Crime and Pollution in Baku

Crime Data in Baku

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Baku exhibits a low overall crime index, reflecting strong public confidence in safety measures. Despite certain concerns, residents generally regard the city as a safe place to live.

Daytime safety perceptions are notably positive, with the majority feeling secure in public spaces. At night, safety concerns slightly increase but remain relatively low compared to many global cities.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - Property crimes in Baku, including theft and home break-ins, are perceived as low by the city's residents. This reflects well on law enforcement and community vigilance, suggesting an environment conducive to personal and residential security.
• Drug-Related Issues - Drug-related offenses do not heavily feature in public concern, with residents expressing minimal anxiety over such issues. This indicates effective control and monitoring of drug-related activities in the city.
• Violent Crimes - Violent crimes, such as assaults and muggings, are reported to be of minimal concern for Baku's citizens. There is a strong perception of personal safety in public, suggesting a robust police presence and community safety measures.
• Public Safety - Public safety in Baku is highly rated, particularly during daylight hours, allowing residents to enjoy city life with peace of mind. While night-time safety concerns are marginal, they underscore the city's effective safety strategies.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - Despite a slight perception that crime is increasing, the overall anxiety remains low. This sentiment highlights localized concerns rather than city-wide panic, focusing more on specific areas.
• Specific Fears - Concerns over ethnic or religious-based victimization are virtually nonexistent in Baku, reflecting a harmonious and inclusive community. Additionally, fears of car thefts or being mugged are minimal, bolstering the city’s safety reputation.

Summary of Crime in Baku

Baku's commitment to safety is evident in its low crime rates and strong public confidence. The city's proactive measures continue to foster an environment where residents and visitors alike can feel secure and protected.

Crime Rankings

Baku ranks 1st on the Crime rankings in Azerbaijan. The crime ranking by city for Azerbaijan is based on a continuously updated index, incorporating data up to 36 months old and calculated twice a year. Cities are ranked on a scale from "very low" to "very high" crime levels, with safety being the inverse, where a high safety index indicates a safer city.

1. Baku

Azerbaijan

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Despite improvements, Baku faces notable challenges in air quality, with concerns centered around particulate matter and environmental pollutants. These issues are a major focus for city planners aiming to enhance residents’ health and quality of life.

Public perception of air quality remains endemically low, indicating significant room for improvement, particularly in urbanized areas affected by traffic and industrial emissions.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - The PM2.5 levels in Baku are reported as minimal, which suggests controlled pollution at this scale, yet broader air quality concerns persist due to other environmental factors.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - PM10 levels also indicate low immediate threat; however, overall air pollution factors contribute to public concern over long-term health effects.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is a minor concern in Baku, suggesting effective urban management, although there remains room for betterment. Residents generally regard the city as manageable in terms of noise and light disturbances.

Garbage disposal satisfaction is low, reflecting a need for improved waste management systems to address cleanliness and sanitation in various districts.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - Public dissatisfaction with garbage disposal indicates a need for reform in waste management practices, with residents calling for more efficient systems to ensure cleaner neighborhoods.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Despite being a minimal concern, noise and light pollution still affect certain areas, highlighting an opportunity for Baku to further enhance its living conditions.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

Green spaces in Baku are not highly rated, pointing to a potential area for urban development and enhancement to provide recreational and environmental benefits.

The quality and accessibility of drinking water have raised some concerns among residents, although efforts are underway to ensure safer and more reliable water sources.

• Green and Parks Quality - There is a clear demand for improved green spaces, with residents desiring more recreational areas that contribute positively to urban life quality and environmental health.
• Drinking Water Quality - Concerns about drinking water, though present, are being addressed through ongoing efforts to enhance water quality and accessibility, aiming to reassure citizens and improve public health outcomes.

Pollution Rankings

Baku ranks 1st on the Pollution rankings in Azerbaijan. The pollution ranking for Azerbaijan is based on a combination of visitor perceptions and data from institutions like the World Health Organization. The Pollution Index estimates overall pollution levels by considering air and water pollution, garbage disposal, and other factors, with air pollution given the highest weight, while the Pollution Exp Scale uses an exponential function to highlight extremely polluted cities.

1. Baku

Azerbaijan