The Most Dangerous Cities Worldwide

The world is becoming more crowded every day, and this population increase comes with disadvantages that can intervene with our plans. As the population grows, the cities in the world grow, too. This eventually increases criminal activities. Every year, the number of crimes reported increases rapidly. Some violent crime reports are coming from many different cities in the world. In this piece about the most dangerous cities worldwide, you will get to learn about the most dangerous European cities, the most dangerous districts in the United Kingdom, United States, South Africa, and Mexico. You will get notable information about Cape Town's crime rate, the country that has the infamy of being known as the homicide country with the highest homicide rate, US dangerous cities, FBI top 10 most dangerous cities in the world, and the most dangerous neighbourhoods in America.

With a high crime index, including crimes such as drug trafficking in the cities in Europe and some dangerous cities in America, too, many cities become dangerous. Here are some of the most dangerous cities in Europe and the most dangerous cities in the world in general.

With crimes such as property crime rates, drug trafficking, and violent crimes, some of the largest cities in the world have the highest crime rate in the world. Here are the 10 most dangerous cities in the world. Which City is the Most Unsafe in the World? The most unsafe city in the world is Tijuana, Mexico. Tijuana has the highest homicide rate in the world. So if you are wondering and asking yourself questions such as "What is the most dangerous city in the world 2024?", or "What is the deadliest city in the world 2024?" the answer to your question is Tijuana in Mexico.

Here are the 10 most dangerous cities in the world, in accordance with the information gathered from the statistics by Statista.

Tijuana in Mexico, which is the metro area of the country, is by far the most dangerous city in the whole wide world due to its high crime, especially homicide rates. Even only in June 2022, Tijuana had at least seven murder cases every day.

Think about it, at least seven homicide crimes each day throughout a month. Per 100,000 people, the murder rate in Tijuana will be around 138 in the year 2022.

In Tijuana, there are many crimes, including murder, drug trafficking, gang crimes, and many other violent crime issues. So, if you are considering visiting this city in Mexico, you may want to reconsider your decision as it is the most dangerous city in the world right now.

Actually, Acapulco in Mexico has a brilliant atmosphere when you look at its stunning blue and golden beaches with lovely touristic sites; however, it has one of the highest crime rates in the whole wide world. Unfortunately, this makes the port city one of the most dangerous places in the world. The statistics show that in 2022, Acapulco in Mexico had a rate of 110 per 100,000 people in Mexico when it comes to murder rates. 

In 2024, Acapulco faced a challenging security landscape due to escalating violence and gang activity, primarily driven by organized crime groups vying for control over lucrative areas, including drug trafficking and extortion. These criminal groups have instigated violence not only in urban settings but have also extended their reach to tourist areas, posing heightened risks for both locals and visitors.

Beyond crime, natural disasters also pose risks in Acapulco. Its location along the Pacific coast makes it vulnerable to hurricanes and earthquakes, which can further strain local resources. Hurricane season typically lasts from June to November, with high hurricane activity often impacting infrastructure and safety. For travelers, it is advisable to monitor local news, remain cautious in less crowded areas, and consider safer travel options if necessary.

Caracas is the capital city of Venezuela, and unfortunately enough, it is among the most dangerous cities in the world due to its high crime rate. In 2022 alone, Caracas in Venezuela had a murder rate of 99.98 per 100,000 people, which makes it one of the highest in the world. Among the crimes, there are violent crimes such as homicide, other murder crimes, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and theft. 

In 2024, Caracas remains one of the most challenging and dangerous cities globally due to persistent high crime rates and significant social issues. Crime in Caracas includes violent crimes such as homicide, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Express kidnappings, where victims are briefly abducted to withdraw cash, are still common. Tourists and locals alike are often cautious, especially in areas away from central tourist zones, and the U.S. Department of State continues to issue travel advisories urging travelers to reconsider plans to Venezuela due to high risks, including crime, civil unrest, and insufficient medical infrastructure.

In recent statistics, the Capital District, where Caracas is located, is among Venezuela's areas with a high rate of violent deaths, averaging about 13.4 homicides per 100,000 people. Police interventions have also led to a considerable number of fatalities, indicating ongoing challenges with security forces and crime management.

Ciudad Victoria is another city in Mexico, and it has a high crime rate, too. It is a beautiful city with many cultural and tourist aspects but unfortunately, the crime rates make the city a dangerous one for the people who are considering visiting the city. Ciudad Victoria, located in Mexico’s Tamaulipas state, is ranked among the world’s most dangerous cities due to its high levels of violence. In 2024, the city faces a murder rate of 86.01 per 100,000 people, keeping it within the top violent cities globally. This alarming rate is fueled by ongoing drug trafficking and turf wars between criminal factions. These groups are responsible for violent acts, including kidnappings and robberies, which often affect both locals and visitors. Given the situation, potential travelers are strongly advised to take extreme precautions when considering a visit to Ciudad Victoria.

