Mexico is a large and diverse country with over 32 states spanning 761,610 square miles. Each state has its own unique culture, geography, and level of safety. When deciding where to visit or live in Mexico, safety is a top concern for many travelers and expats. While no area is completely immune from crime, there are certain regions and cities considered safer than others.
Overview of Safety in Mexico
It’s important to first understand the overall safety situation in Mexico. The U.S. Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) rates Mexico as a “critical” threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. OSAC also warns that violent crime such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery is widespread throughout Mexico.
That said, the vast majority of violence in Mexico is related to organized crime and the drug trade. Tourists who stick to well-traveled areas during daylight hours and avoid involvement with drugs or gangs have a low risk of becoming victims of violent crime in most parts of Mexico.
Here are some key facts about safety in Mexico:
- Murder rate in Mexico is around 29 per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to 6 per 100,000 in the U.S.
- Majority of homicides related to turf wars between drug cartels and clashes with security forces
- Kidnapping for ransom is a risk, with over 1,000 reported cases per year
- Armed robberies and carjackings occur frequently in cities
- Police corruption is widespread
While concerning, these statistics do not mean that all parts of Mexico are equally dangerous. By avoiding high-risk border cities, tourist hot spots with rampant petty crime, and isolated or unfamiliar areas, your chances of being a victim are greatly reduced.
Safest Regions in Mexico
Based on crime rates, advisor warnings, and local reputations, here are some of the safest regions for visitors and expats in Mexico:
Yucatan Peninsula
The Yucatan Peninsula, comprising the states of Yucatan, Campeche, and Quintana Roo, has relatively low rates of violent crime compared to other parts of Mexico. This region is home to major tourist destinations like Cancun, Tulum, Merida, and the Riviera Maya. While petty theft does occur, violent incidents are rare.
San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende in the central Mexican highlands is beloved by expats and known for its charming colonial architecture, arts scene, and mild climate. It has very low crime rates, especially when compared to major metropolises.
Lake Chapala
The communities around Lake Chapala, Mexico’s largest lake, have long attracted American and Canadian retirees. Ajijic, Chapala, Jocotepec and other lakeside towns have minimal violence and street crime thanks to their strong expat communities.
Mexico City
While Mexico City has its share of crime, it has much lower homicide rates compared to cities along the U.S-Mexico border. Wealthy neighborhoods like Polanco and Condesa have very good security. As long as you exercise caution as in any big city, Mexico City is quite safe.
Cozumel
The island of Cozumel off the Yucatan Peninsula is known for its tranquility, beaches, and scuba diving. It sees over 2 million cruise visitors per year but rarely experiences violent crime.
Puebla
The colonial city of Puebla in central Mexico has a mild climate, rich cultural history, and low rates of crime. Its location inland away from the drug smuggling routes coastal cities face also adds to its safety.
Playa del Carmen
While Playa del Carmen has seen tourist-targeted scams and petty theft, violent crime is uncommon. Most incidents are limited to tourists who patronize illicit venues or make themselves easy targets.
Safest Cities in Mexico
Here is a list of some of the cities and towns considered safest for visitors and residents in Mexico:
| City | State | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| San Miguel de Allende | Guanajuato | Strong police presence, community involvement in safety |
| Ajijic | Jalisco | Retirement community with neighborhood watches |
| Merida | Yucatan | Low crime rates, families feel safe downtown at night |
| Saltillo | Coahuila | High security, low murder rates compared to other Mexican cities |
| Campeche | Campeche | Walled historic center with strong police presence |
| Colima City | Colima | Progressive law enforcement efforts improved safety |
| Queretaro | Queretaro | Growing metropolis but has maintained low crime rates |
| Puebla | Puebla | Low homicide rates, safe downtown area |
Areas to Avoid in Mexico
While many regions in Mexico are quite safe, there are certain cities and areas that are prone to higher crime rates and violence where extra caution is advised.
Northern Border Towns
Northern Mexico border cities like Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Nogales, Nuevo Laredo, and Matamoros have very high murder rates due to turf wars between cartels fighting for control of drug and human trafficking routes into the US. These cities are best avoided.
Acapulco
Once a glamorous resort town, crime and violence have turned Acapulco into a no-go zone for most travelers. It has Mexico’s second highest murder rate among cities.
Iztapalapa
Iztapalapa is Mexico City’s most dangerous borough, with elevated rates of robbery, assault, and homicide. Other high-crime zones in Mexico City include Tepito and Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl.
Highways at Night
Driving at night on isolated rural highways puts you at risk for carjackings, kidnappings, and other crimes. Try to limit driving to daylight hours only and stick to toll roads when possible.
