Mexico Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Mexico
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated August 12, 2025
Mexico recorded 24.9 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is among the highest in the world. That places Mexico #19 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 28% over the past decade (from 19.5 in 2013). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Mexico at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
24.9 /100k
Safety Rank
#177 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 28% over the past decade (from 19.5 in 2013). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Mexico Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Mexico, the homicide rate for men is 8.0× higher than the rate for women — 44.9 vs 5.6 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 Mexico:
Exercise increased caution in Mexico due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. Advisory summary Many violent crimes take place in Mexico. They include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mexico. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. The U.S. government has limited ability to help in many parts of Mexico. U.S. government employees are not allowed to travel to certain high-risk areas. Due to security risks, U.S.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Mexico
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated August 11, 2025).
Emergency numbers
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.
Crime
Crime in Mexico is common and can be violent. This ranges from petty street crime to attacks by cartels, criminal organizations and terrorist organizations. There have been violent crimes in resort areas and tourist spots in Mexico. Mission Mexico has assisted U.S. citizens who were victims of armed robbery, carjacking, extortion, homicide, kidnapping, pickpocketing, and sexual assault. Targeted killings and other cartel, criminal organizations and terrorist organizations violence result from fights over territory. This can hurt innocent bystanders. Travelers who experience an active shooter situation should flee or drop to the ground behind a hard barrier. For more details, review the Mexico Travel Advisory
Robbery
Robberies happen often in cities. Criminals force victims to use their debit or credit cards to withdraw money. They may also pose as taxi drivers to trick you. To stay safe: Limit the cash you carry in public. Do not hail taxis on the street. Use trusted ride-sharing apps or book taxis through your hotel or an authorized taxi stand. Ask your bank how to quickly freeze or cancel your bank and credit cards. Extortion: Extortion schemes are common, such as virtual kidnapping. Criminals convince families that a relative has been kidnapped. The relative is actually safe but unreachable. In another version of virtual kidnapping, a caller tells someone who has checked into a hotel that they are in danger and must pay a ransom. The criminals try to scare the victim into not contacting police or family.
Drug smuggling
Mexican cartels, criminal organizations and terrorist organizations are active in a violent struggle to control trafficking routes. Crime organizations may try to convince Americans to carry packages into the United States for them. They target unaware travelers who regularly cross the border to smuggle drugs. Monitor your vehicle closely. Don’t agree to carry any package across the border. Sexual assault: Rape and sexual assault are common in some resort areas, especially at night or early morning. Criminals sometimes drug their victim’s drinks. Be aware of your surroundings. Consider bringing a friend with you when you go out. Closely monitor your drinks.
Financial scams
Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams and learn how the FBI can help. Internet financial scams are common in Mexico. Scammers often reach out through online services or unwanted emails. They may pretend to be U.S. citizens needing help. They even claim that you or a loved one may be in danger if you do not give them money. There have also been reports of banking fraud against U.S. citizens. Common scams include: Requests for you to help with a money transfer, promising you a share of the money. Notifications of supposed bank overpayments or fake inheritances. Promises of free trips or luggage. Online girlfriends or boyfriends claiming they are in trouble and asking for financial help. Promises to help you exit your timeshare property investment in Mexico. If you think you’ve been scammed, you can: File a police report.
Credit and debit card skimming
Fraudulent charges or cash withdrawals can occur due to “skimmed” cards. Use ATMs in safe, well-lit areas, ideally within banks. Be especially alert for skimming devices in tourist areas. These are popular targets. Regularly check your account for unauthorized transactions.
Victims of crime
When a crime occurs while traveling: Dial 911 for the local authorities. File a report of the crime “denuncia” with the “Ministerio Publico,” similar to the office of public prosecutor or district attorney in the United States. (Note: First responders do not handle crime reports.) Contact the U.S. Embassy or closest U.S. Consulate here to report serious crimes such as: Kidnapping of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) Domestic violence Sexual assault The Department of State provides help for U.S. victims of crime overseas. The Embassy or Consulate can: Replace a stolen or lost passport. Help you find appropriate medical care. Assist you in reporting a crime to local authorities. With your written consent, contact relatives or friends. Provide general information about a victim’s role during local investigation and following its conclusion. Share a list of local attorneys.
Carbon monoxide
U.S. citizens have died from carbon monoxide poisoning in Mexico. Many hotels and vacation rental properties do not have carbon monoxide detectors. If you are not sure that your accommodations provide one, bring a portable carbon monoxide detector.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations happen often, sometimes due to political or economic issues, political holidays, or international events. Protesters may block roads, bridges, or take over toll booths. If protesters ask for money at toll booths, paying usually lets you pass. U.S. citizens should not join demonstrations, as Mexican law forbids political activities by foreigners. Joining demonstrations can lead to detention or deportation. Avoid areas with protests. Protests can be unpredictable and sometimes turn violent. Check local media for updates and traffic news. Tourism regulations In major cities and resorts, tourism is well-regulated and enforced through best practices and safety inspections. Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs. In smaller towns, regulations, inspections and safety measures are limited. Professional staff support organized tour-group activities. U.S.
Tourist assistance: Dial 078
from any phone in Mexico to get free information about: Tourist attractions Airports and travel agencies Car rental companies Embassies and consulates Fairs and exhibitions Hotels Hospitals Financial services Migratory and other issues Mexico also has multilingual Centers for the Care and Protection of the Tourist (CAPTA) and Tourist Assistance Centers (CATTAC) to help with: Disputes with businesses and government Filing criminal reports Finding special needs accommodations Locations: Acapulco Cancun Cozumel Ciudad Madero La Paz Los Cabos Mazatlan Playa del Carmen Queretaro
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.
Mexico Population & Demographics
Population of 130,861,007, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mexico safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Mexico at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). Cited risks include crime, terrorism, kidnapping. The homicide rate of 24.9 per 100,000 is among the highest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Mexico?
Mexico has an intentional homicide rate of 24.9 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #19 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Mexico?
Mexico 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 Mexico compare to other countries?
Mexico's homicide rate of 24.9 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Americas average of 20.8.