You hear El Paso, and the term “border city” starts ringing. El Paso, sitting right across from Juárez, gets judged more by geography than facts.
The truth is different. Crime in El Paso has its challenges, but the data and day-to-day experiences show a city that’s safer than many big U.S. metros.
Despite the crime news, tourists and residents are definitely attending El Paso’s 2025 biggest celebrations, whether it’s the spring marathons, triathlons, and cultural showcases, or winter lights up downtown with family-friendly attractions.
Whether you’re visiting for music, sports, or culture, El Paso’s 2025 events promise unforgettable experiences and an authentic taste of the city’s spirit.
So do all families wonder which neighborhoods are truly secure, and do business owners weigh the risks of theft or vandalism before investing?
To understand whether El Paso is as safe as its reputation suggests, we bring you beyond headlines, the latest crime trends, neighborhood data, and community insights.
El Paso crime over the years:
Did you know that, according to the National Civic League’s “Past Winners” page, El Paso has won the All-America City Award five times: in 1969, 2010, 2018, 2020, and 2021?
Yet, in 2023, police logged 33 murders and about 305 robberies. Both figures rose from the previous year, sparking concern among locals and city leaders.
In 2024, crime trends change in particular violent crime categories.
Data from El Paso Matters shows that in the first half of 2024, reported violent crimes (homicide, robbery, aggravated assault, rape) dropped approximately 6% compared to the same period in 2023.
Also, violent crimes in El Paso fell 25% in early 2024 vs. early 2023, according to FBI data (for the first 3 months) for categories like murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.
And even more has changed in 2025!
El Paso crime map 2025:
The crime map of El Paso indicates that darker-shaded regions denote higher-risk areas, while lighter-shaded sections indicate safer neighborhoods. Overall, the northern and far-east parts of the city appear more secure, with crime concentrated mainly in select central and border-adjacent neighborhoods.
Crime rates El Paso 2025:
When people ask, “Is El Paso safe?”, the answer isn’t black and white; it’s all in the numbers. El Paso has a total crime rate of about 19.70 per 1,000 residents, combining both violent and property crimes. This means your chance of being a victim of violent crime in the city is about 1 in 296.
Compared with cities of similar size, El Paso continues to post lower violent crime rates. The Council on Criminal Justice reports that in the first half of 2025, El Paso saw decreases in 11 of 13 tracked offenses compared to 2024, though it was the only city in their study to experience a rise in car thefts.
In 2025, local coverage from the El Paso Times and El Paso Matters echoes this mixed picture: overall violent crime remains low and homicide rates are down, yet motor vehicle thefts and domestic violence are trending upward.
Violent crime rate:
The violent crime rate is approximately. 3.38 per 1,000, which includes murder, rape, robbery, and assault.
Property crime rate:
Property crime is much higher, approximately 16.33 per 1,000, covering burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, etc.
One of the more concerning metrics is that motor vehicle theft is relatively high. It’s one of El Paso’s above-average crime categories when compared with similarly sized communities nationwide.
In mid-2025, trends look mixed:
- Violent crime has held steady, never reaching the levels of many other U.S. metros.
- Property crime remains stubborn, especially auto theft and break-ins.
For most residents, safety worries aren’t about walking the streets; they’re about what happens to their cars overnight.
What types of crimes are prevalent in El Paso?
The news is bombarded with crime news in El Paso. We have analyzed the El Paso crime trends that shape the city’s safety landscape.
Hate crimes in El Paso:
Recent incidents include hate crimes, such as synagogues being vandalized with antisemitic graffiti and swastikas.
Robberies and homicides:
The police have not yet released the final 2025 totals. Early reporting suggests robberies are still occurring, but not at crisis levels. Homicides remain far lower than in cities like Houston, Phoenix, or Dallas, which helps El Paso keep its reputation as one of the nation’s safer big cities.
Car theft in El Paso 2025:
Car theft in El Paso is on the rise in 2025, with high-profile cases making headlines.
