Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque NM scores 1/100 on safety (well below average). Crime is about 187% above the national average. Research block-level crime data and visit after dark before you commit.

Detail: overall crime index 287 (100 = avg); violent crime index 331; property crime index 243. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

Campus scores in the report: Albuquerque Elementary (elementary) at 7/10; Albuquerque Middle School (middle) at 7/10; Albuquerque High School (high) at 8/10. On this 10-point scale, 7 is solidly middle; 9 is a standout.

District picture: about B+ (above average) · Top 35% statewide. Student-teacher staffing: 16:1. If schools drive your move, compare the specific campuses that serve your target address against statewide peers.

Typical rent in Albuquerque is about $1,464/month (moderate). At $1,464/month for a typical unit, you need about $52,704+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $246,000.

Median household income is $61,503, property taxes run about 1.45%, and homes typically sell in around 28 days. Local median income ($61,503) clears the $52,704 comfort line for that rent.

Walk Score 68 (Somewhat Walkable); transit score 42 (Some Transit).

Average temperature is about 83°F (highs near 93°F, lows near 74°F).

Midafternoon outdoor time is limited most of summer without shade and water. Plan on summer electric bills around $200–$300/month for a typical apartment if you run AC hard. If you visit, go in July or August. That is the real test.

Who tends to thrive in Albuquerque: (1) People who genuinely love heat and do not mind living indoors June through September (highs near 93°F) (2) Households earning $52,704+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $1,464/month (3) Movers with a locked job offer in Albuquerque who already priced rent, schools, and commute (4) Buyers comparing mid-size metros who will tour multiple ZIPs before signing

Who should look elsewhere: (1) People with young kids who want to let them roam freely (crime pressure is real here; safety 1/100) (2) People who need outdoor time year-round for their mental health (summers lock you inside for 3–4 months; highs near 93°F) (3) Households expecting top marks on rent, safety, and schools at once (Albuquerque does not clear every bar)

Income sniff test: clear about $52,704 household income for $1,464/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Moving to Albuquerque requires serious research first. Safety scores 1/100 which is significantly below average. If you have a specific reason to be here that justifies the tradeoff, go in with eyes open on neighborhood selection.