24/01/2025
How violent is Mexico? I got this as an email from our friend, Mariana Lange, at Mexico Relocation Guide:
Hola ,
Isn’t Mexico Dangerous?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions I receive.
It’s a fair concern, especially given how often Mexico is portrayed as dangerous in the American media. But the reality is much more nuanced.
Let’s start with the facts: Mexico is a HUGE country.
Its size and diversity mean that safety varies
widely from one region to another. Yes, there are areas in Mexico where crime rates are high, and I wouldn’t recommend living in those
Its size and diversity mean that safety varies
widely from one region to another. Yes, there are areas in Mexico where crime rates are high, and I wouldn’t recommend living in those places.
However, it’s equally important to recognize that much of Mexico is safe and home to millions of people who feel secure and thrive there every day. Unfortunately, the media just lumps it all into one word: Mexico- and then people assume the whole country is dangerous.
But I also don't put my blinders on. And for perspective, here are the cities Mexicans themselves feel are the least safe, according to a recent INEGI survey (Mexico's Statistics Department):
- Villahermosa, Tabasco - Uruapan, Michoacán
- Fresnillo, Zacatecas
- Culiacán Rosales, Sinaloa - Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas
- Villahermosa, Tabasco - Uruapan, Michoacán
- Fresnillo, Zacatecas
- Culiacán Rosales, Sinaloa - Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas - Tapachula, Chiapas
While I personally would not recommend living in these cities, it’s essential to understand that this does NOT mean the entire country is dangerous or unsafe.
Mexico is full of regions, cities, and communities that are incredibly safe, welcoming, and vibrant.
It’s also worth noting that perceptions of safety often vary depending on who you ask and where they live. Many expats and locals across Mexico feel perfectly safe in their chosen communities.
Hearing firsthand stories from people who live
in Mexico can be a great way to gain a balanced understanding of what life here is really like. Ultimately, whether or not Mexico
Hearing firsthand stories from people who live
in Mexico can be a great way to gain a balanced understanding of what life here is really like. Ultimately, whether or not Mexico feels like the right place for you depends on your preferences, research, and comfort level.
The key is to do your homework, talk to people who live here, and approach the decision with an open mind. Check out our countless expat interviews if you'd like to hear some firsthand experiences.
Just like anywhere in the world, being informed and aware is crucial.
But don’t let fear or sensationalized headlines stop you from discovering the beauty, culture, and warmth that Mexico has to offer.
¡Saludos!
¡Saludos!
Mariana Lange
Mexico Relocation Guide mexicorelocationguide.com