Mexico, known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cuisine,, still faces serious safety problems. While many places of Mexico are completely safe for both tourists and inhabitants, there are a few cities with very high crime rates, putting it among the most dangerous Cities In Mexico In 2024. highlight the top most dangerous ones cities, offer travel safety ideas, and discuss government crime-fighting programmes.
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Most Dangerous Cities In Mexico In 2024
The following cities in Mexico are listed as the most dangerous due to high homicide rates:
- Tijuana — 138 homicides per 100,000 people
- Acapulco — 111 homicides per 100,000 people
- Ciudad Victoria — 86 homicides per 100,000 people
- Ciudad Juárez — 86 homicides per 100,000 people
- Irapuato — 81 homicides per 100,000 people
- Cancún — 64 homicides per 100,000 people
- Uruapan — 55 homicides per 100,000 people
- Ciudad Obregón — 52 homicides per 100,000 people
- Coatzacoalcos — 48 homicides per 100,000 people
- Celaya — 109.38 killings per 100,000 residents
- Ensenada — 67 homicides per 100,000 people
- Culiacán — 61 per 100,000 people
Mexico - A dangerous City
Mexico has a serious problem with crime and violence, especially drug trafficking and organised crime. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, Mexico had 29,675 intentional killings in 2021, down 4.18 percent from the previous year.
Following initial reductions in homicides following reforms, Mexico continues to suffer with corruption and crime-related violence. Violence quickly escalated to a high of 33,341 homicides in 2018, and the murder rate has barely slightly decreased subsequently.
Gangs and drug cartels are the primary perpetrators of criminal violence in Mexico, but the government has also violated human rights in its fight against these groups. Civilians have the greatest impact, driving migrants to the United States border. Drugs from the cartels are also flowing over the border, exacerbating a drug overdose pandemic in the US.
1. Tijuana, Mexico
Tijuana is considered one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico in 2024 due to its high crime rate, particularly related to drug trafficking. Specific areas in Tijuana, such as Zona Norte and Zona Este, are highlighted for their high levels of criminal activity.
The city has a homicide rate of 138 per 100,000 residents, making it one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico. The U.S. government advises travelers to avoid Tijuana due to its high prevalence of crime, including violent crime and gang activity.
2. Acapulco, Mexico
Acapulco is considered one of the 2nd most dangerous cities in Mexico in 2024 due to its high crime rate, particularly related to drug trafficking. The city has a homicide rate of 111 per 100,000 people, making it one of the most unsafe cities in Mexico.
Acapulco has seen a significant increase in drug-related violence as exceed gangs compete for control of the city’s rich drug trade. The city is situated inside of Guerrero, a state known for its high levels of violence, turmoil due to turf wars between gangs, and for its production of heroin.
Despite being a popular tourist destination, Acapulco has been categorized as one of the most violent cities in Mexico by the Mexican government and the Mexican press.
3. Ciudad Victoria, Mexico
Ciudad Victoria is indeed one of the 3rd most dangerous cities in Mexico in 2024, with a homicide rate of 86 per 100,000 people.
The city serves as the capital of Tamaulipas and is known for its manufacturing and agriculture industries. However, it is not safe for visitors due to organized crime, such as shootings, armed robberies, kidnappings, and sexual assaults.
4. Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
Yes, Ciudad Juárez is also considered one of the 4th most dangerous cities in Mexico in 2024. Ciudad Juárez has a homicide rate of approximately 103.61 per 100,000 inhabitants, ranking it as the third-most dangerous city in Mexico.
The city faces significant challenges due to drug trafficking and associated violence, primarily between the Tijuana and Sinaloa cartels. Visitors are urged to take caution and follow local advice regarding personal safety when traveling to Ciudad Juárez.
5. Irapuato, Mexico
Irapuato is known one of the 5th most dangerous cities in Mexico in 2024 due to its high rates of violence and homicide, especially in recent years. The city, located in the central state of Guanajuato, has a homicide rate of 81.8 per 100,000 people.
Much of the violence in Irapuato is drug-related, leading to a high number of assaults, armed robberies, and kidnappings. Due to these safety concerns, the U.S. government discourages travel to Irapuato.
6. Cancún, Mexico
Cancún is known one of the 6th most dangerous cities in Mexico in 2024 due to its high rate of violent crime, particularly murder. As of 2024, the city has a homicide rate of around 64 murders per 100,000 residents.
