REVEALED: The Mexican cities where residents are TERRIFIED to leave their homes - as shocking survey exposes the most dangerous places in the country

Newly released data paints a sobering yet slightly hopeful picture of how safe Mexicans feel in their cities. The National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) has just published its latest report, revealing which areas of the country suffer the highest perceptions of insecurity and where residents feel a sense of safety. And while the findings show an improvement from previous years, they also highlight the stark contrasts in how Mexicans experience security across the country.

The National Survey of Urban Public Security (ENSU), conducted in September 2024, reveals that 58.6 percent of the adult population in Mexico still feels unsafe in their cities. This figure, while undeniably high, marks the lowest percentage since ENSU first launched in 2013, showcasing a slow but steady improvement in the nation's sense of security. Just a year ago, in September 2023, the number was 61.4 percent, and even worse back in March 2018, when it peaked at a staggering 77 percent.

But while the decline suggests progress, there remains a long road ahead for many cities where the grim specter of crime looms large in the daily lives of residents.

Cities Where Fear Reigns Supreme

Not all cities are benefiting from this downward trend. In some regions, the sense of insecurity is still alarmingly high, with the southern and central parts of the country bearing the brunt.

Topping the list is Tapachula, a border city in Chiapas, where an astonishing 91.9 percent of the population report feeling unsafe. This isn’t just a number; it’s a vivid testament to the challenges that Tapachula faces, grappling with high crime rates and being a transit hub for migrants heading to the United States.

Next is Naucalpan de Juárez, a bustling area in the State of Mexico, where 88 percent of residents feel unsafe. This municipality, located just outside Mexico City, has long struggled with high levels of crime, and it appears the situation has not improved significantly.

Fresnillo, Zacatecas, a city that has frequently made headlines for its violent crimes linked to drug cartels, sits third on the list with 87.9 percent. The escalating cartel activity in Fresnillo has left locals fearing for their safety at every turn.

Following closely behind are Ecatepec de Morelos (87.0 percent), another city in the State of Mexico notorious for crime, and Irapuato, Guanajuato, where 86.4 percent of the population is plagued by fear due to rising violence in the region. Even Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the capital of Chiapas, isn’t far behind, with 85.9 percent of people feeling unsafe.

These figures reflect not just a perception, but the reality of everyday life in these cities, where crimes like robbery, assault, and gang-related violence are rampant.

Bright Spots in a Dark Landscape

However, it’s not all doom and gloom across the nation. A handful of cities stand out as beacons of hope, where residents can enjoy a greater sense of security.

At the top of the list is San Pedro Garza García, in the state of Nuevo León, where only 13.7 percent of the population reports feeling unsafe. Known for being an affluent area and home to some of Mexico’s wealthiest families, San Pedro Garza García has consistently ranked as one of the safest places in the country.

In Benito Juárez Municipality, an upscale borough of Mexico City, 17.5 percent of residents feel unsafe, making it one of the safest areas in the bustling capital. Tampico, in the state of Tamaulipas, follows closely with a security perception of 20 percent, a remarkable achievement considering the state’s troubled past with cartel violence.

Other cities where residents feel more at ease include Piedras Negras, Coahuila (20.2 percent), Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco (21.3 percent), and Saltillo, Coahuila (21.7 percent). These cities serve as prime examples that progress in public safety is possible, even in regions once plagued by insecurity.

Where the Fear is Felt Most

Despite these encouraging signs, there are still certain areas that remain a source of significant anxiety for many Mexicans. When asked where they feel most vulnerable, citizens pointed to ATMs on public roads, public transportation, and streets close to their homes as the most dangerous places.

These everyday locations are where the perception of danger persists the most, and with good reason. Public spaces, especially those not closely monitored by authorities, remain hotspots for robberies, muggings, and other violent crimes. Even as some cities make strides in improving security, the inability to feel safe while conducting routine activities like withdrawing money or commuting is a constant reminder of the underlying issues that still need addressing.

Mexico, a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, remains a nation sharply divided when it comes to public safety. While some cities are thriving, providing their citizens with a growing sense of security, others languish under the shadow of violence and crime.

The ENSU survey reveals not just statistics, but the lived experiences of millions of people. It offers a glimpse into the complex and multifaceted issue of public safety in Mexico, a country where progress is being made, but where much work remains to be done.

The challenge now is for local and federal authorities to address the stark disparities between cities and ensure that everyone, no matter where they live, can feel safe in their own neighborhoods. The road ahead may be long, but with continued effort and focus, the hope is that the next survey will tell an even more promising story.