10 Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico (2025 Update)

The country of Mexico attracts many tourists because it offers stunning beaches combined with cultural richness and delicious food. The Mexican territory contains the most dangerous cities in Mexico because of drug cartel operations and organized crime activities. An updated 2025 ranking of the top ten most dangerous Mexican cities appears in this article to inform both tourists and local residents about dangerous areas.

Is Mexico Dangerous?

Tourism in Mexico presents no excessive safety risks for visitors. The country maintains safety issues through criminal activities, which primarily affect locations situated along drug routes near the U.S. border. Crime rates in northern Mexican states exceed those of Yucatán, which lies in the southern region. These are the most dangerous parts of Mexico.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico

The data indicates that particular Mexican cities exhibit excessive violent crime patterns even though Mexico represents generally safe territory. Let’s take a look at what are the most dangerous cities in Mexico.

1. Colima

The Mexican city of Colima has occupied the first position as the most dangerous city in Mexico because of its exceptionally high yearly homicide rate that reaches 140 murders per population of 100,000 residents.

Drugs produced and transported through the important state of Colima have created active battles among brutal drug cartels in this area. Chrug cartels in the Colima state control the area mainly through competition between the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel. The competing cartels have caused catastrophic violence to spread through Colima's city streets.

2. Tijuana

The border city of Tijuana holds rank as Mexico’s second deadliest municipal area, where 138 out of 100,000 residents become homicide victims each year.

Due to its border position with San Diego, Tijuana serves as a main trafficking point for illegal drugs that move into the U.S. market. Multiple drug cartels carry out brutal fights to control their smuggling routes toward California. Gang violence combined with criminal activity has turned Tijuana residents into victims of massacres and shootings, as well as organized criminal threats.

3. Ciudad Obregón

The murderous crime rate in Ciudad Obregón stands at 117 murders per 100,000 people and puts it at position three on this list. The battle between drug gangs causes horrific killings and causes the public to find body parts scattered across the streets after killer executions.

The violent activities of the cartels operating in Ciudad Obregón reach levels identical to those of Mexico's border cities recognized as most dangerous. Residents, together with tourists, experience a severe menace to their safety.

4. Zamora

Research has placed Zamora at position four on the most dangerous cities list, with 105 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants.

Zamora occupies position four in Mexico's drug-producing region, where the Michoacán highlands yield big quantities of both marijuana and methamphetamine. This draws ruthless drug cartels battling to control production and distribution channels.

Bloody turf wars between the Jalisco and Viagras cartels have ravaged Zamora for over 15 years, with no end in sight. The cycle of violence destroys lives and leaves citizens living in fear. Extortion threats and kidnappings for ransom terrorize those unable to escape.

5. Manzanillo

This Pacific coastal town in Colima state comes fifth with 102 annual murders per 100,000 people.
Manzanillo’s strategic port location allows shipping access and transportation connections ideal for a trafficking hub. As with Colima, control of the port means control of lucrative overseas drug routes.

The lucrative prize has plunged Manzanillo into the middle of cartel turf wars and crossfire. Shootouts, executions, and street violence have become commonplace. The chaos has also destroyed the tourism industry, though some still risk visiting its beaches.

6. Ciudad Juárez

Ciudad Juárez ranks in the sixth position as a border town of Texas that faces 77 homicides per year per 100,000 residents.

Ciudad Juárez faced its time as the world's “Murder Capital” years ago, yet continues to fight ongoing organized crime and gang violence threats throughout the city. The two dominant Mexican drug cartels named Sinaloa and Juárez, compete for control over Texas smuggling routes.

7. Acapulco

Acapulco comes seventh with 111 murders per 100,000 people annually. Once a glamorous getaway for the rich and famous, security has deteriorated so severely that the U.S. State Department prohibits government personnel from traveling here. Australia advises against all travel to Acapulco.

8. Celaya

Celaya ranks eighth on the most dangerous cities list with 81 homicides per 100,000 residents yearly. This city in Guanajuato state has seen dramatic spikes in violence since 2017 when the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel and Jalisco New Generation cartel started a bloody war for regional domination.

