10 most dangerous cities in the world, based on homicide rates

The most dangerous cities in the world are a major concern for residents, visitors, law enforcement and policy makers. Although crime occurs everywhere, some cities statistically experience consistently high levels of crime. We turned to Statisticala global data and business intelligence platform, to find the hard numbers on murders per capita in cities around the world.

Identifying the existence and causes of high crime rates can provide information where police should focus their attention and allow residents to carefully exercise extreme caution. Whether it concerns the most dangerous cities in the US or the most dangerous countries in the worldPublic safety can be improved when governments and individuals are armed with information.

Here are the 10 most dangerous cities in the world, in descending order, according to the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants. It is important to emphasize that this list does not include countries that are unfortunately experiencing war or large-scale internal conflicts such as social unrest and political instability.

1. Colima, Mexico (140.32)

By 2024, Colima, Mexicoemerged as the most dangerous city in the world with a murder rate of 140.32 per 100,000 inhabitants. With the highest homicide rate in the world, the city suffers from alarming levels of violence, mainly driven by killings gang violence and drug trafficking.

Despite its small size, the city has seen a significant spike in homicides and violent crime as rival drug cartels battle for control of lucrative drug routes and control over fentanyl production. The pervasive influence of these criminal organizations has created an environment of fear for residents caught in the crossfire of gang-related violence.

Efforts by local authorities to address the crisis have faced challenges as the complexities of organized crime continue to disrupt community safety and stability. Local organizations and community leaders actively work to promote safety and social development through education, economic initiatives and crime prevention programs.

2. Ciudad Obregón, Mexico (117.83)

Ciudad Obregón, Mexico, was ranked as the second most dangerous city in the world in 2024 with a homicide rate of 117.83 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Ciudad Obregón, located in the state of Sonora, is recognized as one of the most dangerous cities in the world, largely due to escalating violence linked to cartels. The city has witnessed a wave of murders, kidnappings and violent clashes between rival gangs battling for control of drug routes and territory.

Despite the presence of law enforcement, the widespread influence of drug cartels continues to pose significant safety and security challenges.

3. Port-au-Prince, Haiti (117.24)

Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haitiwas the third most dangerous city in the world in 2024 with a murder rate of 117.24 per 100,000 inhabitants.

The violence and instability stem from a wave of gang-related violence in recent years, with armed groups competing for control of territory and resources, leading to a significant increase in kidnappings, killings and sexual violence.

The city’s struggles are exacerbated by ongoing political unrest, economic hardship and the aftermath of natural disasters, leaving many residents living in precarious conditions.

Despite efforts by local authorities and international organizations to restore order and improve security, the pervasive influence of gangs has created a climate of fear that deeply affects daily life in Port-au-Prince. Community organizations and grassroots movements are actively working to address social problems, provide support to vulnerable populations and promote peace initiatives.

4. Zamora, Mexico (105.13)

ZamoraMexico is ranked as the fourth most dangerous city in the world with a homicide rate of 105.13 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2024.

This relatively small city in Michoacán has seen a significant increase in murders, kidnappings and other violent incidents, driven by rival cartels vying for control of lucrative drug routes and production facilities.

5. Manzanillo, Mexico (102.58)

The fifth most dangerous city in the world, Manzanillo, Mexico, had a homicide rate of 102.58 per 100,000 residents in 2024.

Manzanillo, a bustling port city on the Pacific coast, has experienced a dramatic increase in violence linked to organized crime and drug trafficking. The city has witnessed a disturbing rise in murders and violent crimes, mainly due to wars between rival drug cartels.

The strategic location of the port for drug smuggling operations has made it a focal point for criminal activity, causing significant safety issues for residents and visitors alike. Despite government efforts to increase security and combat drug trafficking, the pervasive influence of organized crime has made the country a challenging environment for local law enforcement.

6. Tijuana, Mexico (91.76)

Tijuana, Mexico, just south of San Diego, California, on the U.S. border, has long had a notorious reputation. In 2024, it was ranked as the sixth most dangerous city in the world with a homicide rate of 91.76 per 100,000 inhabitants.

The city has experienced high rates of violent crime, largely attributed to synthetic drug trafficking and gang-related activity. Regular clashes between rival cartels and law enforcement have resulted in significant violence, leading to a significant number of murders and other crimes.

The challenges are compounded by socio-economic problems, including poverty and unemployment. Despite continued efforts by authorities to combat crime, Tijuana continues to suffer from security problems, impacting both locals and the many visitors who visit the area.

7. Zacatecas, Mexico (88.99)

Zacatecas, Mexico, has become the seventh most dangerous city in the world, with a murder rate of 88.99 per 100,000 residents.

Known for its rich history and colonial architecture, the city is now experiencing a significant increase in murders, kidnappings and homicides. extortiondriven by fierce competition between rival gangs.

Despite the military presence and government efforts to restore peace, the entrenched nature of crime has made it a challenging environment for residents and authorities alike.

8. Guayaquil, Ecuador (88.82)

Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, has earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous cities in the world due to its escalating crime rates and violence. In 2024, the murder rate was 88.82 per 100,000 inhabitants.

In recent years, the city has seen an increase in homicides, drug-related crime and gang violence, often attributed to competition between criminal organizations for control of drug trafficking routes. Law enforcement has stepped up efforts to combat these problems, but the complex interplay between poverty and crime continues to pose significant challenges.

9. Mandela Bay, South Africa (78.33)

Nelson Mandela Bay, commonly referred to as Mandela Bay or Port Elizabeth, is the ninth most dangerous city in the world with a homicide rate of 78.33 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2024.

Located on the Eastern Cape of South Africa, the city has had the highest murder rates in the country. Crime, such as armed robbery, is often fueled by socio-economic problems such as unemployment and poverty, and firearms are widely available.

The presence and activities of criminal groups reinforce the sense of vulnerability to public safety.

10. Ciudad Juarez, Mexico (77.43)

Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, was ranked as the tenth most dangerous city in the world in 2024, with a homicide rate of 77.43 per 100,000 residents. This is almost half the number of murders in the most dangerous city in the world, Colima.

Located on Mexico’s northern border, bordering El Paso, Texas, the city has long been known for its high levels of violence. This reputation stems mainly from drug trafficking and organized crime, as rival gangs battle for control of lucrative smuggling routes.

Although local authorities and the Mexican government have made efforts to curb the violence, challenges remain significant, exacerbated by socio-economic problems and a lack of confidence in law enforcement.

Safety and security in the most violent cities

Safety and security in dangerous cities require residents and visitors to take a proactive approach to their well-being. The most dangerous cities in the world have achieved their status mainly thanks to organized crime groups involved in drugs. So avoiding drugs can obviously reduce the risks considerably.

To minimize risks overall, it is essential that you do not travel alone at night and that you are in well-lit, populated areas. These simple strategies can reduce the chance of unsafe situations.

Additionally, staying informed about local conditions (via news sources or local advisories) can help travelers navigate potentially dangerous environments more effectively. Following the guidance of local authorities is crucial as they have the most accurate information about the safety landscape in the area.

Awareness of your surroundings is another essential part of staying safe in unfamiliar areas. Visitors should pay attention to their belongings and avoid showing signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry or flashy watches, which could attract unwanted attention or armed robberies.

By immersing yourself in the local culture and using common sense, travelers can significantly increase their safety. Ultimately, prioritizing safety measures and being proactive can lead to a more enjoyable and safer experience, even in the most challenging urban environments.

We created this article using AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.

Original article: 10 most dangerous cities in the world, based on homicide rates