Desert Ridge Neighborhood, Rio Rancho

Last updated: May 2, 2026

Crime Rate & Statistics

B

Good safety — crime rates are below the national average

Summary: Desert Ridge, Rio Rancho Crime Rate (2026)

Desert Ridge in Rio Rancho, NM has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 176, which is 76% above the national average.

Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: May 2, 2026.

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High
Low 176 / 300 High
Violent Crime 183
83% above national avg
Property Crime 159
59% above national avg

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in Rio Rancho

Is Desert Ridge Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood has good safety. Desert Ridge in Rio Rancho, NM has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 176, which is 76% above the national average of 100.

Compared to the Rio Rancho average (crime index 61), Desert Ridge is 115% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 192, 92% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 122). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.

Highest Risk
Assault · Index 192 (92% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Burglary · Index 122 (22% above avg)

Desert Ridge Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Rio Rancho city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
178 +78% High
Assault
192 +92% High
Robbery
178 +78% High
Rape
182 +82% High
Property Crime
Burglary
122 +22% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
175 +75% High
Vehicle Theft
179 +79% High

How Desert Ridge Compares

Crime index by category: Desert Ridge vs Rio Rancho average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Desert Ridge Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Desert Ridge Demographics & Context

Population
57
Median Income
$44,074
Home Value
$327,895
Median Age
53
Pop. Density
2,594/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 8.5%
Graduate Degree 13.3%

Housing

23%
77%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 74.4%
Black 3%
Hispanic 40.6%
Asian 2%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Sara Meadows Index: 113
A
Southeast Villa Verde Index: 100
A
Panorama Heights East Index: 130
A-
The Island at Rio Rancho Index: 55
A
Esplanade Index: 155
A-
High Resort Index: 45
A
Renaissance Index: 57
A
High Resort Village Index: 63
A
Desert Ridge Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood
Rio Rancho Crime Statistics
View all Rio Rancho neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Desert Ridge, Rio Rancho?

Desert Ridge in Rio Rancho, NM has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 176, which is 76% above the national average. Compared to the Rio Rancho average, crime in Desert Ridge is 115% higher.

Is Desert Ridge a safe neighborhood in Rio Rancho?

Desert Ridge is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Rio Rancho, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Assault (index: 192), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 122).

How does Desert Ridge compare to the rest of Rio Rancho?

Desert Ridge's overall crime index is 176, compared to the Rio Rancho average of 61. This means crime in Desert Ridge is 115% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 183, and for property crime it is 159. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.

What type of crime is most common in Desert Ridge?

The most prevalent crime type in Desert Ridge is Assault, with a crime index of 192 (92% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near Desert Ridge?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Sara Meadows, Southeast Villa Verde, Panorama Heights East and The Island at Rio Rancho. These areas are close to Desert Ridge and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Desert Ridge?

Desert Ridge has a population of approximately 57. The median household income is $44,074. The median home value is $327,895. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Desert Ridge crime compare to the national average?

Desert Ridge's overall crime rate is 76% above the national average (index 176 vs 100). For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.

Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated May 2026.