The Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico & Their Similarities

Murder Capitals: Things in Common Among the Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico

The world is full of cities that may seem vastly different at first glance.

The climate, culture, and cuisine can vary wildly from one urban area to the next. However, upon closer examination, it’s often possible to find surprising similarities between seemingly disparate cities.

This is certainly the case when it comes to some of the most dangerous cities in the world. Despite differences in geography, demographics, and history, there are a number of striking commonalities that tie these cities together.

The Mexican cities of Tijuana, Acapulco de Juarez, Ciudad Victoria, Ciudad Juarez, and Irapuato are all known for their high rates of violent crime.

But they couldn’t be more different, at least at first glance.

However…. what if we dig deeper? Despite thousands of murders and blood-stained streets, what else do they have in common?

Check also: The 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Europe in 2022

Why the most dangerous cities in Mexico matters to you in the US or Europe?

Here is the thing: we found the things that tie all these hyper-violent Mexican metropolitan areas together. If you observe these symptoms in your town or city, this is a very bad sign.

This is exactly what makes the next paragraphs so valuable even if you don’t live in Mexico: the phenomenon observed in Tijuana or Ciudad Juarez is being replicated in multiple places across the world.

With this article, we’ll delve into the weird, odd, and even eerie commonalities between the most dangerous cities in Mexico. Use this as an alert for you, no matter where you live.

Mexico Is Home to Five of the Six Most Dangerous Cities in the World.

Of the 10 most violent cities in the World:

• 5 are in Mexico (all of them in the Top 6)
• 3 are in Venezuela
• 2 are in Brazil
• 1 is in South Africa

Here is the list of the most violent cities in the world by murder rate, according to Statista:

10 – Cape Town, South Africa

• Murder rate per 100k residents: 66.36

• Total number of residents of the metropolitan area: 4,758,405

9 – Fortaleza, Brazil

• Homicide rate per 100k residents: 69.15

• Total number of residents of the metropolitan area: 3,936,509

8 – Natal, Brazil

• Murder rate per 100k residents: 74.67

•Total number of residents of the metropolitan area: 1,262,741

7 – Ciudad Guayana, Venezuela

• Homicide rate per 100k residents: 78.3

• Total number of residents of the metropolitan area: 950,000

6 – Irapuato, Mexico

• Murder rate per 100k residents: 81.44

• Total number of residents of the metropolitan area: 874,997

5 – Ciudad Juárez, Mexico

• Homicide rate per 100k residents: 85.56

• Residents of the metropolitan area: 1,527,482

4 – Ciudad Victoria, Mexico

• Murder rate per 100k residents: 86.01

• Residents of the metropolitan area: 374,000

3 – Caracas, Venezuela

• Homicide rate per 100k residents: 99.98

• Residents of the metropolitan area: 2,957,000

2 – Acapulco, Mexico

• Murder rate per 100k residents: 110.5

• Residents of the metropolitan area: 782,661

1 – Tijuana, Mexico

• Homicide rate per 100k residents: 138

• Residents of the metropolitan area: 2,070,875

9 of the Most Dangerous Cities in the World are in Latin America

This striking concentration of cities in only 4 countries is also replicated when we consider not only the 10 most violent, but the 50 most dangerous urban areas in the world. In this case, the numbers are like that:

• 15 are located in Mexico
• 14 are in Brazil
• 6 are in Venezuela
• 4 are in the United States of America
• 3 are located in South Africa

It is easy to find something to blame for the violence in certain countries, like the collapsed economy in Venezuela or the racial tensions in South Africa.

But both Mexico and Brazil (the place where I was born, by the way), pose a very curious puzzle.

So instead of looking for reasons to blame, we searched for what the most dangerous places in Mexico (and the world) have in common.

The results are truly jaw-dropping.

Read also: The Most Dangerous City in Each European Country

What Do The Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico Have in Common?

In the next paragraphs, we put together the similarities between all (or almost all) of the five most dangerous cities in Mexico.

