| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| INEGI | The national statistics agency of Mexico responsible for conducting surveys and collecting data. |
| Tepic | State capital of Nayarit, on the Pacific coast. |
| El Mencho | Leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, a major criminal organization in Mexico. |
In Mexico, a recent INEGI survey shows that perceptions of insecurity in urban areas have slightly improved but remain high. The National Survey of Urban Public Security, conducted with residents from 27,300 households in 91 cities, found that 61.5% of people still view their cities as unsafe. This is a small decrease from previous surveys and marks the lowest level since President Claudia Sheinbaum took office in 2024.
Women’s perceptions of safety remain lower than men’s, with 67.2% of women feeling unsafe compared to 54.6% of men. Despite these improvements, significant regional differences persist. For example, in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, perceptions of insecurity surged dramatically from 32% to 59.9% after the death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes. His death led to increased violence, affecting areas like Puerto Vallarta.
Other areas, such as Tepic and Zapopan, also experienced heightened security concerns. In Irapuato, Guanajuato, known for its strawberry production, 92.1% of residents consider their city unsafe, making it the city with the highest concern. Guadalajara follows closely with 90.2% of residents feeling unsafe.
Across the country, people feel particularly insecure in places like ATMs and public transport. Women generally report higher insecurity levels in all areas, including at home and work. Despite this, some foreign residents in Mexico feel safer than locals, highlighting a difference in perceptions.
The Mexican Navy is viewed as the most effective security force, with over 87% of survey respondents trusting its capability to combat crime. The Mexican Army and Air Force also received positive ratings, though trust in municipal police remains lower. As for future security expectations, nearly a quarter of respondents hope for improvements, while others predict the situation will remain unchanged or worsen.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Perception | Percepción |
| Survey | Encuesta |
| Violence | Violencia |
Time to discuss
- Why do you think women’s perceptions of safety are lower than men’s in Mexico?
- What impact do you think the death of a cartel leader has on local communities?
- How could the government improve the feeling of safety among its citizens?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph
- What factors contribute to the perception of insecurity in Mexican cities?
- How does the perception of safety among foreign residents differ from that of local residents in Mexico?
