30 Deadliest Cities in the World with High Crime Rates

High crime rates affect many cities worldwide, with violent crime and homicide posing significant risks to residents. This article highlights 30 cities that have, at various times, been reported as having very high levels of violent crime compared to global averages, along with the factors that contribute to these issues.

The information is drawn from publicly available crime data, international safety indexes, government travel advisories, and reputable news and research reports available at the time of writing. Because crime levels change over time and different organisations measure statistics differently, this list should be viewed as a general overview of cities that have faced serious crime challenges — not a precise or continually updated ranking.

1. San Pedro Sula, Honduras

San Pedro Sula has, at various times, been reported as one of the most violent cities in the world due to the strong presence of gangs such as Barrio 18 and MS-13. Gang-related violence has had a major impact on the local community and affects daily life for many residents. A lack of economic opportunities contributes to gang recruitment, particularly among young people, and has pushed many families to relocate in search of safer conditions. Addressing these issues requires long-term investment in community programs, education, and social development.

2. Caracas, Venezuela

Caracas has long been associated with very high levels of violent crime, including homicides and kidnappings. Economic instability, political tension, and limited opportunities have contributed to rising crime rates and made daily life challenging for many residents. Reports of corruption and under-resourced law enforcement further complicate the situation. Improving safety in the city requires a combination of community-driven initiatives, stronger institutions, and long-term social and economic support.

3. Tijuana, Mexico

Tijuana has frequently been reported as one of the most violent cities in the world, largely due to cartel-related conflict and its position along a major drug-trafficking corridor near the U.S. border. Turf wars between criminal groups contribute heavily to the city’s high levels of violent crime.

Other factors such as poverty, limited economic opportunities, and under-resourced law enforcement add to the overall safety challenges. Despite these issues, many residents and businesses work hard to support community initiatives and create safer neighbourhoods. Long-term improvements depend on stronger security measures, social investment, and continued community engagement.

4. Acapulco, Mexico

Acapulco has experienced long-standing issues with drug-related violence and organised crime. Once a major tourist hotspot, safety concerns have affected visitor numbers and local businesses. Poverty and insecurity remain challenges for residents, and improving community safety and economic conditions is essential to restoring confidence in the area.

5. Juárez, Mexico

Acapulco has experienced long-standing issues with drug-related violence and organised crime. Once a major tourist hotspot, safety concerns have affected visitor numbers and local businesses. Poverty and insecurity remain challenges for residents, and improving community safety and economic conditions is essential to restoring confidence in the area.

6. Maceió, Brazil

Maceió has been associated with high levels of violent crime driven by gang activity, drug trafficking, and poverty. Social inequality and limited public services contribute to instability, and community development initiatives are key to creating safer neighbourhoods.

7. St. Louis, USA

St. Louis faces significant violent-crime challenges, including gang activity and firearm-related incidents. Factors such as poverty and limited access to education contribute to the problem. Stronger community engagement and local support systems are crucial for improving safety.

8. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town experiences high levels of violent crime, much of it connected to gang conflict and socio-economic inequality. Despite its natural beauty and tourism appeal, safety concerns remain a challenge. Community-focused initiatives and economic opportunities are needed to reduce violence.

9. Natal, Brazil

Natal has been affected by organised crime, gang violence, and economic difficulties. Residents often express concerns about safety, and efforts to build stronger community engagement and improve social conditions are essential for reducing crime.

10. Los Cabos, Mexico

Natal has been affected by organised crime, gang violence, and economic difficulties. Residents often express concerns about safety, and efforts to build stronger community engagement and improve social conditions are essential for reducing crime.

11. Mogadishu, Somalia

Mogadishu faces long-standing security challenges driven by political instability, limited governance, and armed groups. Weak law enforcement and economic hardship worsen conditions. Improvements require cooperation between local communities and security institutions.

12. Fortaleza, Brazil

Fortaleza struggles with theft, robbery, and violent crime, much of it linked to poverty and organised criminal groups. Community initiatives and social-support efforts are needed to help improve safety and quality of life in the area.

13. Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Gang activity and political instability contribute to high levels of violent crime in Port-au-Prince. Local leaders and law enforcement must work together to strengthen community structures and build safer neighbourhoods.

