Is El Paso Safe? Crime Overview, Safe Spots, and Avoid Zones

• El Paso is a city that attracts newcomers, families, and travelers alike. Many people ask, “is El Paso safe?” While the city has a reputation for being calmer than other border towns, it’s important to understand local safety patterns and how to protect yourself. Knowing crime trends, safe neighborhoods, and practical precautions helps you make informed decisions whether living, visiting, or commuting in the area.

   

  

El Paso Safety Landscape: Key Safety Considerations and Current Crime Trends

Before choosing where to live or visit, it’s important to understand El Paso’s overall safety picture. The city has made headlines for being one of the safest border towns in the U.S., yet like any urban area, it faces crime challenges that require awareness.

Below is the latest crime rate in El Paso Texas, 2024:

Violent Crime

El Paso recorded a total of 1,890 violent crimes in last year.

The majority of these offenses came from aggravated assaults, which accounted for 1,614 cases, representing approximately 85% of all violent crime.

Robberies were the second-largest contributor at 252 incidents, while more severe but less frequent offenses included 20 murders and 4 rapes.

Overall, El Paso’s violent crime profile is dominated by assault-type incidents rather than homicide or sexual violence, indicating a pattern of interpersonal conflict rather than lethal crime.

Property Crime

El Paso recorded 10,142 property crimes in last year — excluding arson.

Within this category, larceny-theft made up the overwhelming majority with 7,280 cases (over 70% of total property crime).

Motor vehicle theft followed with 1,910 reported cases, and burglary accounted for another 952 incidents.

It’s important to note that Arson (69 cases) is reported separately and is not included in the official property crime total.

This separation means the true sum of all property-related offenses including arson would be 10,211, but the FBI’s reporting standard counts arson as its own category.

Local law enforcement initiatives, such as the Safe Streets Operation, enhance patrols during peak events like the Fourth of July. Programs like Crime Stoppers target organized criminal activity, helping reduce risks in neighborhoods. For residents and newcomers, this combination of vigilance and proactive policing contributes to a lower El Paso crime rate compared to other large U.S. cities.

The Safest Places to Stay in El Paso

For anyone wondering, “is El Paso Texas safe?”, these neighborhoods show how many parts of the metro area offer a secure and welcoming setting.

North Hills East

This quiet area sits along the foothills of the Franklin Mountains. It offers calm streets, cul-de-sacs, and stable rental options that attract families and long-term residents. Schools perform above average, and local parks give the neighborhood a peaceful feel. Commutes to major spots in Northeast El Paso and Fort Bliss are short, making the area ideal for those who want a balance of nature and suburban convenience.

Morningside Heights

If you want quick access to central El Paso without paying high downtown prices, Morningside Heights meets that need. Walkable streets connect residents to shops, dining, and entertainment. Community safety programs and active neighborhood watch groups help reduce risks. While property crime can occur, the affordable rent keeps this neighborhood appealing to students and young professionals.

Album

Album offers a middle-ground option for renters who want convenience without the higher cost of northern communities. Schools, parks, and shopping centers create a self-sufficient environment. Although incidents occur slightly more often than in North Hills East, strong community participation and moderate rent make Album a practical choice for families and commuters.

Horizon City

Just outside El Paso, Horizon City remains one of the safest and fastest-growing suburbs. Wide streets, spacious homes, and active community policing contribute to its calm atmosphere. Families appreciate the larger rental homes and reputable schools. The longer commute into central El Paso is the main tradeoff, but the extra space and safety make it worth the drive for many.

Los Paseos

Los Paseos provides solid value for renters seeking affordable homes near schools, shopping, and parks. Property crime is a recurring concern, but most incidents involve nonviolent theft. Residents choose this area for its practicality, accessibility, and convenience to east-side businesses and roadways.

Pebble Hills North

This east-side neighborhood attracts families with its mix of older homes and new developments. Shops, dining, and schools are close by. Crime trends mirror those in Los Paseos, but residents often point to strong police visibility and engaged community patrols. The area’s affordability and growing infrastructure make it appealing for long-term renters.

San Elizario

San Elizario blends historic charm with suburban calm. Architectural landmarks and cultural attractions give the community a unique character. Violent crime runs slightly above the city average, but property crime remains low. Renters choose San Elizario for its open space, affordable homes, and short drive to East El Paso job centers.

Castner Heights

This long-established neighborhood sits near Fort Bliss and offers older but well-maintained homes at affordable prices. Local parks and community events keep residents connected. Property crime levels are somewhat elevated, but the neighborhood’s strong community feel helps offset concerns. For consistent affordability, Castner Heights remains a reliable option.

Areas to Avoid in El Paso

Some parts of the city need more caution, especially for newcomers.

Central

Central’s high density brings busy streets, mixed residential blocks, and active businesses. These factors contribute to higher crime levels. People living or working here need to stay alert and use safe routes, especially at night and during peak activity hours.

Las Tierras

Las Tierras has a notable rate of violent crime, though it is not as intense as in the most challenging neighborhoods. Residents often rely on routine safety habits and active neighborhood groups to reduce risk.

