Despite remaining in 15th place in the Mexico Peace Index (MPI) during 2024, a position also held in 2023, the state faces challenges due to the increase in crimes in indicators such as Domestic and Sexual Violence, as well as Extortion and Drug Dealing, according to the document obtained by Diario de Querétaro.
The study indicates that despite the above and the 1 percent drop in the score, Querétaro reflects a certain stability in its peace levels; so much so that the analysis shows a decrease in robberies and homicides. This is despite the violence surrounding the state in its neighboring states and events that suddenly disrupt that tranquility.
The numbers reflect a decline related to a persistent trend in the commission of crimes such as Sexual and Domestic Violence, as well as matters related to organized crime, namely an increase in Extortion and Drug Dealing.
For example, 2,984.7 violent crimes were recorded per 100,000 inhabitants, placing the state 22.20 percent above the national average of 2,442.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The study indicates that, compared to 2023, Querétaro experienced a 2.6 percent decrease; however, it asserts that the problem persists.
The Peace Index highlights the rates of assault (953.2) and domestic violence (935.9), both markedly higher than the national average, reflecting a significant pressure on security and justice services in community and domestic contexts. This is because the national average for assault is 653.0, and for domestic violence, 753.0, both lower than those in Querétaro.
Regarding Sexual Violence, Querétaro’s figures are 73.43 percent above the national average, with 515.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to the national average of 297.4. The research conducted by state indicates that this crime is another source of concern, as the data demonstrates the persistent vulnerability of women and girls to gender-based violence, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen prevention and care systems.
Regarding Organized Crime, Querétaro has 156.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, while the national average is 162.9, placing it close to the national average.
The 2024 Peace Index assessment shows that extortion increased 32.9 percent, and at 73.2 per 100,000 inhabitants, it is close to the national average (84.1). He adds that these figures, along with the increase in drug dealing in recent years (albeit with a slight decrease of 6.9 percent), reflect growing pressure from organized crime in the state, “possibly linked to its strategic location and economic development.”
Crime incidence in Querétaro fell 11% in two years.
Fear of Violence is another factor taken into account in the Peace Index analysis, with Querétaro ranking far above the rest, as 54.4 percent of the state’s population expressed this view, while the figure is 0.7 percent nationally.
According to the document reviewed by Diario de Querétaro, one of the most notable aspects is the decrease in the homicide rate, which stood at 9.0 per 100,000 inhabitants, lower than the national average (23.3).
However, the report establishes that this indicator increased by 2.7 percent last year, accompanied by an increase in homicides committed with firearms (+6.8 percent), whose rate (5.3 percent) remains among the lowest in the country.
The 2024 analysis reports that the economic impact of violence in Querétaro was 82 billion pesos. In per capita terms, this means that violence cost each inhabitant of the state 33,535 pesos.
Finally, the breakdown notes that Querétaro remains an entity with relatively low levels of lethal violence and one of the lowest homicide rates in the country. However, the 2025 MPI data reveal areas requiring urgent attention: domestic and sexual violence, the rise in extortion, and the expansion of organized crime.
It adds that, to consolidate peace, it will be essential to strengthen local institutional capacity in security, justice, and victim care, especially in urban and metropolitan areas.
Source: oem
