The National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) released the results of the National Urban Public Security Survey (ENSU) for the second quarter of the year. The survey identified the cities in Mexico where people reported feeling the most unsafe.
According to the survey results, women were the group with the highest rate of perceived insecurity, with nearly seven out of 10 (68.5%) of those surveyed considering it unsafe to live in their city. In contrast, 56.7% of men had the same perception.
The study, conducted by INEGI every three months, assesses the population’s perception of security in 91 urban areas across the country. It takes into account public opinion to determine which regions experience the most insecurity.
These are the five most unsafe cities in Mexico, according to INEGI
According to the ENSU results, the perception of insecurity increased nationwide. From 61.9% in March, the population aged 18 and over who considered it unsafe to live in their city rose to 63.2% in June 2025.
The five cities with the highest prevalence of perceived insecurity in Mexico were:
Culiacán Rosales, Sinaloa (90.8%).
Ecatepec de Morelos, State of Mexico (90.7%).
Uruapan, Michoacán (89.5%).
Tapachula, Chiapas (88.1%).
Ciudad Obregón, Sonora (88%).
In Culiacán, as well as in Ciudad Obregón, clashes have been prevalent in recent months due to the dispute between the Mayos and Chapitos factions over control of the Sinaloa Cartel’s territory. The effects of the conflict have even spread to other states, such as Sonora.
Another region that has been in the public eye is Uruapan, in Michoacán. In fact, in June, Mayor Carlos Manzo announced the discovery of a training camp where weapons and tactical clothing were found. Regarding the situation, the politician asked President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo for help.
The situation in Tapachula is very similar to that of other regions. The presence of migrants has attracted organized crime groups such as the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which have sought to profit from the situation. The struggle between the factions has spread throughout the state.
According to the crime rate registry compiled by the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System (SESNSP), only the State of Mexico (Edomex) appeared and topped the list of five states with the highest crime rate, with 17.63 percent in June 2025. Michoacán (2.36%) was in 15th place, Sinaloa (2.05%) in 18th, Sonora (1.69%) in 21st, and Chiapas (0.38%) in 29th.
Another relevant finding from the survey was the change in citizen habits due to fear of crime. Nearly 4 out of 10 people surveyed stated that they stopped carrying valuables for fear of being subjected to crime, as well as preventing minors from leaving their homes alone and walking around their homes at night.
Source: infobae
