Crime is a problem everywhere, but in some cities it has become a serious concern. To help locals and visitors understand the risks, data provider Numbeo publishes an annual crime index.
The index is based on surveys looking at factors including perceptions of crime and the severity of property and violent crimes. Each city is scored out of 100. A score of 60+ suggests high levels of crime, with anything over 80 classed as very high.
Click through to discover the world’s 20 most dangerous cities in 2025…
At 20 is Albuquerque, with a crime index score of 71.4. New Mexico’s largest city, Albuquerque has a characterful Old Town, which reflects its history as a Spanish colony, and a modern city centre.
However, parts of the city suffer high rates of gang violence and violent crime. As with the other cities on the list, crime is concentrated in certain areas. In Albuquerque, one of the hotspots is the International District – which has been dubbed the "War Zone".
Next up is the border city of Tijuana, which has a crime index score of 71.9. Located just south of California, the city is a draw for tourists and day-trippers, with the lively Avenida Revolución busy with bars and shops.
However, the Baja California city has high levels of serious, organised and violent crime – including kidnapping, murder and drug trafficking. Visitors can be a particular target, so are advised to use caution, especially at night, and to stick to the main tourist areas.
We stay in North America for our next entry, Baltimore, which has a crime index score of 73.1. An important seaport, the city in Maryland has also long been associated with serious crime, including homicide.
Recent data indicates that violent crime in Baltimore is down – especially the murder rate, which is on track to fall to a 50-year low this year. But the Numbeo index includes residents’ perceptions, suggesting that people still believe there is a high risk of becoming a victim of crime here.
The third of four US entries on the list, Detroit has a crime index score of 73.2. The Michigan city is synonymous with Motown Records and the car industry. After a downturn, the city has recovered in recent times, with increased investment and a thriving arts scene.
While crime levels have also decreased over the past decade, Detroit still sees high crime rates in some areas. These include the Red Zone, a 6.5-mile (10.5km) area on the east side where gang violence is rife.
At 16 is the South African city of Cape Town, which scores 73.7 in the crime index. Tourists flock to this port city, which sits in the shadow of Table Mountain. The so-called Mother City also has stunning beaches and a great food scene.
On the downside, Cape Town experiences high rates of violent crime, including robbery, sexual assault and carjacking. As a result, visitors should take care in downtown areas and at night. Areas to avoid include Cape Flats.
The world's 15th most dangerous city is Guayaquil in Ecuador, with a crime index score of 74.4. The Ecuadorian port city sits on the Guayas River and is known as the gateway to the Galapagos Islands. Unfortunately, the city is also a hub for serious organised crime.
It has high homicide rates due to the presence of cartels and gangs, with the port associated with the transport of illegal drugs. While tourists are generally not targeted, they can get caught up in the city’s criminal activity.
Next up is Rio de Janeiro, which scores 75.2 on the crime index. The popular Brazilian city draws people to its Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Home to Sugarloaf Mountain, it’s also the site of the famous statue Christ the Redeemer, which stands at 98 feet (30m) tall.
Sadly, the city is rife with crime, including assaults, homicides, pickpocketing and theft, as well as organised crime and gang violence. Both residents and tourists may be targeted. However, there are signs of improvement – Rio ranked at number seven in last year’s index.
Also seeing an improvement is Fortaleza – which this year has a crime index score of 75.7, and was ranked as the ninth most dangerous city in the 2024 index. Located in north-east Brazil, the city boasts great beaches and lively nightlife.
Unfortunately, the city has high levels of homicide and petty theft. Fortaleza also experiences gang violence. Visitors are advised to exercise caution in crowded areas and at night, including on public transport. Female tourists may be subject to harassment and unwanted physical contact.
Another Brazilian entry for the list is Recife, with a crime index score of 75.7. Notable for its many rivers and bridges, the coastal city is also home to Recife Antigo – the 16th-century Old Town, which sits on its own island.
Yet Recife suffers from high levels of violence and scams like ATM fraud, as well as express kidnapping, where victims are held until they make a cash withdrawal. Tourists are advised to take care and not flash valuable items.
The only Caribbean entry in the top 20, Port of Spain has received a crime index score of 76.3. The capital city of the dual-island nation draws tourists year-round, particularly for its annual carnival.
However, this can also be a time when the crime rates spike, with pickpockets targeting visitors in the crowded streets. Port of Spain is also prone to violent gang and drug-related crime – including murder, shootings and armed robberies – which can impact locals and tourists.
