Is Mexico Safe?

Watching from afar, the news from Mexico this week may make the country look frightening. For some people, the news may reinforce their impression that Mexico is not a safe place.

Expats and retirees who choose to live here understand that, overall, Mexico is a safe place to live and vacation. Violent crimes happen most frequently in targeted attacks and are not usually aimed at average citizens.

The United States and Mexico both have violent crimes, and there is some debate about which country is safer. Let’s put this in perspective.

The preliminary statistics for 2025 show the homicide rate in Mexico is about 17.5 per 100,000 people. This is a 30% decline from 2024. The primary source of these deaths is organized crime in the form of conflicts related to the cartels.

The homicide rate in the United States is about 4 per 100,000 people. This number is also declining, with a 21% drop in homicides in major cities, like Washington D.C. and Denver. The primary source of these deaths is firearms/community violence, with aggravated assault the most common form of violent crime in the U.S.

In both countries, homicide is the leading cause of death for children and adolescents.

These statistics highlight some differences between the two countries, but they can be misleading. They are like comparing apples to oranges or a village to a big city.

The statistics don’t tell you where the danger is located. For example, the Yucatán has a homicide rate lower than that of most major U.S. cities. However, cities like St. Louis or New Orleans often have more violent crime than many regions in Mexico.

You also need to consider who is being targeted.

In Mexico, the violence is more often a targeted conflict between cartels and the state. Yes, bystanders may be caught in the crossfire. But the average person’s risk of being a target is low if they are not involved with criminal or illegal activities.

In the U.S., the violence is more likely to occur in random community violence. This includes:

• Individual disputes, such as fights or intimate partner violence

• Robberies

• Mass shootings

Some people rely on travel advisories to help guide where they feel safe. But these advisories can feel confusing. A “Level 2” travel advisory for places like Mexico City or Cancun may raise concern unless you know that a Level 2 advisory is also given for locations like France and the United Kingdom.

Safety issues exist in every country, and it is important to understand your personal risk. You should be aware of your surroundings and the risks wherever you live or visit.

We’ve created an emergency preparedness checklist you can download here.