Mexico is famous for its vibrant culture, mouth-watering food, and stunning landscapes. But, let’s be real, there are also some spots with pretty high crime rates.
If you’re planning a trip there in 2024, it’s really important to know which cities are the most dangerous so you can stay safe.
Take Tijuana, for instance. It’s got a sky-high homicide rate, making it quite risky despite all the border activity and tourists crossing back and forth.
Then you’ve got places like Celaya and Irapuato, where cartel activity has driven crime through the roof, turning them into some of the most dangerous spots to visit.
Table of Contents
ToggleTop 10 Most Dangerous Cities
Rank | City | Homicide Rate per 100,000 Residents | U.S. State Department Warning Level |
---|---|---|---|
10 | Coatzacoalcos | 48 | Level 3: Reconsider Travel To |
9 | Ciudad Obregรณn | 52 | Level 3: Reconsider Travel To |
8 | Uruapan | 55 | Level 4: Do Not Travel To |
7 | Culiacรกn | 61 | Level 4: Do Not Travel To |
6 | Cancรบn | 64 | Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution |
5 | Irapuato | 81 | Level 3: Reconsider Travel To |
4 | Ciudad Juรกrez | 86 | Level 3: Reconsider Travel To |
3 | Ciudad Victoria | 86 | Level 4: Do Not Travel To |
2 | Acapulco | 111 | Level 4: Do Not Travel To |
1 | Tijuana | 138 | Level 4: Do Not Travel To |
Information is provided from the World Population Review.
10. Coatzacoalcos
Coatzacoalcos is one of the deadliest cities in Mexico, with a staggering homicide rate of 48 per 100,000 people. Nestled in the state of Veracruz, this port city has been hit hard by violent crime, largely fueled by drug cartels and organized crime groups.
In 2023, Coatzacoalcos saw more than 300 killings, according to Concho Valley. This shocking number highlights the city’s serious security issues.
Certain neighborhoods, like Ciudad Olmeca and Teresa Morales, are particularly hard hit by high crime rates. Residents in these areas frequently endure violent assaults, armed robberies, and extortion, creating a climate of fear and instability. The local economy takes a hit too, with many businesses either shutting down or operating under the constant threat of cartel-related violence.
- Homicide Rate: 48 per 100,000 people.
- Main Culprits: Drug cartels and organized crime.
- Cartels: Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Dangerous Neighborhoods
- Ciudad Olmeca
- Teresa Morales
Common Crimes
- Violent assaults
- Armed robberies
- Extortion
Property Crime
Property crimes like vandalism and theft are also highly prevalent, with a reported rate of 73.21%, as per Numbeo.
Safety at Night
Numbeo also reports that the safety index for walking alone at night is extremely low, with only 16.07% of people feeling safe during nighttime
9. Ciudad Obregรณn
Let’s talk about Ciudad Obregรณn. This city in Sonora, Mexico, has gained a notorious reputation due to its sky-high homicide rateโ135 per 100,000 people, as Property Club reports. It’s one of the most dangerous places in Mexico, with violent crime rates that have been soaring.
The primary culprits? Organized crime and drug cartels.
In 2023 alone, Ciudad Obregรณn witnessed over 350 homicides. The root of this violence? Fierce battles between big players like the Sinaloa Cartel and smaller local gangs.
These groups are constantly at each other’s throats over drug trafficking routes and control of local criminal operations. This ongoing turf war often spills out onto the streets, leading to public shootouts, kidnappings, and assassinations, spreading fear throughout the community.
In 2021 this city was the second most violent and dangerous in the World according to KJZZ! In 2024, the situation is the same.
Certain neighborhoods, such as Colonia Benito Juรกrez and Colonia Libertad, bear the brunt of this violence. These areas are hotspots for crime, with armed robberies and extortion being all too common.
The constant threat disrupts daily life, making people wary of even stepping out. Businesses struggle to stay afloat, and many people avoid public spaces altogether, which only worsens the local economy.
- Homicide Rate: 52 per 100,000 people
- Main Culprits: Drug cartels and organized crime
- Cartels: Sinaloa Cartel
Dangerous Neighborhoods
- Colonia Benito Juรกrez
- Colonia Libertad
Common Crimes
- Violent assaults
- Armed robberies
- Extortion
In response, local authorities have intensified their efforts to combat the violence by increasing police and military presence. Ongoing operations aim to dismantle criminal networks and apprehend cartel leaders. However, these measures often result in only temporary reductions in violence before it escalates again.
Drug-related Issues
The problem of drug use and dealing is rated as 91.25%, a major contributor to the city’s violence, statistics show.
