json (CC BY 4.0).
