Is crime higher in Mexico or US?
Asked by: Prof. Jaden Borer | Last update: May 20, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (59 votes)
To be clear, violence in Mexico is no joke. There have been over 47,000 drug-related murders alone in the past five years. Its murder rate - 18 per 100,000 according to this United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime report - is more than three times the US rate of 4.8 per 100,000.
What's the safest state in Mexico?
Yucatán may be famous for its spectacular Mayan ruins, its underground caves and cenotes, and its delicious food. But the main reason for its growing popularity among locals and foreigners is more mundane: It's Mexico's safest state — and by quite some margin.
Is Cancun safer than Chicago?
Through April 13, over 100 people were murdered in Cancun, which has a population of just over 600,000 and an overall murder rate of 16.7 per 100,000—much lower than other Mexican cities, but three times the statistical murder rate in Chicago.
Is it safe to live in Mexico as an American?
While the headlines may focus on crime, the reality is that many areas in Mexico are incredibly safe and welcoming to expats. By staying informed and vigilant, you can navigate the unique safety landscape with confidence. That said, investing in international health insurance is always a good idea.
Does the U.S. have the highest crime rate?
International comparison. Among 15 high-income countries, the U.S. has both the highest homicide rate, and the largest number of homicides. The manner in which the United States' crime rate compares to other countries of similar wealth and development depends on the nature of the crime used in the comparison.
War At USA-Mexico Border? Cartel Attacks, American Forces Retaliate Amid Anti-Immigrant Campaign
Is the crime rate in Canada higher than the US?
Canada's violent crime rate 14.0% higher than U.S. in 2022, and rising; property crime rate 27.5% higher.
Which country is safest in the world?
Iceland consistently ranks as the safest country in the world, and its safety is rooted in various factors. The country experiences exceptionally low crime rates and has no standing army, relying instead on a small, well-trained police force that is typically unarmed.
How safe is Mexico compared to the United States?
To be clear, violence in Mexico is no joke. There have been over 47,000 drug-related murders alone in the past five years. Its murder rate - 18 per 100,000 according to this United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime report - is more than three times the US rate of 4.8 per 100,000.
Does Mexico have free healthcare?
In most states, the state government has established free or subsidized healthcare to all of its citizens. The Secretariat of Health is the largest public healthcare institution, operating 809 hospitals throughout the country.
Where is the best place for Canadians to live in Mexico?
- Tulum. Tulum has quickly grown from a small fishing village to a trendy vacation spot where people from all over the world come to enjoy the natural beauty and laid-back vibe. ...
- Cancún. ...
- Bacalar. ...
- Puerto Morelos. ...
- Cozumel. ...
- Puerto Aventuras. ...
- Akumal.
Is it safe to walk around Cancun?
Secluded areas of beach are best avoided, as are roads away from the main strip of the hotel zone. It's considered safe to walk around this area of bars, restaurants and nightclubs, but if you're intending to travel further afield, a taxi is recommended. If you are deemed to be drunk the police can arrest you.
Is Riviera Maya safer than Cancun?
Riviera Maya is a safer place to visit since it has a lower violent crime rate and better all around reputation.
What is the crime rate in Tulum Mexico?
Tulum's Safety Reports
Numbeo has given Tulum a relatively low crime index of about 37.31 and a safety index of 62.69. The rating is rather low compared to other cities like Mexico City where the crime index is 67.72 and a safety index of 32.28.
Where not to go in Mexico right now?
- Northern border states – Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas.
- Pacific coast states – Colima, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit and Sinaloa.
Why is Yucatan safe than the rest of Mexico?
Yucatán, a state that occupies about a third of its namesake peninsula, has historically been low-crime in part because it is geographically isolated from the rest of the country.
How many murders in Mexico per year?
Mexico homicide rate 2015 to 2021
Despite recent improvements, Mexico's homicide rate remains near historical highs, at 26.6 deaths per 100,000 people, resulting in over 34,000 victims. This equates to 94 homicides per day on average in 2021.
Is college free in Mexico?
Tuition at public universities and technological universities and institutes is free to Mexican citizens; however, there may be fees which can be as high as $US 150 per semester. Tuition at private universities varies widely and can be very expensive, with some charging $US 20,000 or more per year.
How much is an ER visit in Mexico?
Mexico Health Care Facts
An emergency room visit can charge you between 350 and 500 MXN (15 and 25 USD). A doctor's consultation costs approximately around 400 MXN (18 USD).
Does Mexico have abortion laws?
On 7 September 2021, the Mexican Supreme Court unanimously ruled that penalizing abortion is unconstitutional, setting a precedent across the country. Abortion has not been a federal crime in Mexico since 7 September 2023. However, criminal law in Mexico varies by state.
Is life better in the U.S. or Mexico?
Popular FAQ's… Is Mexico a better place to live than the US? There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Mexico offers a lower cost of living, rich culture, and a slower pace of life, but there are also safety concerns, language barriers, and bureaucratic hurdles to consider.
What is the safest country in the world?
Iceland maintains its top ranking as the world's safest country for an unprecedented 14th consecutive year according to the GPI.
Where does Mexico rank in crime?
Mexico is now the fourth most crime-ridden country in the world and the second most dangerous in the Americas, according to a report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime, which studies 193 countries.
Is Canada a safe country?
According to a new report, Canada is the third safest country in the world for travellers in 2025. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP), the North American travel insurance company behind the annual safety rankings, listed Canada in the top spot, just under Iceland (#1) and Australia (#2).
Is Costa Rica safe?
But is Costa Rica a safe destination for all these travelers? The good news is that Costa Rica lives up to its billing as one of the safest countries in the Western Hemisphere. By taking some simple precautions you can have a great time and enjoy the country's cities, beaches, rainforests, and mountains.