At first glance, it may look that things like size or weather are trivial, but all of them contribute to a thin, conducting thread that leads to the true causes of the elevated violence in these metropolitan areas.

All of them are relatively large

The most dangerous city in the world, Tijuana, is in a metropolitan area with over 2 million inhabitants. Ciudad Juarez has more than 1.5 million people. While smaller, Acapulco, Irapuato, and Ciudad Victoria are all above 350,000 inhabitants.

One could think that the most dangerous places come in all sizes, and that is not totally wrong. But only large cities have the structure, economy, and population to support widespread criminal activities like:

• Racketeering and extortion. Large cities often have a complex and diverse economy, which can provide opportunities for organized crime groups to engage in racketeering activities such as loan sharking, gambling, and money laundering.
• Extortion: Due to the larger population and more significant number of businesses in urban areas, extortion can be a lucrative criminal activity, but also brings drug related violence.
• Drug trafficking: Large cities provide anonymity, making it easier to maintain complex operations for manufacturing and transporting large volumes of narcotics.
• Gang violence: Due to the larger pool of opportunities for organized crime mentioned above, a large city attracts more gangs that want to dominate their zones, resulting in gang wars and elevated crime rates that leave multiple dead bodies.

That is why, even the safest big cities in the US are not that large. There are also exceptions. Mexico city or Guadalajara are relatively safe, despite being large cities, and there you just need to use your common sense and take the normal precautions. Not the case of the other cities we will mention next.

Read also: The Most Unusual Scam Methods Used in Brazil

All of them have hot and dry climates

Below is the average precipitation (rain or snowfall, but most likely rain since it is Mexico) in all os the 5 most dangerous places in Mexico.

1. Tijuana, the most dangerous city in the world, is also one of the driest cities in the country: 230 mm (9 inches) of rain per year
2. Ciudad Juarez: 275 mm (11 inches) per year.
3. Irapuato: 600 mm (24 inches) per year.
4. Ciudad Victoria: 900 mm (35 inches) per year
5. Acapulco: 1,700 mm (67 inches) per year

Arid rainfalls, per definition, are those that receive less than 25 inches of rain per year. So 3 of the most violent cities in Mexico are arid. Ciudad Victoria is not that far either.

Only Acapulco is the exception (and we will see this city being the exception a few more times here, for a curious reason).

Such dry weather is not a rule in Mexico. In fact, Mexico has plenty of remarkably wet cities like Veracruz or Tampico. Cities in the state of Chiapas, like Tapachula, experience over 2000mmm of rainfall per year.

But apparently, organized crime prefers dry weather, for the very simple reason that it is easier to transport their product (drugs and people, since we are talking about the drug trade, cartels and human smugglers). When these organizations need to cross rainy areas of Mexico, they often resort to boats or airplanes.

The majority of them are close to the US border (or on the way to it)

Located in the northwestern state of Baja California, Tijuana shares a border with the American city of San Diego, California. The distance between both, the busiest border crossing in the world, is only 5 kilometers (3.1 miles).

Ciudad Juarez is also a border city, directly across from El Paso, Texas, and the border crossing is only 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles).

While not that close, Ciudad Victoria is not far either, The nearest border crossing at Nuevo Laredo is about 300 kilometers (186 miles) and the city is located in one of the two important routes that leads to the US via Monterrey.

The same is valid for Irapuato. Despite being not that close to the US (around 800 km), it is on the way to America via Monterrey.

Lastly, Acapulco is again the exception. The city, one of Mexico’s main tourist areas, is really far from the US (over 1,800 kilometers). But soon things will start to get interesting for Acapulco too.

All of them are routes for drug cartels

Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, and Ciudad Victoria are all located along the US-Mexico border, a significant transit point for drugs smuggled into the United States. The US drug enforcement agency has offices in some of these cities due to their importance in the international drug trade.

