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Popular media and Instagram reels might have you wondering, how safe is El Paso, Texas? With so many police TV shows and gang-related activities in Sun City, it’s understandable to be hesitant to visit El Paso—especially as a tourist.
Off the bat, I’m here to put your mind at ease. Believe it or not, El Paso is the fifth safest major city in the US, with the 2nd lowest property crime rate and 3rd lowest violent crime rate for a city with over 500,000 people.
So if you’re looking for a safe, affordable place to travel or move into, El Paso is a fantastic choice!
Is El Paso Safe?
With a population of over 670,000, El Paso—the second-largest major-Hispanic city in the US—is one of the safest cities in the country. It has the 2nd lowest property crime rate and 3rd lowest violent crime rate for a city with over 500,000 people. This is mostly thanks to its strong border security, large military presence, and tight-knit communities.
According to Neighborhood Scout, a nationwide resource for crime data, this city is safer than 38% of US Cities. It has an annual crime rate of 10,795, of which 2,175 are violent crimes, and 8,620 are property crimes.
If you were to live in El Paso, your chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 312. For property crime, your chances are much higher: 1 in 79.
But as someone who’s lived in El Paso for most of my life, these numbers are merely hypothetical. I’ve never felt unsafe in my neighborhood, even as a woman. I’ve never experienced anything close to a violent crime near or around my area, either. As long as you practice mindful caution, you won’t constantly have to be on your guard in El Paso.
That said, crime does happen in El Paso from time to time, especially in less fortunate areas. Here’s a breakdown of both violent and property crimes in El Paso in 2021:
| Violent Crimes in 2021 | |
| Murder | 28 |
| Rape | 263 |
| Robbery | 291 |
| Assault | 1,593 |
| Total | 2,175 |
| Property Crimes in 2021 | |
| Burglary | 866 |
| Theft | 7,337 |
| Vehicle Theft | 417 |
| Total | 8,620 |
How Many Sex Offenders Live in El Paso?
As of July 15, 2022, there are a total of 1,232 registered sex offenders living in this city. When all residents are considered, the resident-sex offender ratio is 1 to 554—significantly lower than the state average.
Compared to the nearest cities, El Paso falls just between Santa Teresa (1 in 733) and Vinton (1 in 311).
You can find all 1000+ registered El Paso sex offenders on the El Paso City Data website, along with a comprehensive map showing where they live.
Top Safest Neighborhoods in El Paso, Texas
Although El Paso boasts a low crime rate for a city with over 500,000 residents, some El Paso neighborhoods are safer than others. So if you’re planning to move here soon, consider the following locations:
Album Park
Ideal for large families, young professionals, and retirees, Album Park, has plenty of parks, family-friendly activities, and top-tier restaurants to visit.
It’s safer than 84% of El Paso neighborhoods and extremely budget-friendly. Album Park’s median monthly rent is just under $800. Its median property purchase price is $129,000.
Cielo Vista
Cielo Vista is another family-friendly neighborhood in El Paso. It’s safer than 87% of El Paso neighborhoods, with a near non-existent crime rate.
At affordable prices, Cielo Vista boasts numerous Spanish-style homes, Mid-Century Modern ranches, and contemporary apartments. It has a median monthly rent of $560 and a median property purchase price of $122,000.
Mesa Hills
Mesa Hills is arguably the safest neighborhood in El Paso. It’s safer than 89% of the city’s neighborhoods, despite being 15 minutes away from downtown El Paso.
Mesa Hills has everything you want as a young professional or parent. It has affordable housing, an average monthly rent of $700, and great schools like IDEA Mesa Hills.
Least Safe Neighborhoods in El Paso, Texas
Here are some of the least safe cities in El Paso, according to crime rate percentage:
Central El Paso
Developed in 1827, Central El Paso is El Paso’s oldest and most historic neighborhood. With approximately 130,000, it’s often the go-to travel spot for El Paso citizens and tourists.
Unfortunately, it isn’t the safest city in El Paso, with a 92% higher crime rate than the national average per 100,000 people. Of this, violent crimes occur 176% more than most El Paso cities.
Borderland
With a population of about 1,400, you’d think Borderland is a fairly safe neighborhood. After all, the bigger the city, the higher the crime rate.
Unfortunately, it’s not so with Borderland, despite its A+ amenities, housing, and cost of living.
Crimes occur 372% more than in the entirety of El Paso. It has a violent crime rate of 1,494 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 2,446 per 100,000 people. This makes its crimes 68% higher than the national average.
Las Tierras
Las Tierras is less dangerous than Borderland, and Central El Paso combined, but it‘s still one of the more crime-ridden cities of El Paso.
It has 77% more crime than most El Paso cities, with 559 violent crimes and 2,425 property crimes per 100,000 people. Crime in Las Tierras occurs 27% more than the national average.
El Paso FAQs
Is El Paso safe at night?
El Paso is safe to walk at night, provided you’re in a well-lit area. I’m lucky never to encounter muggings or any of that sort living in El Paso.
Remember: as with most major cities, always be attentive to your surroundings when walking at night, especially if you’re alone. Walking amongst people is best to minimize the risk of mugging and other crimes.
Is El Paso Texas, a good place to live?
According to KFOX News, El Paso ranks fourth on the list of best places to live and work in the US. A study conducted by Bankrate states that El Paso has an affordability rating of 10 out of 10, a wellness rating of 9 out of 10, and a safety rating of 8 out of 10.
References
- Registered sex offenders in El Paso, Texas: https://www.city-data.com/so/so-El-Paso-Texas.html
- Crime rates in El Paso, Texas: https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/tx/el-paso/crime
- Crime rates in Central El Paso: https://www.areavibes.com/el+paso-tx/central/crime/
- El Paso ranks fourth in the US for best places to live and work: https://kfoxtv.com/news/local/el-paso-ranks-fourth-in-us-for-best-places-to-live-and-work-remotely
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Christian Linden is a seasoned writer and contributor at Texas View, specializing in topics that resonate with the Texan community. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge in local politics, culture, and lifestyle. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Texas. When he's not writing, Christian enjoys spending weekends traveling across Texas with his family, exploring everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes.
