I lived in several large metropolitan cities including Miami and Los Angeles, so I have a pretty good reference point concerning crime. Albuquerque is a mess concerning crime. One of the worst crime rates in the country for a city its size. Most of the smaller towns along the I40 corridor aren’t any better. Do not leave anything in your vehicle even in “good” areas. Google “The Safest and Most Dangerous Places in Albuquerque Metro”. You will bring up a crime map which will help assist you in determining a place to stay.
Rio Rancho is a descent area. It is only a few minutes north of 40. Traffic is super light in Albuquerque compared to most larger cities. So don’t worry about losing time getting caught in traffic. As a landmark you can focus on, pull up the Cottonwood Mall in maps. The general area is pretty good not being far off of 40.