Irapuato, as we stated previously, is further inland, but is located in a state that is a famous transport route for drugs. Guanajuato (the state where Irapuato is located) is also a spot for drug production activities, particularly related to synthetic drugs like methamphetamine.

This is likely due in part to the state’s central location in Mexico, which provides easy access to major cities and transportation routes.

Acapulco, on the other hand, is located on the Pacific coast, which makes it a key location for drug trafficking operations. The city has several major ports and highways that provide easy access to other parts of the country, as well as to international drug trafficking routes.

All of them are battlegrounds for criminal organizations

In Tijuana, The Tijuana Cartel, also known as the Arellano Felix Organization (AFO), is one of the oldest and most well-known drug trafficking organizations in Mexico. It has been active in the place since the 1980s. However, in recent years, the Sinaloa Cartel arrived in the city, and there have been reports of cartel related violence that even required the Mexican government to declare an army intervention.

Ciudad Juarez has been a major center of drug trafficking and violence for many years, with multiple organizations vying for control. The C.D.J (Cártel de Juárez), also known as the Vicente Carrillo Fuentes Organization, was one of the dominant groups in the city decades ago, but has since been weakened by arrests and infighting.

Nowadays, other groups are active in the area, including the incredibly dangerous Sinaloa Cartel. The battles between rival gang members often result in multiple murders and massacres.

Ciudad Victoria, like many cities in the state of Tamaulipas (where it serves as the capital city), has been plagued by violent crimes and instability due to the presence of multiple drug trafficking organizations, including the Gulf Cartel (Cártel del Golfo) and the Cártel del Noreste.

In Irapuato, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación – CJNG) is one of the main criminal groups operating there and in the wider state of Guanajuato.

The CJNG is a powerful and highly organized cartel that has been responsible for a significant portion of the drug-related violent crimes in the region. Another criminal organization that has been active in Irapuato is the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel, which is also based in Guanajuato. The Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel has been involved in turf wars with the CJNG, and that resulted in massive violence and an increasing crime rate.

Lastly, Acapulco is a more peculiar case.

It is historically the most popular tourist destination on the Pacific coast of Mexico. But many tourists and an inflow of US dollars turned the place into an attractive location for drug traffickers looking to launder money through the local economy. Its proximity to the pacific ocean also puts it en route for drug smugglers and human trafficking.

The cartel violence between rival gangs that want to dominate the city has had a significant impact on touristy areas (since often innocent bystanders are affected) in recent years, leading to a decline in visitors and economic hardship for many residents.

The place, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, has been a battleground for several drug trafficking organizations, including the Beltran Leyva Organization, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, and the Los Rojos gang. In recent years, the Sinaloa Cartel gained ground in the area.

All of them are part of migration routes

All 5 cities are located in regions of Mexico that are known to be major transit points for migrants from Central America who are seeking to reach the United States. However, the role that each city plays in this process can vary.

Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez, as border cities, are major entry points into the United States for both legal and illegal migrants. Migrants may travel through Mexico by foot, car, or bus to reach these cities, and then attempt to cross the border into the United States, either at official ports of entry or through more remote areas.

Acapulco, Ciudad Victoria, and Irapuato are located further inland but are very important transit and gathering points for human smugglers that handle the immigrants coming from Central America. For example, many migrants may pass through Acapulco as they travel along the Pacific coast of Mexico toward Tijuana or other northern border cities.

Another example was the massive caravan that arrived in Irapuato coming from countries like Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El Salvador.

Human trafficking is almost as profitable as drug trafficking. Therefore, just as drug cartels fight for the supremacy of these zones, part of the violence can be attributed also to battles between human traffickers. Often both activities are operated by the same organizations.

What More You Should Now If You Are Visiting Mexico?

Which are the most dangerous cities in Mexico for tourists in 2023?

The 10 most dangerous cities in Mexico 2023 include some of the country’s major urban centers as well as smaller cities. These cities experience high levels of crime such as violent crime, drug trafficking, and robberies, making them a risk for tourists.

