The once-thought-to-be one of the safest cities in Mexico has dropped from the top 10 list due to a significant shift in public perception of safety.
According to the National Survey of Urban Public Security (ENSU) conducted by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), Mérida, the capital city of Yucatán, has fallen from 12th to an even lower ranking, reflecting residents’ growing concerns about crime and security.
The survey, released on April 22, found that the percentage of residents who feel safe in Mérida decreased by 7.7% between October-December 2024 and March 2025, with only 31.5% feeling secure in the last quarter of 2024 compared to 39.2% in the first quarter of 2025.
The presence of several high-profile criminal leaders from Mexican drug cartels hiding in Mérida may have contributed to the change in public perception, according to ENSU. Additionally, authorities discovered that the city has become a hub for federal crimes such as human trafficking and forced prostitution.
Despite falling out of the top 10 safest cities, Mérida still ranks among the most secure globally due to its low crime rate and peaceful atmosphere. However, more than 70% of residents feel safe living in their city, a notably high percentage compared to other locations in Mexico.
The shift in public perception is a warning sign that even in cities considered safe, crime rates can increase rapidly. This phenomenon has led to a significant rise in insecurity nationwide, with over six out of every ten inhabitants considering it unsafe to live in their city, according to the INEGI survey.
Nationally, Safety Concerns Remain High
The national average for perceived safety in Mexico stands at 61.9%, indicating that nearly two-thirds of the population believes living in their city is not safe. This is an increase from previous quarters and marks a concerning trend.
Villahermosa, Tabasco, remains the city with the worst perception of insecurity, with 90.6% of residents fearing for their safety. Other cities such as Culiacán Rosales, Sinaloa; Fresnillo, Zacatecas; Uruapan, Michoacán; Irapuato, Guanajuato; and Chimalhuacán, State of Mexico, follow closely.
Most Safe Cities Remain in Northern Mexico
In contrast, cities like San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León; Benito Juárez municipality of Mexico City; Piedras Negras, Coahuila; Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco; and Saltillo, Coahuila, top the list for lowest perceived insecurity. These cities consistently rank as some of the safest in Mexico.
Spaces Where Mexicans Feel Most Unsafe
The INEGI survey revealed that ATMs are considered the most high-risk areas, with 69.1% of respondents feeling unsafe using them. Public transportation and roads also ranked among the spaces where Mexicans feel most at risk.
Witnesses reported various incidents near their homes, including alcohol consumption on the streets, robbery or assault, vandalism, drug sales or use, and gunshots. These concerns reflect a broader national trend and highlight the need for sustained efforts to improve public safety in Mexico.
While Mérida remains relatively safe compared to other cities, its recent drop from the top 10 safest list is an indication of a broader shift in public perception nationwide. The results of the INEGI survey serve as a warning sign that crime rates can increase rapidly even in previously considered safe areas.
Source: Diario de Yucatan