Unregulated Taxis
When taking taxis in Mexico, call for a radio taxi rather than hailing one on the street. Pre-arranged airport taxis and hotel taxis are also safer options. Unregulated taxis put you at risk of kidnapping, robbery, and other crimes.
Factors for Safety in Mexico
There are a few key factors that generally make an area in Mexico safer or more dangerous:
- Proximity to U.S. border – Increased drug and human smuggling activity near border crossings leads to more cartel violence.
- Tourist popularity – Well-trodden tourist areas see more police and have lower tolerance for crimes against visitors.
- Corruption – Areas with corrupt or underpaid police tend to have higher crime rates.
- Poverty levels – Poorer regions with high unemployment often fuel higher rates of theft and robbery.
- Isolation – Remote areas away from population centers are more vulnerable to crimes without witnesses.
- Cartel presence – Disputes between rival cartels bringing crime and violence to control territory.
Understanding these factors can help you better evaluate the overall safety level of a given Mexican city or region.
Tips for Staying Safe in Mexico
While some parts of Mexico are inherently safer than others, there are also precautions travelers and expats can take anywhere to minimize risks:
- Stay in well-lit public areas and avoid isolated roads or alleys
- Keep jewelry, bags, cash, and phones out of sight in public
- Only take regulated taxis or ride shares
- Don’t physically resist if you are robbed – give up valuables easily
- Don’t drink to excess or do drugs which lower inhibitions
- Monitor local news and advisories for any safety concerns
- Learn some Spanish to better communicate if you need help
- Store hotel/accommodation contact details in your phone
- Share your itinerary and contact info with someone at home
With proper precautions, the allure of Mexico’s natural beauty, cuisine, culture, and friendly locals can be enjoyed safely by travelers.
Safest Places in Mexico to Live or Retire
For those looking to move to Mexico, the lowest crime cities provide not only safety but a high quality of life. Here are some of the top safe places to live as an expat or retiree:
Lake Chapala
Retirees have flocked to Lake Chapala towns like Ajijic and Chapala for decades thanks to the ideal climate, beautiful scenery, established expat community, and low cost of living. Crime largely consists of petty theft only.
Merida
The capital of the Yucatan Peninsula, Merida offers colonial architecture, vibrant culture, healthcare facilities, and walkable neighborhoods where many locals still speak Mayan as their first language.
San Miguel de Allende
One of Mexico’s top expat havens, San Miguel de Allende is filled with English speakers and community activities. Its small-town feel, mild weather, and winding streets dotted with cafes and galleries make it ideal for retirement.
Queretaro
Queretaro is increasingly popular with expats due to its mix of colonial and modern conveniences, walkable historic center, and close proximity to Mexico City. Though costs are low, amenities are first-rate.
Riviera Maya
Areas like Playa del Carmen that are part of the Riviera Maya offer Caribbean beaches, modern condos, and expat clubs and activities. Healthcare facilities cater to retirees and crime remains low.
Is It Safe to Travel in Mexico Right Now?
Mexico’s crime situation receives a lot of media attention, but the risks to travelers are often exaggerated. While travelers should exercise caution, the vast majority who stick to advised safety tips enjoy safe and memorable trips.
That said, security conditions can evolve rapidly. It’s wise to monitor travel advisories before any trip to be aware of any increased threats. You can check the U.S. Department of State Mexico Travel Advisory for updated assessments.
Currently the advisory recommends reconsidering travel to Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas due to crime. It also suggests increased caution when visiting Baja California, Chihuahua, Durango, Jalisco, Mexico City, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, Sonora, and several other states.
Even in places with advisories, you can often still visit touristic areas safely by following precautions. But higher-risk areas may require additional restraint such as:
- Only driving during daylight hours
- Avoiding side roads and isolated areas
- Selecting hotels with heightened security features
- Using group tours and guides instead of independent travel
Check government resources like travel advisories before your trip, but also connect with locals to get on-the-ground assessments. With the right destination selection and safety measures, travel in Mexico can meet or exceed the safety levels found in your home country.
The Bottom Line
While safety risks exist in Mexico, vigilant travelers can still enjoy its beauty by following key tips:
- Stick to recommended safe regions and cities
- Stay in populated tourist areas
- Travel during daylight hours only
- Use regulated taxis or ride shares
- Don’t display wealth or get involved in drugs
- Monitor travel advisories and news
Areas like the Yucatan Peninsula, San Miguel de Allende, and the Lake Chapala region provide both rich cultural experiences and minimal crime rates for visitors. With proper precautions, memorable and safe travel in Mexico is certainly achievable.