The list can change year over year, but some common cities mentioned as dangerous places in Mexico are Tijuana, Acapulco, Ciudad Victoria and Chihuahua City. Factors like cartel presence, drug trade, and the drug trafficking-related violence contribute to these cities’ unsafe reputation. It’s essential to stay informed about the current situation in these cities and potentially avoid them on your visit to Mexico.

2. How is the homicide rate in Mexico currently?

Despite recent improvements, Mexico’s homicide rate—26.6 deaths per 100,000 people—remains close to historical highs.

The homicide rate in Mexico varies by region, with some areas showing lower rates than others. In parts of the country where drug cartels like the Sinaloa Cartel or the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel are more active, the homicide rate tends to be higher.

While the overall homicide rate is concerning, some parts of Mexico are still considered safe for tourists. Pay close attention to travel advisories and choose safe travel destinations to avoid getting caught up in violent crime.

3. What should tourists know about traffic and safety in Mexico City?

Mexico City is known for its busy streets, and tourists should be aware of the traffic conditions before navigating the city. It’s essential to be cautious while crossing streets, comply with traffic rules, and maintain a heightened sense of awareness in crowded areas.

Traffic accidents can occur due to reckless driving or poor infrastructure, so take extra precautions when driving in the capital of Mexico. Utilize public transportation or reputable taxi services and always follow local laws and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Mexico City.

4. Is Cancun still a popular tourist destination despite its crime rates?

Despite the rise in crime rates, Cancun remains a top destination for many tourists visiting Mexico. The city offers beautiful beaches in a hotel zone that is quite far from the city of Cancun itself.

Mexico: Travel Safety Tips

Here are some more specific, street-wise safety tips to visit Mexico:

1st — If you visit Mexico for a day trip, there are plenty of options in terms of luggage storage, so you don’t need to walk around with your carry-on bags while seeing its many tourist attractions. Reliable, convenient, and inexpensive luggage storage services you can find at Radical Storage.

2nd — If want to discover some more isolated places, hire a guide. You can find some amazing guides and tours at Viator. Not only they will give you insider information about the gorgeous natural beauty of the country, but they will also warn you of risky areas and keep you safe.

3rd — Areas surrounding airports and train stations can be dangerous. Book a transfer in advance from one of the major airports in Mexico to your destination and vice versa, so you can avoid scammers and criminals. I often used Get Transfer for that and it always worked fine.

4th – Remain alert in crowded places. Even in tourist areas, there are still cases of petty crime.

5th — As travel insurance for visiting Mexico, we recommend Ekta.

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Levi Borba is the founder of The Expatriate Consultancy, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transactions.

Is Vancouver Safe?

Is Vancouver, a densely populated urban center, a safe choice for tourists?

Canada is known for its friendly people and hospitality, but did you know that it’s also home to the fifth most livable city in the world? Vancouver is surrounded by magnificent misty mountains, blessed with shimmering sea sunsets and striking foliage all year round! Still, beauty can come in tandem with danger (Rio is proof of that), so, is Vancouver safe?

Vancouver can cater to just about any interest. Are you looking to shop until you drop? What about wine and dining? Are you ready to experience live electric entertainment? Or how about adventuring in the wide open outdoors? Don’t worry. Vancouver has got what you need.

It is one of the best places in the world for international students (although, differently than Saskatchewan in Canada, they will not pay you to study there), and also one of the top destinations to study medicine. We also wrote a guide about Canada as a retirement destination for pensioners and remote workers.

Alright, so I know what you might be wondering – what’s the catch? Although Canada is one of the cleanest and safest countries in the world (even some of the safest cities in Mexico, like Guadalajara, are more dangerous than Canada), some curious tourists may also be asking:

How safe is Vancouver?

Vancouver overall is a generally safe place for any tourist to visit. For being such a large and densely populated urban center, Vancouver is mostly without major crime. But like any major city, you should always take the appropriate precautions. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into how safe the city is, areas you have to see, places you should avoid, and what downtown Vancouver offers.