Ranked at number 10 is Salvador, with a score of 76.7. The UNESCO-listed historic centre of the Brazilian city is notable for its Portuguese colonial architecture, tropical coastline, food scene and West African heritage.
However, Salvador has a reputation as one of Brazil’s most dangerous cities, with a high rate of violent crime, including murder and armed robbery, as well as drug trafficking. Tourists are often targeted, so they're advised to stick to neighbourhoods such as Barra and Rio Vermelho, which are generally considered safer.
The most dangerous US city on Numbeo's list is Memphis in Tennessee, with a score of 77.4. Sitting on the banks of the Mississippi River, the popular tourist city is famed for lively Beale Street and attractions such as Graceland.
Overall, Memphis has seen a significant reduction in crime, including robbery and burglary. But parts of the city still experience high levels of violent crime, including murder and carjackings. Areas where crime is a particular problem include South Memphis and Orange Mound.
The next entry is Port Elizabeth, which scores 78.1 in the crime index. Officially named Gqeberha, the city in the Eastern Cape is one of the largest in South Africa. It offers access to great beaches and wildlife spotting opportunities.
But when it comes to crime, the city suffers from a high murder rate and prevalent vehicle crime, including carjacking and robbery. Visitors should stay vigilant, particularly at night. Neighbourhoods where crime levels are worse include Kwazakhele, Motherwell and KwaDwesi.
Ranked as the seventh most dangerous city is San Pedro Sula, with a crime index score of 79.7. The city is the second largest in Honduras and acts as a transport hub, offering access to the rest of the country.
San Pedro Sula once had the highest murder rate anywhere in the world outside of a war zone, and continues to experience high levels of violent crime, much of which is gang-related. Tourists should exercise caution, especially at the airport and when using public transport.
The first city in the index with a ‘very high’ crime index score is Durban, with a score of 80.6. The coastal city sells itself as an international destination with an outdoor lifestyle. Draws include the redeveloped harbour and the Golden Mile beach-side boardwalk.
But despite action by authorities, the city faces the ongoing problem of high crime rates, including gang activity and vehicle theft. Drivers may be targeted at traffic signals and petrol stations. Areas that are particular crime hotspots include the Central Business District.
We're into the top five most dangerous cities as ranked by the index, and Johannesburg, which has a crime index score of 80.8. South Africa’s biggest and most populous city is a tourist hub, but has long been dogged by a reputation for high crime levels.
The city’s common crime problem extends across property crime, vehicle theft, armed robbery and hijacking. However, there are significant disparities in crime levels, with the Central Business District considered one of the least safe areas.
Fourth on the list is Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, which has a crime index score of 81.2. The coastal city attracts tourists who want to explore its nature, history, and culture. Unfortunately, the city experiences high levels of crime, including robbery, assault and drug trafficking.
Visitors can be targeted, so they're advised to take particular care when walking around alone or at night and when using public transport. Travellers should also use reputable guides or tour operators.
Last year’s most dangerous city, according to the index, Caracas moves to third place, with a score of 81.5. Venezuela’s capital city, Caracas has a rich culture and heritage, but this is marred by the prevalence of crime, including muggings and carjacking.
Caracas also suffers high levels of serious crime, including murder, armed robberies and gang-related violence. The British government advises against all but essential travel to Venezuela, while the US government currently has a 'Level 4: Do Not Travel' warning for the country, partly due to the elevated crime rate.
Retaining its second place from last year’s index is Pretoria, with a score of 81.8. South Africa’s administrative capital is known as Jacaranda City, due to its flowering trees, but the peaceful image is undermined by its high crime rate.
Crime is widespread, with daytime robberies and carjackings affecting tourists and locals. Certain areas of the city are impacted by violent crime, some of which is gang-related. The risk has been heightened by planned power outages by the government, which cut residents’ security systems and reduced street lighting.
Pietermaritzburg bags the dubious title of the world's most dangerous city for 2025, with a score 82. It was also named the world's most dangerous by Numbeo in its 2024 mid-year ranking.
The city is plagued by a high risk of common and serious crime, with overall crime rates increasing over the past five years. Gang violence, drug dealing and armed robberies, as well as home invasions, carjackings and daytime muggings, are all common crimes. Any visitors should exercise caution and use reputable private transport to get around.