A recent report of a stolen vehicle with a child inside led to a dramatic chase, as well as the takedown of a luxury Porsche theft ring worth over $1 million.
Colorado outlets detailed BATTLE operations recovering multiple stolen cars tied to El Paso County. These stories demonstrate that auto theft is a growing challenge for both law enforcement and residents.
Auto thefts are spiking across the city, hitting driveways, apartment lots, and dealerships. So, how do businesses stay safe?
Keep reading. At the end we talk about a live remote monitoring system that proactively detects intrusions, loitering, suspicious behavior and much more . This security system is trusted by businesses across North America to secure their property 24/7.
Is El Paso safe for tourists?
Yes, with basic precautions and such exciting events around the corner, El Paso is bound to welcome hundreds of tourists in 2025.
According to Visit El Paso, it welcomed over 3.8 million visitors. In 2025, El Paso is poised to welcome even more tourists to the vibrant Neon Desert music festival and Sun City Pride, as well as to seasonal favorites like the Franklin Mountains poppy celebration and the festive WinterFest!
Is El Paso safe for residents?
Most locals describe the city as safe, with neighborhood differences shaping the experience:
- Safer pockets: Westside, Eastside, Upper Valley.
- Higher-incident areas: Central districts and border-adjacent neighborhoods.
Compared with other major metros, many families still view El Paso as a solid place to live and raise kids. Downtown, the Mission Trail, and Franklin Mountains State Park are popular and generally secure.
However, some locals add to the debate, pointing to petty crimes like car break-ins that disrupt daily life. However, perception doesn’t always align with reality.
Safest neighborhoods of El Paso:
Neighborhoods like North Hills East, Castner Heights, Pebble Hills North, and areas just north of Transmountain are consistently mentioned as among the safer parts of El Paso. Area Vibes also highlights the top 3 safest places to live in El Paso:
- Mesa Hills is highlighted for its low crime rates, budget-friendly options, and good schools, making it suitable for residents of all ages, according to Extra Space Storage.
- Castner Heights is a safe neighborhood for singles and young professionals.
- Cielo Vista and Mission Hills are neighborhoods noted for their safety, affordability, and amenities.
These areas often have lower violent crime rates, better infrastructure, more green space, and less density, which can reduce some crime exposures. Residents usually note that away from main roads/highways, especially further north, things generally feel more secure.
The most dangerous neighborhoods of El Paso:
Segundo Barrio and parts of the Lower Valley and central/downtown tracts have appeared repeatedly in crime reports and investigations.
At the same time, FBI-based analyses note that overall violent crime has fallen in some recent midyear comparisons. Still, property crimes such as auto theft remain a persistent issue in several neighborhoods. Even in so-called “high-crime” areas, the danger can vary block by block.
What to watch out for:
Some spots in Northeastern El Paso, especially near major roads, have mixed reviews. Property crime (theft, break-ins, car break-ins) still shows up in those areas.
When comparing West, East, North, or South El Paso, local agents can explain which zones are in higher demand because of their balance of safety, amenities, and resale value.
Officers from the EPPD and El Paso County Sheriff’s Office say that older housing or neighborhoods with high turnover (apartments, duplexes) may have more crime than suburban-style single-family home areas.
What is the government doing to make El Paso safe?
According to the FBI, Texas border towns like El Paso continue to rank among the safest in the nation despite their proximity to Mexico. Still, local realities demand action.
The sheriff’s office launched a “Safe Streets Operation” over the July 4th weekend to boost patrols and law enforcement visibility.
The ongoing fugitive tracking through Crime Stoppers continues to pursue fugitives and suspects tied to organized criminal activity.
While national news noted that El Paso police are playing a significant role in the larger U.S. trend of declining crime rates, the city is attractive for residents and newcomers alike.
Is El Paso safe for business?
El Paso sits at the heart of the Borderplex region, a powerhouse of international trade, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.
