Jamaica Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Jamaica
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated January 17, 2026
Jamaica recorded 49.4 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is among the highest in the world. That places Jamaica #5 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Americas average of 20.8 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have risen 14% over the past decade (from 43.2 in 2013). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Jamaica at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
49.4 /100k
Safety Rank
#191 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have risen 14% over the past decade (from 43.2 in 2013). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Jamaica Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Jamaica, the homicide rate for men is 11.1× higher than the rate for women — 91.5 vs 8.2 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Jamaica:
The advisory level was decreased to Level 2. There were no changes to the risk indicators. The advisory summary was updated. Exercise Increased Caution due to crime, health, and natural disaster risks. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Advisory Summary U.S. government employee travel restrictions U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to use public buses or drive between cities at night. They are also not allowed to travel to certain high-risk areas, as noted below. U.S. citizens in Jamaica should take the same precautions.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Jamaica Population & Demographics
Population of 2,839,175, growth trends, economy, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jamaica safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Jamaica at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 49.4 per 100,000 is among the highest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Jamaica?
Jamaica has an intentional homicide rate of 49.4 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #5 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Jamaica?
Jamaica is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Jamaica compare to other countries?
Jamaica's homicide rate of 49.4 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Americas average of 20.8.