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Different acts of criminal violence make a city dangerous for locales as well as tourists. Such acts are the deadliest potential threats to peace in any region. Crime shows might be thrilling on the large screen but these are not as appealing in real life.
Therefore, you should be aware of the most dangerous cities in the world. It will help you to take some precautionary steps if you need to visit such deadliest cities in the world. For example, you can relocate your business meeting, family trip, or use an armored vehicle when traveling in such cities.
In this article, we will cover some of the most dangerous cities in the world. Further, we will guide you on how to travel to these cities safely with your family. Let’s get started…
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.
26. Maceio – Brazil
Population: 1,025,360
Murder rate: 39.40 per 100,000 inhabitants
Maceio is a popular tourist destination thanks to its stunning beaches and coral reefs. However, the city was once the most dangerous in Brazil and indeed the world, thanks largely to high poverty levels and the proliferation of drug gangs. Military police actions have helped to limit crime in the area, but the murder rate still stands at 69.9. Nevertheless, most tourists are unlikely to experience problems provided they stay in the right area; anybody who strays off into the surrounding favelas could be putting their lives at risk.
27. St. Louis – Missouri, USA
Population: 300,576
Murder rate: 87.83 per 100,000 inhabitants
St. Louis is a bustling industrial city and home to numerous Fortune 500 companies. However the city is still among the most dangerous in the United States, with a murder rate of 65.8 per 100K people. Tourists are generally quite safe here and there is plenty to do. However, as is the case with cities all over the world, it is best not to stray away from main tourist areas.
28. Kingston – Jamaica
Population: 1,180,771
Murder rate: 54.46 per 100,000 inhabitants
Jamaica is one of the world’s premium tourist destinations, with stunning tropical beaches and coral reefs. However, the capital city of this small island nation should be avoided. Crime levels in the capital, Kingston, are high, and thieves often target tourists. Most visitors will be fairly safe provided they stay in the appropriate areas. It can be dangerous for visitors to venture into the city without having a local guide them. Kingston has a murder rate of 59.7 per 100K people.
29. Aracaju – Brazil
Population: 664,908
Murder rate: 63 per 100,000 inhabitants
Aracaju is a coastal city that has recently become a destination for low-cost vacations, and the site has seen recent investments to modernize its transportation infrastructure. In addition to the stunning beaches, the city also has other attractions such as parks and an aquarium. However, the city has high crime rates and a murder rate of 58.9 per 100K people.
30. Feira de Santana – Brazil
Population: 619,609
Murder rate: 67.46 per 100,000 inhabitants
Feira de Santana is a commercial and agricultural center that has little to offer visitors. In addition to legitimate businesses in the city, there is also a busy drugs trade and violent gangs. Crime rates are quite high in general, and the city has a murder rate of 58.8 per 100K people.
31. Cali – Colombia
Population: 2,627,939
Murder rate: 37.56 per 100,000 inhabitants
Cali is one of Columbia’s most important centers for arts and sports. The city has hosted a selection of regional and international sporting competitions and has plenty to keep short-term visitors occupied. However, the city is perhaps best known for something that is not so appealing.
Cali was the home of the violent Cali Cartel until it ceased operating in 1996. However, organized crime is still rife in the city as they take advantage of the lucrative drugs trade, and the murder rate is currently 49.6 per 100L people. Tourists are unlikely to experience problems provided they take care.
32. Los Cabos – Mexico
Population: 351,111
Murder rate: 12.4 per 100,000 inhabitants
Los Cabos is a city that has been developed relatively recently for tourism, thanks largely to its ideal location. However, the drug trade is rife in the city, which has led to conflicts between rival gangs spilling over into the streets. With 111.3 homicides in every 100K people, Los Cabos is the second most dangerous city in the world.
Regardless, tourists still come to the city, even though gangs have hung bodies from bridges close to major tourist resorts to sending messages to rival gangs to local authorities. However, tourists are not typically targeted despite the dangers, and efforts have been made to deal with the gangs. Regardless, Los Cabos is a clear example of a city where you should definitely avoid straying away from tourist centers and into the suburbs.
33. Barranquilla – Colombia
Population: 1,232,766
Murder rate: 28.3 per 100,000 inhabitants
While known for its lively carnival, Barranquilla has experienced issues related to crime, including street crime and robberies. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings.
34. Recife – Colombia
Population: 1,653.461
Murder rate: 44.1 per 100,000 inhabitants
Recife, a popular coastal city, faces challenges with crime, including theft and violence. Travelers should take precautions, especially in crowded areas.
35. Arequipa – Peru
Population: 1,008,290
Murder rate: 17.45 per 100,000 inhabitants
Arequipa, known for its colonial architecture, has seen an increase in crime rates. While it is generally safer than some other cities, travelers should still be cautious.
36. Santo Domingo – Dominican Republic
Population: 1,065,171
Murder rate: 22.64 per 100,000 inhabitants
Santo Domingo faces challenges related to crime, including street crime and theft. Travelers should stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas.
37. Panama City – Panama
Population: 1,713,070
Murder rate: 13.45 per 100,000 inhabitants
While Panama City has experienced economic growth, it still faces challenges with crime, including petty theft. Travelers should be cautious, especially in tourist areas.
How to Protect Yourself When Traveling in Dangerous Cities?
You can protect yourself in cities with high crime rates by acting upon the advice of foreign offices. For example, late-night traveling is very risky in different cities with high violent crime rates. So you should try to avoid wandering that time. But acting upon such advice still can’t make you 100% safe from street crimes. Most incidents happen during traveling. So when you enter into mall or hotel, you will be safe in most cases.
How to make your traveling safe? There are two possible options i.e. having bodyguards with you all the time and using armored vehicles. Though having bodyguards with you can protect you from many potential risks, that’s not 100% safe. Anyone can target you with an assault rifle in your vehicle. So what to do?
Go with the second option i.e. buy an armored vehicle. Armored vehicles give you the highest level of protection. You can travel whenever you want during the day or night, alone or with your family. You can even install armor on your current vehicle by contacting Armormax®.
Armormax® is the leading armored vehicle manufacturing company in the world. If you feel you are in a city that would need a bulletproof vehicle you can learn more about the security solutions by contacting us here.
What’s Your Best Solution for Staying Safe?
What is the most dangerous city in the world? Any city can be one of the most violent cities in the world for you in which you become a victim. We have enlisted some of the most violent cities in the world. However, no city is 100% secure all around the world. So you and your family will be at risk anytime and anywhere. The most effective solution is to buy an armored vehicle for your protection from organized crime.
Survivability in the cities with the highest murder rates becomes a lot easier with state of the art armored protection.
For more information on dangerous areas throughout the world, see the most dangerous cities in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. And check out the most dangerous tourist destinations in the world.
