Murderous City

Most Violent Cities in the World

According to a report by the Citizens’ Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice, here is a list of some deadliest cities in the world with the highest homicide rates per capita:

1. Tijuana – Mexico

Population: 2,049,413

Murder rate: 138 per 100,000 inhabitants

Tijuana is the most dangerous city in the world with 138 homicides per 100K people. Almost seven people are killed every day in this city. This city is famous for poverty and violent crime like rape, homicides, and kidnapping, etc. The main reasons behind this violence are human trafficking and drug trades by different gangs. Another reason for the violence is a rivalry between the Sinaloa and Tijuana cartels.

2. Acapulco – Mexico

Population: 779,566

Murder rate: 111 per 100,000 inhabitants

Acapulco is another one of the most dangerous places in the world. This city used to be a playground for the Hollywood set but now the drug war is happening on the streets. Its hillside neighborhoods are the stronghold of gangs like 221 or Los Locos include kidnappers, assassins, extortionists, car thieves, and killers. 111 homicides per 100k people is a result of this violence.

This uncontrollable violence is the main reason for the devastation of the tourism industry. Because these activities are equally terrifying for both residents and tourists. Some poorer business owners who can’t afford security systems are paying for protection. If you want to visit this city, you should travel in a bulletproof vehicle for your protection.

3. Caracas – Venezuela

Population: 2,682,801

Murder rate: 100 per 100,000 inhabitants

Caracas has already been named the most dangerous capital city in the world in 2017. It still falls in the list of the top three most dangerous places in the world. 100 murders in 100,000 residents make it one of the deadliest cities in the world. Violence is happening due to poverty and poor law and order.

4. Ciudad Victoria, Mexico

Population: 349,688

Murder rate: 86 per 100,000 inhabitants

With 86 homicides per 100k people, Ciudad Victoria is another one of the most dangerous cities of Mexico. These murders are the result of shootouts between criminal groups and police and military in the city. It also happens due to shootouts between rival drug cartels and violence in prisons as well.

5. Cuidad Juarez, Mexico

Population: 1,512,450

Murder rate: 86 per 100,000 inhabitants

Cuidad Juarez served residents of EI Paso, TX with loud musical entertainment and nightclubs. However, its tourism has been vanished due to high rates of crime. Now, this city has become a city to avoid with 86 murders per 100,000 residents.

It is the worst city for women in Mexico. However, violence doesn’t target US residents specifically. Travelers need to be very careful and to be vigilant in case of carjacking, theft, robbery, burglary, and murder. Instead of relying only on the police, you should travel in a bullet-resistant vehicle to avoid any inconvenience.

6. Irapuato – Mexico

Population: 866,370

Murder rate: 81 per 100,000 inhabitants

It is a mid-sized Mexican city with a population of less than 400,000 but a murder rate of 81 in 100,000 people. This violence is happening due to turf wars between the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel and the Jalisco Cartel New Generation.

Many videos show the clear picture of mass shootings in bars and men with assault rifles. Local police left this matter in the hands of the federal government. But the federal government is still unable to handle this violence so far.

7. Ciudad Guayana – Venezuela

Population: 758,490

Murder rate: 78 per 100,000 inhabitants

Murders and other violent crimes are one of the main concerns in Venezuela. Ciudad Guayana is the second deadliest city in Venezuela with 78 homicides in 100,000 people. Visitors should be very careful when exploring the city because crimes like rape, murder, and sexual assault are very common. It is happening due to organized gangs and economic hardships.

8. Natal – Brazil

Population: 1,353,713

Murder rate: 75 per 100,000 inhabitants

Natal is the topmost city for all crimes including physical and sexual assault, theft, and carjacking, etc. Though the city is still a popular tourist destination, the murder rate is 75 per 100,000 people in this city. Poverty and violence between gangs and prisoners are the main reasons behind the high crime rate.

9. Fortaleza – Brazil

Population: 3,999,930

Murder rate: 69 per 100,000 inhabitants

Fortaleza is another most dangerous city in the world with 69 murders per 100,000 residents. Its proximity is widely popular tourist attraction spots like Lencois Maranhenses National Park and Jericoacoara Beach. Unfortunately, violent crimes overshadow its beauty. Therefore, you should be very careful when wandering in this city.

10. Ciudad Bolivar – Venezuela

Population: 370,627

Murder rate: 69 per 100,000 inhabitants

This city is referred to as one of the biggest mega-slums – violence run rampant, drugs, gangs in the world. The murder rate is 69 per 100k residents that demolishes all its positive exposure. The main reason of violence is active gangs, poor law and order situations as well as the poor judiciary. You should travel in armored vehicles when visiting this city for your protection.

11. Pietermaritzburg – South Africa

Population: 475,238

Public and private transport, both in the day and at night, can be very dangerous in Pietermaritzburg. Travelers should be very careful and avoid taking out cash unless inside a hotel or bank. Violent crimes are at their peak during the night so be on alert at all times. It happens due to the high population and the small number of police officials.