While tourists are generally safe within monitored areas, the slums in Cancún are to be avoided. The U.S. government advises travelers to take caution and follow local advice regarding personal safety when traveling to Cancún.
7. Uruapan, Mexico
Uruapan is indeed one of the 7th most dangerous cities in Mexico in 2024 due to its high crime rate, particularly related to drug trafficking and organized crime. As of 2024, Uruapan has a homicide rate of 55 per 100,000 inhabitants.
The city faces significant challenges due to drug trafficking and associated violence from gang activities. Visitors are urged to take caution and follow local advice regarding personal safety when traveling to Uruapan.
8. Ciudad Obregón, Mexico
Ciudad Obregón is known one of the 8th most dangerous cities in Mexico in 2024 due to its high crime rate, particularly related to drug trafficking and organized crime. As of 2024, Ciudad Obregón has a homicide rate of 124.8 per 100,000 people, making it one of the most unsafe cities in Mexico.
In 2021, it was ranked as the second-most dangerous city in the world, recording a per capita murder of 155.77 per 100,000 inhabitants. Visitors are urged to exercise caution and follow local advice regarding personal safety when traveling to Ciudad Obregón.
9. Coatzacoalcos, Mexico
Coatzacoalcos is considered one of the 9th most dangerous cities in Mexico in 2024 due to its high crime rate, particularly involving violent crime and gang activity.
Although the homicide rate is lower than some other cities, with 48 homicides per 100,000 people, the city experiences issues such as assaults, thefts, muggings, and drug dealing. The downtown and old town areas are especially dangerous and should be avoided if possible.
10. Celaya, Mexico
Celaya is known one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico in 2024, with a high homicide rate of 109.38 per 100,000 residents.
The city has experienced a significant increase in violence attributed to gang activities, drug sales, thefts, and human trafficking. Traveling to Celaya is advised against due to safety concerns related to crime and violence.
11. Ensenada, Mexico
Ensenada is known one of the more dangerous cities in Mexico in 2024 due to increasing instances of violence, including armed robberies and homicides.
While it remains a popular tourist destination, recent years have seen a spike in crime, particularly at night and outside the city center. The city center itself is still relatively safe, though there are certain risks in unguarded neighborhoods further out.
12. Culiacán, Mexico
Culiacán is considered one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico in 2024 due to its high crime rate, particularly related to drug trafficking and organized crime. As of 2024, Culiacán has a homicide rate of 61 per 100,000 people, making it one of the most unsafe cities in Mexico.
The city has been a battleground for cartel fights, particularly with the arrest of El Chapo’s son, Ovidio Guzman. Visitors are advised to take caution and avoid venturing into the rest of the city outside of the more tourist-friendly areas.
why mexico is most dangerous city?
Mexico’s most dangerous city, Tijuana, is characterized by several factors that contribute to its status as a highly violent and crime-ridden locale. Key reasons for Tijuana’s dangerousness are:
● Drug Trafficking: Tijuana acts as a primary crossing point for drugs entering the United States, attracting various criminal organizations involved in drug smuggling and distribution
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● Organized Crime: Powerful drug cartels, such as the Sinaloa Cartel, maintain a presence in Tijuana, resulting in ongoing turf wars and conflict among rival factions.
● Proximity to the U.S.-Mexico Border: Tijuana’s geographic location near the U.S. border allows for easy access to the United States, providing opportunities for drug traffickers and other criminals.
● Human Trafficking: Tijuana is also a hub for human trafficking, exploiting vulnerable populations and driving additional criminal activity within the city.
● Corruption: Government officials and law enforcement personnel in Tijuana are sometimes complicit in criminal enterprises, further complicating efforts to address crime and violence.
Conclusion
While some places in Mexico have a reputation for being dangerous it is important to remember that most of the country is safe for visitors. Visitors may enjoy everything Mexico has to offer while reducing dangers by remaining educated, practicing caution, and following common-sense safety guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )
Yes, millions of tourists visit Mexico safely each year. However, it’s essential to research your destination and take precautions.
Yes, many parts of Mexico are considered safe for travelers. It’s important to research your destination and stay in well-monitored areas.
Common scams targeting tourists in Mexico include overcharging for goods or services, fake police officers demanding bribes, and pickpocketing in crowded areas.
| Rank | Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico | Homicides Per 100,000 People |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Tijuana | 138 |
| #2 | Acapulco | 111 |
| #3 | Ciudad Victoria | 86 |
| #4 | Ciudad Juarez | 86 |
| #5 | Irapuato | 81 |
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