Ciudad Juarez, formerly known as El Paso del Norte, is a city in Mexico. The city actually has brilliant museums, cultural and historical sites, and tourist spots that can be enjoyed by the visitors. However, Ciudad Juarez is one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico and in the whole wide world. The murder rate in Ciudad Juarez in Mexico is 85.56 per 100,000 people. 

In 2024, Ciudad Juarez continues to struggle with significant violence, although the government has ramped up efforts to improve security. As of February 2024, the city witnessed 54 executions in just the first month of the year, contributing to the ongoing crisis. While homicide rates remain a major concern, with 1,214 intentional homicides recorded in 2023 (a 13% increase from 2022), the city's violent crime primarily stems from territorial disputes among criminal organizations involved in drug and human trafficking. Additionally, there has been an uptick in incidents involving fraudulent activities targeting both locals and tourists, such as scams related to real estate, online shopping, and identity theft. Specific neighborhoods, including Anapra, Los Aztecas, and El Barreal, have been identified as particularly hazardous due to frequent violent incidents.

In 2024, Irapuato continues to face significant challenges related to violent crime. The city, located in the state of Guanajuato, has experienced a rise in homicides, with a reported 44 violent deaths in October, marking a 16% increase from the same period in 2023. The majority of these killings are attributed to organized crime, with firearms being involved in most of the incidents. Irapuato's violence is part of a broader trend across the state, as criminal groups vie for control of territory. The murder rate in Irapuato remains high at 81.44 per 100,000 people.

Despite its beauty and historical sites, this crime surge has led to travel advisories and a discouraging environment for visitors​.

Ciudad Guayana in Venezuela is one of the most important port cities in the country. Unfortunately enough, it is one of the most dangerous cities in the world with one of the highest crime rates, including violent crimes such as murder. Ciudad Guayana in Venezuela has a rate of 78.3 per 100,000 people regarding murder crimes. 

Recent reports have indicated a shift in the crime landscape. The Venezuelan government has announced a decline in crime in some regions, which they attribute to large-scale security operations against criminal groups. Despite this, experts point to other factors, such as the economic downturn and the migration of criminal gangs, which have moved operations abroad, potentially reducing crime in Venezuela temporarily.

Although these efforts suggest improvements, the situation in Ciudad Guayana remains precarious. Social issues, like poverty, unemployment, and political instability, continue to contribute to the underlying insecurity. While some local initiatives aim to improve safety, the city’s crime rate remains a concern, and the broader context of economic struggles and criminal group dynamics complicates any lasting solution.

Natal is the capital of Rio Grande do Norte in Brazil. Natal has thousands of student residents due to its universities. The bad part is that it has one of the highest crime rates in the whole world. According to the statistics, the murder rate in Natal in Brazil is 74.67 per 100,000 people, making the city one of the most dangerous ones in Brazil and one of the most dangerous cities in the world. 

In 2024, Natal, Brazil, has a moderate crime rate compared to other Brazilian cities. While violent crime is relatively rare, visitors should remain cautious, particularly with petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag-snatching, which can occur in crowded areas such as beaches, markets, and public transport. Travelers are advised to avoid isolated areas at night and to stay alert in well-populated places. Although the city is generally safe, it's best to take extra precautions, like keeping valuables hidden and using money belts. Solo female travelers and those traveling at night should particularly be mindful of their surroundings.

For more detailed safety tips and guidelines for tourists, visiting reputable sources or consulting local authorities is always a good idea.

Fortaleza is the second most dangerous city in Brazil, according to the data provided by the statistics. The murder rate of Fortaleza in Brazil is 69.15 per 100,000 people. Since it is one of the largest cities in Brazil, it also has one of the highest crime rates and these crimes include theft, murder, and some other violent crimes.

Fortaleza, a coastal city in northeastern Brazil, is known for its vibrant culture and beautiful beaches. However, it faces significant safety concerns, especially for tourists. The city's crime rate is relatively high, with particular issues related to robbery, pickpocketing, and violent crime. It is considered "risky" for tourists, particularly at night, and visitors are advised to exercise caution in certain areas. While Fortaleza has efforts to improve safety, such as increased police presence in popular tourist areas, some neighborhoods remain unsafe, particularly after dark. Solo travelers and tourists should avoid isolated streets and poorly lit areas, especially at night. Using taxis or ride-sharing services rather than walking is recommended to mitigate risks. Overall, Fortaleza can still be enjoyed by visitors who take proper precautions, stay aware of their surroundings, and avoid dangerous zones. Following common-sense safety measures can help ensure a positive experience.

Among all the cities listed here as the most dangerous cities in the world, Cape Town is probably the most special one. It is the oldest city in South Africa, and it actually has real tourist potential due to the fact that Cape Town is the home of so many cultural, historical, and artistic values in South Africa.

However, the city is one of the most dangerous ones in the whole world, according to the statistics that provide data regarding crime rates. Cape Town in South Africa has a murder rate of 66.36 per 100,000 people. 

Other than these cities with the highest murder rates, the most dangerous city in the United States is St. Louis. In accordance with the homicide rate data, the most dangerous European country can be counted as Latvia. With the intervention and implementation of law enforcement, the list changes almost every year.