Every city has its dangers, but it goes without saying that some places are far more dangerous than others. We’ve compiled a list of 17 of the most dangerous cities in the world in terms of violent crime and homicide rates.
Celaya, Mexico
Celaya is a Mexican city famous for its impressive colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. However, it has unfortunately also become infamous for its high levels of crime and violence. According to Statista, in 2023, Celaya had the highest homicide rate in the world, with 109.39 murders per 100,000 people.
Los Cabos, Mexico
World Population Review lists Los Cabos, Mexico, as the most dangerous city in the world in 2024, with a staggering murder rate of 111.3 per 100,000 people. The city has significant struggles with its local drug trade and prevalence of gang violence.
Caracas, Venezuela
Moving over to Venezuela now, Caracas is in a state of political turmoil and economic collapse, exacerbating its issues with violence and crime. The city reportedly has a murder rate of 111.2 per 100,000 people and experiences high levels of kidnappings and armed robberies.
Acapulco, Mexico
Acapulco is another Mexican city grappling with severe violence. While Acapulco used to be known as a popular tourist destination, the region has unfortunately become increasingly violent and dangerous. The city has an estimated murder rate of 107 per 100,000 inhabitants and high levels of organized crime and gang violence.
Natal, Brazil
Our next city making the list is Natal in Brazil. Natal has a worryingly high murder rate of 102.6 per 100,000 inhabitants, as well as high levels of violent street crimes, gang violence, and drug trafficking.
Tijuana, Mexico
Statista lists Tijuana as the city with the second highest murder rate in the world in 2023, with a reported 105.15 homicides per 100,000 people. Tijuana is situated close to the U.S. border, exacerbating its issues with drug violence and trafficking.
Detroit, USA
Our first American city on the list is Detroit, which World Population Review listed as the most dangerous city in the USA. This is largely due to its concerningly high violent crime rate of 2,007 incidents per 100,000 people.
Uruapan, Mexico
Uruapan is another Mexican city considered to be highly dangerous due to its issues with drug trafficking, gang clashes, robberies and kidnapping. There is also a heavy cartel presence in the area, contributing to its high murder rate of 73.4 per 100,000 residents.
St. Louis, USA
St Louis is an American city facing significant struggles with poverty and unemployment. These challenges have contributed to its high rates of crime and violence, with approximately 65.32 homicides per 100,000 citizens.
Kingston, Jamaica
Tourists beware: Jamaica may be a beautiful country with incredible beaches, but it’s important to do your research to stay safe. One of Jamaica’s most violent cities is Kingston, which has a murder rate of 64.17 per 100,000 inhabitants. The city is also known for its struggles with social inequality, organized crime, and pickpocketing.
Cape Town, South Africa
Heading over to the continent of Africa now, South Africa’s legislative capital city is also one of its most violent. While the city’s incredible wildlife and environmental beauty draws in thousands of tourists, visitors should be cautioned that Cape Town struggles with over 100 gangs and significant criminal activity.
Feira de Santana, Brazil
Feira de Santana has a high murder rate of 61.21 per 100,000 people and has become infamous for its street crime, gang violence, and lack of sufficient law enforcement. While this city was once a popular holiday destination for tourists, visitors must now be more cautious when visiting this stunning city.
Buenaventura, Colombia
Buenaventura has a long history of violence, drug trafficking, and murders, with a homicide rate of approximately 59.33 per 100,000 citizens. There is also a significant gang presence in the region, who frequently fight for control over drug trade routes.
Baltimore, USA
Returning to America now, Baltimore has unfortunately become one of the most dangerous cities worldwide. The city has a staggering crime rate of approximately 48 per 1,000 residents, according to Neighborhood Scout. Baltimore also has significant struggles with violent crime and drug trafficking.
Memphis, USA
Memphis makes the list with its high crime rate, drug crime, and high levels of gang violence. Poverty and public safety challenges are among some of the factors contributing to the dangers of this American city.
Camden, New Jersey, USA
Yet another dangerous U.S. city is Camden. The New Jersey city is grappling with a high prevalence of gang violence, drug trafficking, and other crime issues. High poverty rates and law enforcement challenges are two significant contributing factors.
Flint, Michigan, USA
Closing out the list is Flint, a city in Michigan. You may have heard of Flint because of its water crisis, but unfortunately, that isn’t the only challenge the city is battling. Flint’s struggle with economic decline and unemployment has exacerbated its issues with violent crime and robberies.
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