So if you want to find out if Vancouver is the right destination to visit, you’ve come to the right place!

What Is The Crime Rate In Vancouver, Canada?

When you want to look at the crime rate in Vancouver, you almost have to break it up into two categories: Vancouver and Metro Vancouver.

Overall, in Vancouver, although some minor crimes are reported, major violent crimes and assaults are rare. Personal safety when walking alone down the streets is very good, especially when speaking about tourists.

That being said, Vancouver isn’t without its problems (just like Montreal, which we covered in this article, or Toronto, that we covered here). Although crime is moderately low, it is on the rise. The crime that is common in Vancouver is petty theft and property crime. Leaving items unattended invites them to be taken. That means, even if you’re going to step away for one second, you should always have your belongings on or right next to you with a vigilant eye.

Another crime wave that is trending is car break-ins.

Just because you locked away your items inside your car doesn’t mean they are safe. It’s advised by the Vancouver Police Department not to leave any valuables unattended in your vehicle. Actually, it is best not to leave anything that may be visible, even if you think it has no value. Something to note is that a car break-in is not likely to happen where there are many people around.

I know that all sounds a little scary, but good news exists. The trend of car thefts has recently dropped over the last couple of years, and it’s looking like 2022 will follow that same direction.

Number of Incidents

Vancouver is the largest city in British Columbia, Canada. And with every major city, there will be some bad apples. But relax. You shouldn’t worry too much if you’re heading to Vancouver.

Canada has a reputation for being welcoming and friendly. By taking these few precautions, you can rest assured that you won’t likely have anything broken into or have any valuables stolen.

So what is the crime rate in Canada?

• Vancouver’s crime rates are higher than the national average.
• However, violent crimes are 6% lower than the average.
• Compared to British Columbia, Vancouver’s crime rates are 12% lower.
• Vancouver is safer than more than half of the cities in Canada.
• Crime rates in Vancouver are dipping year over year by 5%

In the next paragraphs, there are some important key takeaways if you are visiting or moving to the city. Take note of them, especially the districts mentioned.

Bad Areas of Vancouver

Okay, so you’re headed over to visit Vancouver for a few days, and you might be wondering, what are the bad areas of Vancouver?

As mentioned before, Vancouver is relatively safe and very livable. It also ranked the #6 city in the world for health and safety! That being said, some bad neighborhoods have higher crime rates, such as Downtown Eastside, Mole Hill, and Historic Japantown. While these aren’t places tourists should avoid at all costs, you’ll have to be more careful when traveling with valuables or walking alone at night.

Top 3 Bad Areas of Vancouver

1.   What is Downtown Eastside Like?

Depending on who you ask, Downtown Eastside is an area that covers anywhere from 10-50 blocks in size and sits a few blocks east of Downtown Vancouver’s central business district. Hence, “Downtown Eastside.” This is one of the oldest areas in Vancouver, along the intersection of Main Street and Hastings.

The Downtown Eastside area has had a rather bad reputation for some time now. Compared to the other areas, the Downtown Eastside has an almost 50% higher crime rate than the overall average in Vancouver. This place isn’t dangerous to pass through during the day. Still, drug addicts and an increasing homeless problem make things a bit erratic after sunset.

2.   What is Mole Hill Like?

Mole Hill is a small Vancouver area with deep history and heritage. Unfortunately, this area is one of the most crime-ridden areas. Mole Hill scored almost twice as high compared to the rest of the national average. Here in this small community with a population of about 500, you have a 1 in 13 chance of becoming a victim of crime. Once again, if proper precautions are taken, you will be fine. The risk of encountering danger while traveling through this area is low, just try not to travel alone and always keep an eye on your possessions.

Daily Crime in Mole Hill, Vancouver per 100,000 People

3.   What is Historic Japan Like?

The area has a population of about 6,000 citizens. Still, it makes up a large percentage of the crime rate in Vancouver. A lot more tension was added to the area once the pandemic hit. This area was one of the hardest-hit regions in Canada. Not only that, but a lot of fear and uncertainty about the origin of Covid-19 contributed to a lot of Asian discrimination.