12. Port Moresby – Papua New Guinea

Population: 254,200

Murder rate: 54 per 100,000 inhabitants

Violent crimes such as kidnapping and abduction in this city are very high. The main reasons behind these crimes are civil unrest and political tensions. Try to avoid traveling during the night in Port Moresby. However, if you need to travel, have a security escort with you all the time or act upon the foreign office’s advice.

13. Pretoria – South Africa

Population: 741,651

Murder rate: 38 per 100,000 inhabitants

Pretoria is another one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Travelers should avoid traveling and walking at night, even in groups. You won’t be safe from armed robberies and gang violence in this city. Traveling in armored vehicles can keep you safe from the attackers.

14. San Pedro Sula – Honduras

Population: 801,259

Murder rate: 41.19 per 100,000 inhabitants

It was the former murder capital of the world because of the highest murder rate in 2009. Attacks on locale and foreigners such as armed robbery and sexual assault are common. Petty theft is most common so be very careful. Try to avoid using ATM a lot because attacks on ATM users are common in this city.

15. Durban – South Africa

Population: 3,981,205

Murder rate: 43.4 per 100,000 inhabitants

Durban is the third largest and busiest city in South Africa but poverty is still at its peak. It is famous for many serious crimes like rape, murder, and robberies. Another major reason for this violence is political instability.

16. Johannesburg – South Africa

Population: 5,866,550

Murder rate: 37.9 per 100,000 inhabitants

Johannesburg is one of the deadliest cities in the world. Displaying wealth in this city can lead you to kidnap. Therefore, you should be very careful, and traveling in an armored vehicle or large group can keep you safe.

17. Salvador – Brazil

Population: 3,957,566

Murder rate: 46.80 per 100,000 inhabitants

Despite having beautiful beaches and colorful skyscrapers, Salvador is the most dangerous city in the world. It is famous for a street crimes like child pickpockets. So try to avoid traveling on public transport for a safer journey.

18. Rio de Janeiro – Brazil

Population: 6,748,000

Murder rate: per 100,000 inhabitants

It is another one of the most dangerous places in the world for tourists, especially. The US Department of State and the UK Foreign Office recommend not to visit beaches after dark. Plus, avoid displaying any wealth like expensive watches or flash jewelry.

19. Cape Town – South Africa

Population: 464,986

Murder rate: 64 per 100,000 inhabitants

The capital of South Africa also falls on the list of most dangerous cities in the world with 66.36 per 100K residents. It is one of the most murderous cities in South Africa.

20. San Juan – Puerto Rico

Population: 318,441

Murder rate: 37.68 per 100,000 inhabitants

San Juan is the largest city of Puerto Rico with 42.40 homicides per 100,000 residents. This city is famous for the highest violent crime in Puerto Rico. These crimes are due to social unrest and poverty.

Some additional “most dangerous cities” are below:

21. Baltimore – Maryland, USA

Population: 593,490

Murder rate: 56.45 per 100,000 inhabitants

Baltimore attracts many visitors, thanks partly to its art scene and its cuisine, among other things. However, crime rates are high, and tourists need to be alert to pickpockets even in ‘safe’ areas. Violent crime is also a problem in the city, with a high murder rate of 75.33 per 100K people. For the most part, tourists are quite safe, even if they do need to be mindful of theft. Visitors to the city should avoid heading into the more dangerous parts of the city.

22. Natal – Brazil

Population: 1,353,713

Murder rate: 35.09 per 100,000 inhabitants

Natal is a hotspot for crimes including physical and sexual assault, theft, and carjacking, etc. Though the city is still a popular tourist destination, the murder rate is 75 per 100,000 people. Poverty and violence between gangs and prisoners are the main reasons behind the high crime rate.

23. Belem – Brazil

Population: 2,370,373

Murder rate: 39.6 per 100,000 inhabitants

Belem is a port city located on Brazil’s Amazon River. The drug trade here is rife, fuelled partly by the high poverty levels that create a desperate need to make money to survive. The city has a murder rate of 71.4 in every 100K people, and this figure is exasperated by militia gangs made up largely of off-duty police officers. These militia gangs are responsible for many deaths, while the militia themselves are under increased threat from the gangs they hunt down.

Straying off into the back streets could be dangerous for visitors, especially if they wear jewelry that makes them a target. However, the city does have a bustling nightlife and is mostly safe, even friendly, in certain areas.

24. Vitoria da Conquista – Brazil

Population: 341,128

Murder rate: 52.47 per 100,000 inhabitants

There’s not much in Vitoria da Conquista to attract visitors asides from a handful of historic buildings. The high murder rate, which stands at 70.3 per 100K people, makes the city even less appealing. Visitors to the city are particularly prone to assault, muggings, pickpocketing, and scams.

25. Culiacán – Mexico

Population: 2,370,373

Murder rate: 39.6 per 100,000 inhabitants

There’s not much in Vitoria da Conquista to attract visitors asides from a handful of historic buildings. The high murder rate, which stands at 70.3 per 100K people, makes the city even less appealing. Visitors to the city are particularly prone to assault, muggings, pickpocketing, and scams.