Violent Crimes
According to Numbeo, Ciudad Obregรณn has a serious issue with violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery, with a perceived severity of 86.25%โ
8. Uruapan
In 2023, Uruapan witnessed more than 200 homicides, Wayfaring Views reports, illustrating the high degree of violence that disrupts everyday life. The primary drivers of this violence are conflicts between competing cartels, such as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and local groups like Los Viagras.
In February last year, nine people were shot dead in an amusement arcade frequented by the Los Viagra gang according to 9newscom.au.
Certain neighborhoods, like Vicente Guerrero and La Magdalena, are especially hard hit by high crime rates. Residents in these areas live in a climate of fear and instability, frequently facing violent assaults, armed robberies, and extortion. The impact on the local economy is severe, particularly affecting small businesses and farmers, and lowering the overall quality of life.
- Homicide Rate: 78 per 100,000 inhabitants, according to statistics
- Main Culprits: Organized crime groups and drug cartels
- Cartels: Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Los Viagras
Dangerous Neighborhoods
- Vicente Guerrero
- La Magdalena
Common Crimes
- Violent assaults
- Armed robberies
- Extortion
Mugging and Robbery
Uruapan has experienced significant increases in muggings, carjackings, and armed thefts, particularly in areas affected by drug-related violenceโ
7. Culiacรกn
Certain areas of Culiacรกn are particularly affected by this high level of crime. Neighborhoods frequently endure violent assaults, armed robberies, and extortion, creating an environment of fear and instability. The local economy suffers as businesses face constant threats and people are wary of public spaces, disrupting daily life.
@iconografiadahistoria O Triste fim do Influencer Gordinho de Culiacan #crime #curiosidades #historia #culiacan #mexico #piratadeculiacan #gordinhodeculiacan
Researchers talked to various search brigades in major cities like Culiacรกn, Los Mochis, and Mazatlรกn, along with activists, lawyers, and government officials. They all strongly believe that the rise in forced disappearances in Sinaloa in recent years is primarily due to the local consumption and sales of synthetic drugs according to InsightCrime.
- Homicide Rate: 61 per 100,000 people
- Main Culprits: Sinaloa Cartel and rival drug trafficking groups
Common Crimes
- Shotgun battles
- Kidnappings
- Murders
- Armed robberies
- Extortion
Impact on Community
- Daily life disruption
- Economic decline
- Public fear and instability
Overall Crime Index
The city has a very high crime index of 82.64 and a safety index of 30.65, according to Numbeo.
Violent Crime Concerns
77.78% of residents report high concerns about violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery, statistics show.
6. Cancรบn
Cancรบn, globally famous for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, is grappling with a rising homicide rate of 44.5 per 100,000 inhabitants, as per Travellers Worldwide. This popular tourist spot on the Yucatรกn Peninsula has seen a surge in violence, largely due to organized crime and drug cartel activities.
In 2023, Cancรบn reported over 400 homicides, a significant increase from previous years. The primary drivers of this violence are drug gangs, such as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, vying for control over drug trafficking routes and local drug markets. This conflict has even spilled into tourist-heavy areas, leading to a rise in violent incidents like kidnappings, killings, and shootouts.
Out of the 11 crimes tracked by the Quintana Roo Stoplight Report for Benito Juรกrez, which includes Cancun, a worrying seven indicators were marked red. These red flags highlight serious issues with homicides, extortion, drug dealing, vehicle theft, home burglary, business theft, and family violence according to the Cancun sun.
- Homicide Rate: 64 per 100,000 inhabitants
- Main Culprits: Organized crime and drug cartels
- Cartels: Jalisco New Generation Cartel
Dangerous Neighborhoods
- Downtown Cancรบn
- Bonfil
Common Crimes
- Kidnappings
- Killings
- Shootouts
- Robbery
- Extortion
Increase in Crime
72.22% of respondents report that crime has increased in the past five years, reflecting growing concerns among residents, statistics show.
Crime Index
Numbeo reports that Cancรบn’s overall crime index is rated at 55.43, indicating a moderate to high level of crime.
5. Irapuato
In 2023, over 450 homicides were reported in Irapuato, marking a sharp increase from the previous year. The escalating violence is primarily due to battles between the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. These groups clash over control of local criminal enterprises and drug trafficking routes, leading to frequent homicides and shootouts that disrupt daily life.
Certain neighborhoods, such as San Roque and Las Amรฉricas, are especially hard hit by the high rates of violence. Residents in these areas live under the constant threat of robbery, extortion, and other violent crimes, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. The ongoing violence has also taken a toll on the local economy, with many businesses struggling to operate.