Bad Areas of Vancouver

Things are starting to shape up in these bad areas. Renovations and a lot of funding are coming in to try and preserve these historic regions as national landmarks. These areas shouldn’t sway you from visiting Vancouver’s fantastic cultural hub. Just mind essential safety tips, and you’ll be fine!

Where To Stay In Vancouver?

Vancouver is a top destination for outdoor adventures such as hiking, boat rides, and even a “skip” in a seaplane! Vancouver is swimming with all types of ethnic foods, top-notch shopping, and great sightseeing. But while you’re there, check out Downtown Center, Gastown & Chinatown, and the famous West End!

There are some excellent and (surprisingly!) inexpensive hotels in the best areas of Vancouver. You can find them below.

Downtown Center

If you’re checking out Vancouver, you’ll most likely spend some time in the Downtown area. The City Center is where you’ll find several suitable hotels down the Financial District. Many travelers are in this part of town for business. Still, even tourists should consider staying close to the fun, where you’ll find excellent public transportation to get you around!

Gastown & Chinatown

While visiting the largest city in British Columbia, you’ll have to check out some of its oldest architecture in Vancouver. This area is beaming with life and has a history all over its cobblestone streets and Victorian buildings. There’s a great photo op at the Gastown Steam Clock that bursts with hissing steam every 15 minutes on the dot. You’ll also find tons of souvenir shopping and fabulous authentic ethnic restaurants and bars!

The West End

Located just a stone skip away from the beautiful Central Business District Downtown, the West End of Vancouver is one of the most famous destinations for tourists. It’s straightforward to get to using public transportation and houses the most famous tourist attraction in the entire city, Stanley Park.

Is Downtown Vancouver Safe?

Downtown Vancouver is where it’s at if you’re looking for a booming, trendy, and top-rated urban center. In Downtown Vancouver, you can rest easy knowing that it’s ranked one of the safest places to visit in the world! As of late, it’s been a hub for young business professionals of all types to meet up and connect.

Just remember, as mentioned previously, to avoid Downtown eastside.

In the other parts of Downtown Vancouver is where you can shop at the epic Pacific Centre Shopping Mall, check out the latest art and fashion at the Vancouver Art Gallery, and also explore the Vancouver Public Library. Some curious good news: Uber rates in Vancouver are far cheaper than in large American cities like NY.

You’ll be able to enjoy all of what Downtown Vancouver offers and feel safe and secure while doing it. This place is fantastic and a must-visit if you’re thinking of having a stay in British Columbia, Canada. So join the over 8 million people visiting this city every year

Ps: If you are still in doubt about a move to Vancouver or another city, check out our Expat Living City Guides, with information about cities for expatriates and digital nomads all over the world!

Other Tips for Visiting Vancouver

1st — If you are visiting the city, there are plenty of options in terms of luggage storage, so you don’t need to walk around with your carry-on bags. Reliable, convenient, and inexpensive luggage storage services you can find at Radical Storage.

2nd — Areas surrounding airports and train stations can be dangerous.  Book a transfer in advance from the Vancouver International Airport (or from any station) to your destination and vice versa, so you can avoid scammers and criminals. I often used Get Transfer for that and it always worked fine.

3rd — If you want to walk around and see some historical spots without the risk of getting lost or wasting your time, hire a guide. You can find some amazing and reliable guides and tours at Viator. They will give you insider information about historical facts and curiosities, and also warn you of risky areas and keep you safe.

4th—Stay in a good hostel. Hostels are usually in the safest parts of cities, unlike hotels. Most hostels have private rooms that are as comfortable as a hotel, plus a friendly staff to give information. When looking for hostels, I visit Hostelworld and filter for those above grade 7.

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Levi Borba is the founder of the Expatriate Consultancy, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. Some of the links of this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transaction.