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Is Mexico Safe for Long Term Living?

Is Mexico safe to live? Mexico is one of the most beautiful countries with a rich culture, history, and stunning architecture. From the bustling cities of Mexico City and Guadalajara to the tranquil beaches of Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, there is something for everyone.

It’s no wonder many Americans are drawn to it, especially retirees, digital nomads, and those seeking an adventure. But is Mexico a safe place to live? This is a question many people have been asking lately, given the current political situation in the country.

In this blog post, we will take a look at the safety of Mexico and answer that question once and for all.

What Is the Crime Rate in Mexico?

According to the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), the number of homicides in Mexico in 2021 significantly improved, with the country seeing 26.6 deaths per 100,000 individuals. This is equivalent to 34,000 murder victims in the country for the year. 

While this is still a high number, it is important to note that it is a significant improvement from the previous years. In 2020, Mexico saw 30,000 murders, while in 2019, there were 33,000 homicides. So, while the homicide rate is still high, it has been trending downwards in recent years.

When it comes to kidnappings, the IEP reports that there were only 0.36 cases per 100,000 people in Mexico in 2020. This is a very low number, and it shows that kidnappings are not a common occurrence in Mexico.

What About Other Crimes?

In addition to homicides and kidnappings, there are other crimes that you need to be aware of when living in Mexico. These include:

• Burglary: There were 61,841 reported cases of burglary in Mexico in 2020. This is equivalent to a rate of 61.3 per 100,000 people.
• Robbery: There were over 70,000 robbery victims in public transportation in 2020. This is a rate of 19.51 per 100,000 people.
• Vehicle theft: There were  145,584 cases of private vehicle theft reported in 2020. This is a rate of 64.7 per 100,000 people.

As you can see, the crime rates for burglary, robbery and vehicle theft are all relatively high. This is something that you need to be aware of if you are planning on living in Mexico.

What Are the Most Dangerous Places in Mexico?

While the homicide rate has been trending down in recent years, some places in Mexico are still more dangerous than others. These include:

• Tijuana: The homicide rate in Tijuana is currently at 138 per 100,000 people. This is the highest homicide rate of any city in Mexico, making it the most dangerous place to live in the world.
• Acapulco: The homicide rate in Acapulco is currently at 110.5 per 100,000 people. According to a report, Acapulco is the second most dangerous place to live in the world.
• Ciudad Victoria: With a slaughter rate of 86.01 per 100,000 people, Ciudad Victoria is ranked the 4th most dangerous city in the world. It’s located in the northeastern part of Mexico and is the state capital of Tamaulipas, which has been plagued by drug-related violence for many years.
• Ciudad Juarez: This is one of the most populated cities in Mexico, and it’s quite attractive to drug cartels and other criminal organizations. Thanks to the cartels, the homicide rate in Ciudad Juarez is currently at 85.56 per 100,000 people, which is the fourth highest homicide rate in Mexico, making it the 5th most dangerous place to live in the world.

If you are planning on living in Mexico, it is important to avoid these cities. While the rest of the country has a homicide rate of 26.60 per 100,000 people, these three cities have rates that are more than double that.

Which Are the Safest Cities for Foreigners to Live in Mexico?

The violence in Mexico has been well-documented in the media. The drug cartels are constantly at war with each other and the government, leading to a high level of crime and violence in some parts of the country. However, some cities in Mexico are relatively safe for foreigners to live in. These include:

1. Sayulita, Nayarit

This sleepy, slow surf town offers foreigners a calm lifestyle and is one of the safest places to live in Mexico. With a population of just over 3,900 Sayulita is located on the Riviera Nayarit and is an hour’s drive from Puerto Vallarta.

It has a very low crime rate and is considered a very safe place to live. In fact, it was named the second safest place to live in Mexico by Low Crime Cities.

2. Campeche 

Campeche is one of the most beautiful and safest states in Mexico. It’s located on the Yucatan Peninsula and is known for its Spanish colonial architecture and stunning beaches. The state capital, Campeche, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

3. Mérida, Yucatán

Mérida is the capital of Mexico’s Yucatán state. It is also the largest city in the Yucatán peninsula. The city is known for its colonial architecture, beautiful parks, and lively atmosphere. It’s a popular destination for expats, especially retirees and tourists.

4.   Mazatlan, Sinaloa

Mazatlan is a beautiful port city located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. It is known for its golden beaches, colonial architecture, and vibrant nightlife. And although Mazatlan is located in Sinaloa, one of the most dangerous states in Mexico, it’s among the safest place for tourists to visit and expats to live.

So, Is Mexico Safe to Live?

The answer is yes and no. It all depends on where you choose to live and how you go about your daily life. If you stay in the more touristy areas and avoid the areas known for crime, you will likely have a very safe and enjoyable experience living in Mexico.

But if you venture into the more dangerous areas of the country, you could be putting yourself at risk. Use your best judgment and be aware of your surroundings, and you will have no problem staying safe in Mexico.