Crime and Pollution in Recife

The following data and statistics on crime, pollution, and overall safety in Recife are derived from a combination of trusted public sources and insights gathered from over 140 user contributions.This comprehensive approach helps provide a balanced view of the city's crime rates, environmental concerns, air quality, and public safety. By aggregating information from government reports, environmental studies, and direct feedback from residents, we aim offer an up-to-date and thorough analysis of key factors impacting quality of life in Recife.

Crime Data in Recife

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Recife's crime data reveals significant safety concerns among residents, with high levels of crime affecting daily life. Property crimes and drug-related issues contribute substantially to the city's crime index.

Residents express a strong need for increased safety measures, especially during nighttime, where fears of crime are notably high.

Some notable concerns include:
  • Property CrimesProperty crimes are a substantial issue in Recife, with frequent incidents of burglary and theft creating an environment of concern and unease among the population.
  • Drug-Related IssuesDrug-related offenses are a critical concern, impacting community safety and contributing to the overall perception of heightened crime levels in the city.
  • Violent CrimesViolent crimes, including muggings and physical assaults, are significant worries for Recife's inhabitants. These incidents have a profound impact on the perceived safety and quality of life.
  • Public SafetyPublic safety perceptions in Recife are markedly low, with a consensus that the city is not safe after dark. Residents express anxiety over potential encounters with muggers and violent criminals.
Crime Trends and Safety
  • Rising Crime ConcernsThere is a prevalent perception that crime is on the rise in Recife, with increasing concerns around both property-related and violent criminal activities.
  • Specific FearsRobbery, mugging, and drug-related crimes are particularly feared, while issues related to corruption and bribery further exacerbate public distrust in local authorities.
Worldwide
Brazil

Crime Rankings

Recife ranks 4th on the Crime rankings in Brazil.
The crime ranking by city for Brazil 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.
Highest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025
Full Crime Rankings

Pollution Data in Recife

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Pollution remains a critical challenge in Recife, with air quality levels needing attention despite meeting basic standards. The persistent pollution concerns affect public health and the city's attractiveness.

While air quality metrics such as PM2.5 and PM10 show baseline levels, residents report continual worries about the long-term impact of air pollution.

  • PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter)Although technically within acceptable limits, PM2.5 levels are a concern for Recife due to potential health implications for vulnerable populations.
  • PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter)PM10 measurements indicate moderate levels, but public health concerns persist, calling for comprehensive pollution control strategies.
Waste and Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is prevalent in Recife, particularly in dense urban regions where development and traffic increase noise levels.

Waste management remains a severe issue, with dissatisfaction over garbage disposal processes contributing to perceptions of dirtiness.

  • Garbage Disposal SatisfactionResidents express significant dissatisfaction with garbage disposal services, noting impacted cleanliness and efficiency in waste management systems.
  • Noise and Light PollutionHigh levels of noise pollution affect daily life in Recife, disrupting peace and lowering the quality of living in numerous neighborhoods.
Green Spaces and Water Quality

Green spaces in Recife are limited and perceived as inadequate for the city's needs, affecting resident satisfaction and environmental health.

Water quality, while a concern for some, needs improvement to ensure safe and reliable access for all residents.

  • Green and Parks QualityThe quality of green spaces is lacking in Recife, leading to prominent resident dissatisfaction and calls for improvement in urban planning.
  • Drinking Water QualityWhile not critical, issues with drinking water quality and accessibility need to be addressed to bolster public confidence and health.
Worldwide
Brazil

Pollution Rankings

The pollution ranking for Brazil 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.
Hightest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025