In June 2024, 59.4% of the population aged 18 and over, residing in 90 cities of interest, considered it unsafe to live in their city, according to a report released this morning by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI). This marks a notable decrease from the percentages recorded in March 2024 (61%) and June 2023 (62.3%).
The data, collected as part of the National Urban Public Safety Survey (ENSU) for the second quarter of 2024, revealed a gender disparity in perceptions of safety. Last month, 65.1% of women and 52.4% of men reported feeling unsafe in their city.
Cities with the Highest Perception of Insecurity
The survey identified several cities where the perception of insecurity was particularly high. Fresnillo, Zacatecas, topped the list with 94.7% of its residents feeling unsafe. Following closely were Naucalpan de Juárez in the State of Mexico with 89.2%, Uruapan in Michoacán with 86.8%, Irapuato in Guanajuato with 84.8%, and both Tapachula in Chiapas and Zacatecas in Zacatecas with 84.7%.
Cities with the Lowest Perception of Insecurity
Conversely, the cities where residents felt the safest included San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon, with only 11.7% of the population feeling unsafe. Other cities with low perceptions of insecurity were Piedras Negras, Coahuila (14.3%), Los Cabos, Baja California (16.7%), Los Mochis, Sinaloa (18.7%), Benito Juarez, Mexico City (18.9%), and Saltillo, Coahuila (21.4%).
Insecurity in Specific Physical Spaces
The report also delved into perceptions of insecurity in specific physical spaces. In June 2024, 67.9% of the population reported feeling unsafe at ATMs located on public roads, 62.7% felt unsafe on public transport, 53.7% on the road, and 52.9% at banks.
Future Outlook on Crime and Insecurity
INEGI’s findings indicate that 32.4% of the population aged 18 and over, residing in the cities of interest, believe that the crime and insecurity situation will remain the same over the next 12 months. Meanwhile, 18.1% anticipate a worsening situation, and 18.8% believe conditions will remain unchanged. Interestingly, 28.7% of the population expressed optimism, expecting an improvement in the crime and insecurity situation.
Changes in Public Behavior Due to Insecurity
The survey also highlighted how concerns about crime have impacted residents’ behaviors. In the studied cities, 44.4% of the population aged 18 and over reported changing their habits regarding carrying valuables, such as jewelry, money, or credit cards, due to fear of crime.
Additionally, 39.3% of respondents altered their routines to prevent their minor children from leaving home, 38.8% changed their habits regarding walking around their neighborhood after 8 p.m., and 24.3% modified their routines related to visiting relatives or friends.
The data from INEGI underscores the persistent concerns about public safety in many Mexican cities, while also highlighting areas where improvements have been noted. The varying perceptions of insecurity between different cities and demographic groups illustrate the complex nature of public safety issues in urban areas.