Eagle Neighborhood

Eagle is smaller in size, but crime rates remain higher than expected for such a compact community. Staying alert and practicing basic precautions are important for residents and visitors.

Magoffin

Magoffin is known for its cultural significance, but it also faces persistent safety issues. Staying aware of surroundings and avoiding isolated areas helps minimize risk.

Chihuahua

Chihuahua’s small population means that crime can feel more concentrated. Residents and visitors benefit from additional caution, especially during quiet hours.

Alameda Business

As a mostly commercial zone, Alameda Business can experience incidents tied to high foot traffic and late-night activity. People working in or traveling through the area should keep valuables secure and stay aware of their surroundings.

Safety Tips for Visitors and Residents in El Paso

Staying safe in El Paso requires a mix of awareness, planning, and smart technology. Here are practical strategies to consider:

Plan Your Routes

Stick to main roads and well-lit paths. Use maps or navigation apps to avoid isolated areas, especially at night. Areas with more pedestrian activity are generally safer.

Lock Doors and Windows

Always lock your home and car, and keep valuables out of sight. Installing security cameras adds an extra layer of protection. Systems like the eufy Poe NVR Security System S4 Max provide complete coverage with 4K triple-lens bullet-PTZ cameras, auto-tracking, and live cross-cam monitoring to help eliminate blind spots around your home. The eufyCam S4 delivers solar-powered, year-round surveillance with radar and PIR sensors that differentiate between family and strangers while triggering visual and audio alerts to deter intruders.

Indoor and Entryway Monitoring

Keep indoor areas secure with the Indoor Cam S350, which offers 360° pan and tilt, 8× hybrid zoom, and AI-powered tracking to monitor children, pets, or sensitive areas. At entrances, the Video Doorbell E340 combines dual cameras with color night vision and 2K clarity. It’s one of the video doorbells that allows you to see who is at the door and detect suspicious activity even after dark.

Be Cautious at Night

Travel in groups when possible, carry a phone, and let someone know your location. Avoid poorly lit streets. The smart features of eufy systems—like instant motion alerts, no-go zones, and AI-powered notifications—can enhance awareness for both visitors and residents.

Trusted Transport

Use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Inform someone of your travel plans. When using rented bikes or scooters, check their condition beforehand to avoid mishaps.

Respect Local Alerts

Subscribe to city notifications about road closures, crime spikes, and public safety events. Staying informed helps avoid areas experiencing temporary safety concerns.

Join Community Groups

Participate in neighborhood watch programs and local safety meetings. Active community engagement strengthens overall security and fosters safer streets for everyone.

Advanced Home Security Systems

For complete peace of mind, consider the eufy ExpertSecure System, an all-in-one solution that combines local AI monitoring, video verification, and secure local storage. It ensures 24/7 protection even during power outages, integrates with smart devices, and allows you to customize alerts for specific areas, giving residents precise control over their home security.

By combining careful planning, situational awareness, community involvement, and smart home security solutions, residents and visitors can significantly reduce risks and enjoy El Paso safely.

Conclusion

Understanding the facts helps answer the question, “is El Paso safe?”. The city includes neighborhoods with very low crime, areas that need more caution, and many communities working to improve safety every day. By learning the patterns, choosing secure places to stay, and using simple protective habits, you can enjoy what the region offers with confidence.

FAQs

Is El Paso safe to walk around?

El Paso is generally safe for walking, especially in well-populated neighborhoods and during daylight hours. Areas like North Hills East, Morningside Heights, and Album are very pedestrian-friendly with low crime rates. However, caution is needed in neighborhoods with higher crime. Stick to main streets, well-lit paths, and avoid isolated areas at night. Being aware of your surroundings and planning routes carefully helps make walking around safer.

What areas should you stay away from in El Paso?

Some neighborhoods in El Paso have higher crime rates and should be approached with caution. These include Central, Las Tierras, Eagle neighborhood, Magoffin, Chihuahua, and Alameda Business. Violent crime and property crime rates are higher in these areas compared to other parts of the city. Residents and visitors are advised to stay alert, avoid walking alone at night, and prioritize safer neighborhoods for housing or travel.

Is El Paso safer than Austin, TX?

Yes, El Paso is generally considered safer than Austin. While both are large Texas cities, El Paso has lower rates of violent crime, including murder, robbery, and aggravated assault. The overall crime rate in El Paso, Texas is below the national average for similarly sized cities. Austin sees higher crime in its urban centers, especially property crimes, while El Paso’s community policing, neighborhood engagement, and safety programs contribute to a calmer environment.

Is there a homeless problem in El Paso, Texas?

El Paso does have a homeless population, but it is smaller compared to other major Texas cities. Efforts from local organizations and city programs provide shelters, food, and health services. Many individuals experiencing homelessness are concentrated near downtown areas, but community services aim to reduce risks and provide support. While it is a concern, it does not significantly impact the safety of most neighborhoods outside these central zones.