14. Cali, Colombia

Cali faces ongoing issues with violent crime and drug-related conflict. Many residents feel unsafe due to long-standing criminal activity. Restoring confidence requires collaboration between law enforcement and the community to reduce violence and support local development.

15. Baltimore, USA

Baltimore faces persistent violent-crime challenges linked to poverty, limited access to education, and historic social inequality. Residents often express concerns about safety, and meaningful improvements require cooperation between law enforcement and community organisations.

16. Detroit, USA

Detroit has struggled with gang activity, unemployment, and economic decline, all of which contribute to crime. Many residents have left the city due to ongoing safety concerns. Strengthening community programs and law-enforcement partnerships is essential for rebuilding confidence.

17. Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Tegucigalpa faces significant gang-related violence influenced by poverty and limited economic opportunity. Young people are particularly vulnerable to recruitment. Long-term improvements depend on economic development and stronger community-support systems.

18. Cleveland, USA

Cleveland experiences high levels of violent crime influenced by unemployment and limited economic mobility. Education and workforce-development initiatives are important to improving safety and creating long-term stability.

19. Guayaquil, Ecuador

Guayaquil struggles with gang violence, drug trafficking, and property crime. Poverty and limited opportunities affect residents’ quality of life. Youth-focused engagement and community development are essential to reducing crime.

20. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio faces persistent crime challenges linked to gang activity and drug trafficking. Safety concerns have affected tourism in certain areas. Improving education, economic opportunity, and community programs is key to reducing violence.

21. Vancouver, Canada

Although Vancouver is generally considered safe by global standards, parts of the city face challenges related to gang activity, organised crime, and social inequality. Issues such as housing instability and addiction also affect public safety. Strengthened social services and community support can help address these concerns.

22. Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Belo Horizonte faces crime challenges linked to gang activity, poverty, and limited opportunities. Many residents express concerns about safety in some neighbourhoods. Public-safety initiatives and community engagement are important in moving toward long-term improvements.

23. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Kinshasa experiences significant gang-related crime, driven by poverty and limited economic opportunity. Many residents face daily safety concerns. Meaningful progress requires both community engagement and long-term economic development.

24. Córdoba, Argentina

Córdoba faces issues with theft, robbery, and occasional violent crime. Economic difficulties contribute to residents’ safety concerns. Improvements require coordinated efforts between law enforcement and the community.

25. Mérida, Mexico

Mérida faces challenges related to drug trafficking and organised crime in some areas. Trust between residents and law enforcement is essential for strengthening safety and supporting community well-being.

26. Sao Paulo, Brazil

São Paulo is affected by organised crime, drug-trafficking networks, and social inequality. These issues have influenced safety perceptions and impacted residents. More community initiatives, education, and economic opportunity are needed to reduce crime.

27. Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi faces crime challenges linked to gang activity, economic inequality, and limited access to education. Youth-focused programs and community initiatives are essential for creating safer neighbourhoods.

28. Managua, Nicaragua

Managua experiences gang-related violence and high levels of poverty, which reinforce cycles of crime. Community development and improved social services are important in reducing long-term safety issues.

29. Lima, Peru

Lima faces crime challenges connected to drug trafficking, robbery, and economic hardship. Strengthening cooperation between law enforcement and local communities can help improve safety and trust.

30. Palermo, Italy

Palermo has struggled with robbery, organised crime, and economic instability. Safety concerns vary across neighbourhoods, and long-term improvements depend on stronger community relationships and law-enforcement collaboration. These cities illustrate how complex and interconnected the causes of violent crime can be. Addressing these issues requires cooperation between law enforcement, community leaders, and social-development programs to build safer environments for residents.

Sources & Further Reading

• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) – Global Study on Homicide

• UNODC City-Level Homicide Data

• World Bank – Intentional Homicide Rate

• Igarapé Institute – Most Homicidal Cities

• Consejo Ciudadano para la Seguridad Pública y la Justicia Penal – Annual ranking of most violent cities

• Supporting analysis from global crime datasets, research papers, and international travel-risk advisories available at the time of writing