The Borderplex Alliance calls it “a gateway to the future of North American commerce.” With over $80 billion in annual trade flowing through its ports of entry, the city has become one of the most strategic locations for companies looking to scale. As Jon Barela, CEO of the Borderplex Alliance, puts it:
“El Paso isn’t just a border city, it’s a launchpad for global business.”
Companies plug directly into a supply chain that touches both nations. Yes, border security headlines create noise. Investors ask: Is El Paso safe?
This is where innovative businesses aren’t hesitating, they’re acting. For businesses, violent crime is rarely the issue. Theft, shoplifting, and vandalism are the real risks. Many owners rely on lighting, security cameras, and alarm systems to enhance their property’s security. The city also partners with Remote video monitoring systems.
It is the trusted security solution for companies in logistics, manufacturing, and commercial real estate. Instead of relying on outdated security models, businesses are integrating AI-powered surveillance, real-time alerts, and verified monitoring to eliminate risk perception and keep operations safe.
How Remote Video Monitoring is keeping El Paso safer in 2025?
El Paso has a car theft problem. Parking lots, mall garages, and condo lots create the perfect setup: poor lighting, blind spots, and almost no active human oversight. Criminals know this. They exploit it.
Break-ins, part theft, vandalism, and stolen vehicles spike during off-hours. When lots are empty, and cameras just sit there recording. Static footage doesn’t stop crime. It only tells the story after the loss.
That’s where remote video monitoring changes the script. It’s not more cameras. It’s a shift from passive to proactive security: powered by AI and live operators.
Here’s how layered defenses work in El Paso:
- Strategic Parking Tactics: Block exits, mix vehicle values, and place high-end cars in visible zones.
- Keyless Theft Protection: Immobilizers, kill switches, and Faraday boxes make modern car hacking harder.
- AI Surveillance: Smart cameras detect intrusions, operators issue live voice warnings, and police are dispatched before a theft completes.
- Lighting Upgrades: Eliminate shadows. Criminals avoid exposure.
- Parts Protection: Shields for catalytic converters, steering locks, VIN etching. Stop the chop-shop supply chain.
- Tracking Systems: From GPS to AirTags, stolen vehicles get located faster.
- Advanced Alarms: Motion, vibration, glass-break. Instant triggers.
- Secure Key Storage: PIN-locked key boxes cut insider risk.
- 24/7 Remote Video Monitoring: The backbone. AI plus human intervention reduces crime, not just records it.
El Paso businesses already trust this approach. From dealerships to condos to shopping centers, the pattern is clear: layered, AI-driven monitoring cuts losses and deters crime before it happens.
Want more? Visit our blog library for deeper dives:
- Best anti-theft devices for cars in 2025: Expert picks.
- How to prevent car theft with keyless entry.
- How can I prevent car theft in Toronto?
- How to prevent catalytic converter theft in Canada.
Frequently asked questions:
Is El Paso safe to walk around?
Yes, El Paso is generally safe to walk around, especially in well-lit areas and popular neighborhoods like Downtown, Mission Hills, and the Westside.
Which part of El Paso is safest?
The safest areas of El Paso include Mission Hills, Eastwood (specifically Cielo Vista), and the Westside, which are known for their low crime rates and family-friendly communities.
Why is it called Devil’s Triangle El Paso?
The “Devil’s Triangle” in El Paso refers to a Northeast neighborhood once linked to crime and gangs, but today it’s officially called Angel’s Triangle as part of revitalization efforts.
Is El Paso blue or red?
El Paso leans blue, with voters consistently supporting Democratic candidates in local, state, and federal elections.
Conclusion:
Crime stats or border headlines don’t define El Paso. It’s characterized by what businesses and families build here. Violent crime stays below national levels, while property crime, especially auto theft, remains the real friction point. The smartest players aren’t scared off. They’re adapting.
The edge goes to those who invest in remote video monitoring and AI security, not as a luxury, but as the cost of doing business in 2025. El Paso’s future belongs to the firms that stop asking “Is it safe?” and start building safety into their growth strategy.Secure smarter. Get your free demo and personalized security strategy today.