- Homicide Rate: 81 per 100,000 residents
- Main Culprits: Competing drug cartels
- Cartels: Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel, Jalisco New Generation Cartel
Dangerous Neighborhoods
- San Roque
- Las Amรฉricas
Common Crimes
- Homicides
- Shootouts
- Robberies
- Extortion
Perception of Insecurity
A staggering 86.4% of residents aged 18 and older in Irapuato reported feeling unsafe in their community in 2024, making it one of the cities with the highest perceived insecurity in Mexico, NPI Networks reports.
Crime Index
According to Numbeo, the overall crime index in Irapuato is 71.19, with specific concerns about violent crimes like armed robbery and assault being ranked as “very high” at 83.59
Pipeline Taps Related to Fuel Theft
Irapuato reported 103 illegal fuel pipeline taps, contributing to the high level of organized crime activity in the region, according to Justice in Mexico statistics.
4. Ciudad Juรกrez
In 2023, the city experienced over 1,200 homicides, underscoring its severe security threats. The continuous turf wars between the Juรกrez and Sinaloa cartels, competing for control over crucial drug trafficking routes, are largely responsible for the bloodshed. This deadly rivalry makes the city unsafe, with frequent shootouts, kidnappings, and killings.
@soyyulay Ciudad Juarez la ciudad que fue la mas peligrosa del mundo #yulay #documental #viaje
- Homicide Rate: 86 per 100,000 residents
- Main Culprits: Juรกrez and Sinaloa cartels
Dangerous Neighborhoods
- Anapra
- Villas de Salvรกrcar
- Downtown area
Common Crimes
- Shootouts
- Kidnappings
- Killings
- Robberies
- Extortion
Some children do not make it to school at all. Between 2010 and 2020, the population of Juรกrez grew from about 1.3 million to 1.5 million. But the number of students who finished primary school during that time dropped more than 50%, from 174,366 in 2010 to just 77,832 in 2020, according to a report byย Ciudad Juรกrez Strategic Plan, a non-government organization working to improve living conditions in the city.
Military Response
To curb the violence, over 2,100 military personnel were deployed in early 2024 to assist local authorities in reducing homicides related to drug trafficking and criminal group conflicts, Circuito Frontera reports.
Femicide Rates
Attention on femicides has grown, but there continues to be a significant gap in addressing these cases, with impunity rates around 95% for violent crimes, meaning most cases remain unsolved, as per El Paso Matters.
3. Torreรณn
In 2023, approximately 600 homicides were recorded in Ciudad Victoria, highlighting its severe crime problem. The ongoing conflict between the Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas, two powerful criminal groups vying for control of drug trafficking routes, significantly contributes to the violence. Frequent shootouts, kidnappings, and assassinations resulting from this rivalry instill fear among the population.
Neighborhoods like Tamatรกn and Libertad are particularly affected by high crime levels. Residents in these areas often experience extortion, theft, and other criminal activities, making daily life perilous. Issues with corruption and insufficient law enforcement resources exacerbate the cityโs public safety challenges.
- Homicide Rate: 86 per 100,000 residents
- Main Culprits: Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas
Dangerous Neighborhoods
- Tamatรกn
- Libertad
Common Crimes
- Shootouts
- Kidnappings
- Assassinations
- Extortion
- Theft
The metropolitan area known as La Lagunaโwhich includes Torreรณn and Matamoros in Coahuila, as well as Gรณmez Palacio and Lerdo in Durangoโexperienced 830 murders in the first nine months of 2012, according to newspaper reports.
#Acapulco #Otis | Criminal groups such as the CJNG, the Sinaloa Cartel, and the Familia Michoacana compete for control of criminal economies in Acapulco. The resources needed for the reconstruction of the city play directly into their hands. https://t.co/KGvVlk2G9s
โ InSight Crime (@InSightCrime) November 4, 2023
By October 10 of that year, Torreรณn alone had recorded 606 murders, making it the most affected city in La Laguna.
Homicide Rate:
In Torreรณn, the homicide rate from October 2023 to September 2024 was part of a broader trend of violence driven by organized crime, though specific numbers for Torreรณn itself were moderate compared to other parts of Mexico, based on the Elcrimen’s histogram of homicides.
2. Acapulco
Acapulco, once the shining jewel of Mexicoโs Pacific coast, is now grappling with severe violence, as evidenced by its homicide rate of 110.5 per 100,000 residents, Travellers Worldwide reports. This statistic places Acapulco among the riskiest cities in Mexico. The cityโs turbulent present is a stark contrast to its past as a premier tourist destination, now overshadowed by crime.
Acapulco has become a battleground for drug cartels, with frequent clashes over control of drug trafficking routes. In 2023, the city reported over 900 homicides, highlighting the pervasive violence. This surge in crime has profoundly affected residents, leaving them feeling insecure and fearful.
