When choosing a place to live, safety ranks high on anyone’s list of priorities. Unfortunately, not all cities can offer peace of mind.
While every country faces its share of challenges, some cities around the world stand out for their high rates of crime, violence, and instability—making them among the most dangerous places to live in.
From drug-related violence to political unrest and widespread poverty, here’s a look at some of the world’s most dangerous cities in 2025, based on crime statistics, homicide rates, and global safety indexes.
- Tijuana, Mexico
Known for its nightlife and border economy, Tijuana has gained notoriety as one of the most violent cities in the world. With a homicide rate of over 100 per 100,000 residents, the city’s crime is largely driven by drug trafficking, gang violence, and turf wars between cartels.
Main issues: Organized crime, drug cartels, corruption, extortion.
- Caracas, Venezuela
Once one of South America’s most prosperous capitals, Caracas is now plagued by economic collapse, political instability, and rampant violence. Armed robberies, kidnappings, and street crime are common, and the government’s weakened law enforcement adds to the insecurity.
Main issues: Political unrest, inflation, shortage of public services, armed gangs.
- Cape Town, South Africa
While Cape Town is a popular tourist destination, parts of the city are known for their high crime rates. Gang-related violence, particularly in the Cape Flats area, remains a serious problem. Despite visible security efforts, the homicide rate remains alarmingly high.
Main issues: Gang warfare, poverty, drug abuse, police mistrust.
- Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Haiti’s capital is grappling with deep-rooted instability, with armed gangs effectively controlling parts of the city. The breakdown of government structures and ongoing humanitarian crises have left many residents vulnerable to violence and extortion.
Main issues: Gang control, political void, extreme poverty, kidnappings.
- Acapulco, Mexico
Once a glitzy resort town, Acapulco has become synonymous with cartel violence. The city has seen gruesome acts of violence in recent years, and although tourism still trickles in, locals often live in fear of becoming collateral in gang conflicts.
Main issues: Drug-related violence, extortion, assassinations.
- San Pedro Sula, Honduras
San Pedro Sula has long been a contender for the title of the most dangerous city in the world. Though the homicide rate has declined slightly in recent years, the city remains riddled with violent crime, especially in areas affected by gang activity.
Main issues: Gangs (MS-13, Barrio 18), poverty, corruption, lack of youth opportunities.
- Baltimore, USA
Baltimore consistently ranks among the most violent cities in the United States. Gun violence, drug-related crimes, and economic inequality contribute to the city’s troubled reputation, despite its rich history and culture.
Main issues: Gun crime, drug trafficking, socioeconomic inequality.
- Kabul, Afghanistan
Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, Kabul has seen shifts in power dynamics but remains dangerous due to insurgent attacks, bombings, and military crackdowns. Human rights violations and repression of women’s freedoms have worsened the overall safety situation.
Main issues: Terrorism, political violence, lack of civil liberties.
- Cali, Colombia
While Colombia has made progress in reducing crime in cities like Bogotá and Medellín, Cali still battles frequent homicides, drug trafficking, and street violence. Rival gangs and narco groups operate in parts of the city with little fear of law enforcement.
Main issues: Narco trafficking, street violence, gang control.
- Baghdad, Iraq
Though improved since the height of the Iraq War, Baghdad still struggles with bombings, sectarian violence, and sporadic insurgent attacks. Security remains fragile, and daily life is often punctuated by uncertainty.
Main issues: Political instability, terrorism, militia clashes.
