The list of the most violent cities globally in 2024 reflects complex issues across multiple regions, predominantly Latin America. This high violence rate is largely driven by organized crime, gang rivalry, drug trafficking, and socioeconomic instability. Each city on the list faces unique challenges that contribute to its high homicide rate.
Top 10 Most Violent Cities in The World 2024
Here are the ten cities with the highest homicide rates per 100,000 residents this year:
- Colima, Mexico – 140.32
- Ciudad Obregon, Mexico – 117.83
- Port-au-Prince, Haiti – 117.24
- Zamora, Mexico – 105.13
- Manzanillo, Mexico – 102.58
- Tijuana, Mexico – 91.76
- Zacatecas, Mexico – 88.99
- Guayaquil, Ecuador – 88.82
- Mandela Bay, South Africa – 78.33
- Ciudad Juarez, Mexico – 77.43
Colima, Mexico:
Leading the list, Colima has a murder rate of 140.32 per 100,000 residents. This port city is a strategic location for drug trafficking and cartel activity, leading to violent clashes over territory and distribution routes.
Ciudad Obregon, Mexico:
At a rate of 117.83, this Mexican city suffers from high levels of organized crime, driven by disputes between local and transnational cartels. Violence in Obregon is not only intense but also affects daily life, impacting local communities and businesses.
See also; 10 countries with the highest rape crime.
Port-au-Prince, Haiti:
Haiti’s capital is grappling with severe political and economic instability. Gangs control extensive areas, with heavily armed groups engaging in violent confrontations over territory and extortion rackets. The lack of a strong governing authority exacerbates the situation, making violence a persistent reality for residents.
Zamora, Mexico:
Another Mexican city severely impacted by drug-related violence, Zamora has become a hotspot for cartels battling for dominance. Its strategic location within Mexico’s drug corridors intensifies these conflicts, leading to its high murder rate of 105.13.
Manzanillo, Mexico:
This port city on Mexico’s Pacific coast has a homicide rate of 102.58. Similar to Colima, Manzanillo’s coastal location makes it a critical point for drug trafficking. Frequent clashes between rival cartels make this area one of the most dangerous in Mexico.
See also; Top 10 countries with the highest crimes rate.
Tijuana, Mexico:
Known for its proximity to the U.S. border, Tijuana has a murder rate of 91.76. The city’s violence is fueled by its role as a trafficking point for drugs, particularly methamphetamine, which attracts rival gangs and cartels. The competition over drug routes leads to frequent, brutal confrontations.
Zacatecas, Mexico:
A central Mexican city, Zacatecas has seen its homicide rate rise to 88.99 due to cartel warfare. Its location along key drug routes makes it valuable for rival criminal organizations, which are known to engage in deadly violence to secure control.
Guayaquil, Ecuador:
With a rate of 88.82, Guayaquil’s violence is attributed to its role as a major drug transit point. Positioned between Colombia and Peru, Ecuador’s largest port city has become a target for criminal groups aiming to control drug routes to North America and Europe.
Mandela Bay, South Africa:
This South African city has a homicide rate of 78.33 and faces challenges from gang violence, high unemployment, and inequality. Poverty and lack of opportunities fuel criminal activity, making Mandela Bay the only African city on the list.
Ciudad Juarez, Mexico:
Another Mexican city notorious for drug violence, Ciudad Juarez has a murder rate of 77.43. Located on the U.S.-Mexico border, it is a battleground for competing cartels aiming to control drug smuggling into the U.S..
These cities share common issues like poverty, corruption, and weak governance, which allow criminal organizations to operate with relative impunity. The pervasive violence impacts local residents disproportionately, with tourists typically less affected, though caution is advised for anyone traveling to these areas.