9. Uruapan

Uruapan comes ninth with 81 murders per 100,000 people annually. Located in Michoacán state, this city faces many of the same cartel conflicts and security threats as Zamora (#4 on this list). It’s another hotspot for meth and opioid production disputed by the CJNG and Los Viagras cartels.

The cartel violence terrorizing Uruapan includes dismemberments, deadly shootouts in broad daylight, and bodies hanging from bridges. The cruelty and utter lack of rule of law has citizens living in a state of fear and despair.

10. Irapuato

Rounding out the top ten most dangerous Mexican cities is Irapuato in Guanajuato state, also with 81 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants.

Irapuato suffers from the same Santa Rosa de Lima vs CJNG cartel war devastating Celaya (#8). The ruthless violence has brought the city to its knees. Both citizens and visitors trying to avoid trouble struggle to stay safe in today’s tragic reality.

How We Rank the Most Dangerous City in Mexico

To create this ranking of Mexico’s most dangerous cities, security analysts weigh several key factors:

• Homicide rate per 100,000 residents
• Presence of organized criminal groups
• Drug production and trafficking activity
• Violent crime rates beyond just homicide, like assault, rape, and kidnapping
• Police responsiveness and prosecution rates
• Government security alerts and travel warnings

How to Avoid Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico for Tourists

Many travelers want to experience Mexico’s incredible food, beaches, culture, and natural wonders - without accidentally ending up in a dangerous area. Here are some tips for avoiding risky destinations:

• Check government travel warnings from the U.S. State Department, Canada, and the U.K.
• Search online to check crime rates and recent news about the cities you’re considering.
• Stick to main tourist areas instead of wandering into unfamiliar neighborhoods. Don’t visit areas at night.
• Use ride-share apps or regulated taxis instead of unmarked cabs to avoid kidnappings.
• Try to travel in a group rather than alone. Both numbers and local companions can help deter crime.

Safety Tips for Visiting Most Dangerous Places in Mexico

If you do end up needing to travel to one of Mexico’s high-risk cities, stay vigilant and take precautions. Follow these tips to stay safe in the most dangerous place in Mexico:

• Remain alert and aware of your surroundings at all times
• Only venture to public, populated areas during daylight hours
• Avoid displaying expensive items or valuables to prevent robbery
• Travel in groups rather than alone whenever possible
• Ensure hotels and transportation providers are vetted, licensed businesses
• Arrange airport transfers and tours through your hotel
• Carry only limited cash and one credit card
• Make copies of important documents like passports in case they are lost or stolen

For those living in Mexico, check out Reolink wired and wireless security cameras for remote access and live monitoring.

FAQs about Dangerous Cities in Mexico

What city in Mexico has the most crime?

Based on the latest homicide data, Colima ranks as the Mexican city with the highest crime levels and murder rate in 2025. Violent turf wars between ruthless drug cartels have given Colima the grim distinction of being Mexico’s most dangerous city.
What are the top places to avoid in Mexico?

What are the top places to avoid in Mexico?

Travelers should avoid the following ten cities, which are considered the most dangerous in Mexico due to high rates of violent crime and cartel-related violence: Colima, Tijuana, Ciudad Obregón, Zamora, Manzanillo, Ciudad Juárez, Acapulco, Celaya, Uruapan, and Irapuato. These cities have consistently reported alarming levels of homicides, kidnappings, and other serious crimes, making them high-risk destinations for both tourists and residents.

What city in Mexico has the lowest crime rate?

Mérida, capital of the Yucatán state, consistently ranks as Mexico’s safest city with the lowest crime rates. Located away from drug smuggling routes, cheerful Mérida charms visitors with its vibrant culture and over 1 million friendly residents. Mérida offers the best of Mexico without the security fears plaguing cities elsewhere in the country.

Conclusion

While certain regions like Colima state and the Mexico-U.S. border see intense cartel violence and critical security threats, Mexico as a whole remains a beautiful country welcoming visitors to discover its rich culture. Tourists can safely enjoy Mexico by using caution, avoiding the most dangerous cities, and preparing with research.

Weighing safety alongside amazing travel opportunities, millions still visit Mexico each year - though many may choose to steer clear of the cities topping this 2025 most dangerous list. What has your experience been in Mexico? Share your perspectives below.