- Homicide Rate: 111 per 100,000 residents
- Main Culprits: Rival drug cartels
Dangerous Neighborhoods
- Colonia Jardรญn
- Renacimiento
Common Crimes
- Gang violence
- Extortion
- Kidnappings
- Robberies
- Shootouts
Crime Index
As of July 2024, Acapulco has a crime index of 65.38, indicating a high level of crime overall, statistics show.
Violent Crime
The rate of violent crimes, such as assault and armed robbery, is particularly high, with a perception index of 76.16, Numbeo reports.
Criminal Groups
According to El Pais, organized crime continues to be a major issue, with ongoing battles between criminal groups leading to frequent extortion and violent incidents.
1. Tijuana – Most Dangerous City in Mexico
Tijuana is the deadliest cities in Mexico, with a shocking homicide rate of 134 per 100,000, according to Worldmetrics, and holds the number one spot on our list. Situated on the border between Mexico and the United States, Tijuana has become a hotbed of drug cartel conflict, primarily over lucrative human trafficking routes. The city’s strategic location has made it a battleground for turf wars between the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels.
In 2023, Tijuana saw over 2,000 homicides, a significant increase from previous years. This violence impacts everyday life for both locals and visitors. The cityโs vibrant cultural scene and bustling nightlife stand in stark contrast to the high crime rates. Despite a strong police presence and ongoing government efforts to curb violence, crime remains a major issue in Tijuana.
- Homicide Rate: 138 per 100,000 residents
- Main Culprits: Sinaloa Cartel and Jalisco New Generation Cartel
Dangerous Neighborhoods
- Zona Norte
- Colonia Libertad
Common Crimes
- Homicides
- Kidnappings
- Shootouts
- Robberies
- Extortion
The report, based on data from Mexicoโs Office of Statistics, also highlights that crime has risen by 31% since 2021 according to fox5sandiego.com.
- Home robbery up 26%
- Business robbery up 65%
- Street assaults/muggings up 47%
- Business extortion up 46%
Crime Index
Tijuana has a very high crime index of 71.9, with particularly high rates of violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery, as per Numbeo.
Property Crime
Numbeo also reported that Tijuana has a property crime rate of 80.19 (very high), which includes incidents such as theft, vandalism, and car-related crimes.
Methodology
Data Sources
The cities were analyzed using information from various reputable sources. Data was gathered from:
- Crime Statistics: This includes official government crime reports and data from agencies like INEGI.
- News Reports: Events documented by reputable news organizations provide insights into recent violent incidents.
- Research Studies: Studies from institutions focusing on crime and safety were considered.
- Population review platformsย also contributed valuable information on crime rates and city safety.
This multi-source approach helps ensure a comprehensive understanding of each city’s safety environment.
Criteria for Ranking
Other factors included:
- General Crime Rates: Rates of violent and property crimes such as robbery, carjacking, and assault.
- Recent Incidents: Recent high-profile crime incidents, like those inย Coatzacoalcos, were also weighed heavily.
- Drug-Related Violence: The presence and activity levels of drug cartels, as seen inย Celaya, are critical factors.
These criteria ensure the rankings reflect a realistic assessment of danger in each city.
FAQs
References
- World Population Review – Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico 2024
- Concho Valley – Mexicoโs new drug war may be worse than old one
- Numbeo – Crime in Mexico
- Property Club – Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico
- KJZZ Phoenix – This Sonora city was the second most violent in the world in 2021
- Wayfaring Views – Is Michoacan Safe To Travel in 2024?
- 9News – The deadliest cities in the world revealed
- InSight Crime – In Sinaloa, Mexico, a Deadly Mix of Synthetic Drugs and Forced Disappearances
- Travellers Worldwide – Is Cancun Safe to Visit in 2024?
- Cancun Sun – Cancun & Tulum Crime Levels Increase, Are Tourists Safe To Visit?
- NPI Networks – Irapuato among the municipalities with the highest perception of insecurity in Mexico
- Justice in Mexico – Organized Crime and Violence in Guanajuato
- Reuters – Events in Mexico’s drug war city Ciudad Juarez
- PlanJuarez – Juรกrez Strategic Plan
- Circuito Frontera – Ciudad Juarez faces a violent February
- El Paso Matters – Homicides in Juรกrez reach three-year low amid increased attention to femicides
- El Siglo de Torreon – Torreรณn surpasses six hundred homicides so far this year
- Elcrimen – Map of homicides in Mexico from October 2023 to September 2024
- Al Jazeera – Mexicoโs โinvisibleโ wounds of gang violence
- Border Report – Tijuana once again among worldโs most violent cities
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