Why Mexico City Has Relatively Low Homicide Rates Despite High Crime Concerns

It is often believed that Mexico City has an exceptionally high number of homicides. However, the truth is quite different. Mexico as a whole has been consistently underreporting its crime statistics, and the issue is exacerbated by the fact that most crimes are not even reported. This makes assessing the real picture of crime rates in any Mexican state or city difficult. Yet, Mexico City actually has one of the lowest homicide rates among its peers in the country. According to data from May 2021 to April 2022, Mexico City has a homicide rate of around 9.2 per 100,000 people, placing it as the 7th lowest among Mexico's 32 states.

Comparing Mexico City's Homicide Rates to Other Cities and States

While Mexico City does not have the lowest homicide rates, it does not have exceptionally low rates either. Several states and cities in Mexico have even lower rates. For instance:

Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas: This city has a homicide rate of 4.6 per 100,000, half that of Mexico City. Villahermosa, Tabasco: With a rate of 10 per 100,000, this city has a similar homicide rate to Mexico City. Campeche and Mérida, Yucatán: Both cities have homicide rates of 4 and 1.6 per 100,000, respectively, much lower than Mexico City. Mazatlan and Los Mochis, Sinaloa: These cities also have lower homicide rates than Mexico City. Veracruz and Tampico, Tamaulipas: Similar to Mexico City, these cities have homicide rates of 4 and 2.4 per 100,000, respectively.

It is important to note that neighboring cities in other states have similar or even lower homicide rates. For example, Toluca, the capital of the State of Mexico, has an identical homicide rate to Mexico City. Additionally, former cartel-affected cities such as Torreón, Coahuila, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, have significantly lower rates at 5.7 and 8.2 per 100,000, respectively.

Factors Contributing to Lower Homicide Rates in Mexico City

Despite the presence of multiple cartels operating within its borders, Mexico City has managed to maintain relatively low homicide rates due to various factors:

Efforts by Authorities: Unlike other highly troubled areas, there is a concerted effort by the authorities to keep the situation under control. This includes identifying and dealing with criminals, ensuring that major areas of influence are not controlled by cartels. Economic Factors: Mexico City is a major economic hub, which means it attracts large numbers of people and international visitors. This economic activity may contribute to a more stable social environment and fewer criminal activities. Political Will: The Mexican government has an interest in maintaining a positive image of the capital, as it is the heart of the country's government and economic activities. Therefore, additional efforts are made to prevent sensationalizing the issue in the media.

The low homicide rate in Mexico City does not mean the city is completely crime-free. There are still many challenges, and the overall crime rate in the city remains a concern. However, the relative safety in terms of homicides stands out as a silver lining.

Conclusion

The data and analysis presented here show that Mexico City's homicide rates are not exceptionally low compared to other Mexican cities. However, they are generally lower than many other states in Mexico. This is due to a combination of effective government intervention, economic factors, and the political will to maintain a good image for the capital. While challenges remain, Mexico City can take pride in its relative safety when compared to the rest of the country.