Crime and Pollution in Medellin

The following data and statistics on crime, pollution, and overall safety in Medellin are derived from a combination of trusted public sources and insights gathered from over 228 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 Medellin.

Crime Data in Medellin

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Medellin continues to navigate challenges around crime, with particular concerns around safety during nighttime hours and drug-related activities impacting community well-being.

Residents of Medellin express mixed feelings about public safety, with more confidence in daylight security but heightened fear at night.

Some notable concerns include:
  • Property CrimesProperty crimes remain a significant worry, with reports of theft and car-related incidents contributing to public unease. While concerns about break-ins are moderate, efforts to curb these crimes remain crucial.
  • Drug-Related IssuesDrug-related crime is a major issue in Medellin, with high public concern over its prevalence and impact. Tackling these challenges is essential for enhancing overall community safety.
  • Violent CrimesViolent crimes are a significant fear among residents, with mugging and physical attacks being principal worries. The high levels of concern reflect the perceived risks of personal safety issues.
  • Public SafetyThe feeling of safety drastically changes from day to night in Medellin. Many residents feel secure moving about during daylight, yet nighttime brings about heightened anxiety and caution.
Crime Trends and Safety
  • Rising Crime ConcernsDespite slight optimism regarding crime control, there is a persistent belief among Medellin citizens that crime is on a gradual increase, heightening vigilance against potential threats.
  • Specific FearsWhile religious and racial insults are low on the concern scale, there is a considerable fear of becoming a victim of robbery or drug-related crimes, requiring focused interventions.
Worldwide
Colombia

Crime Rankings

Medellin ranks 3rd on the Crime rankings in Colombia.
The crime ranking by city for Colombia 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

Pollution Data in Medellin

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Medellin's air quality in 2024 shows room for improvement, particularly with increased levels of particulate matter due to urban emissions and industrial activities.

These pollution challenges are critical, with public unease over their potential long-term health effects, despite some progress in other environmental areas.

  • PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter)Levels of PM2.5 are relatively high, raising health concerns for sensitive groups such as the elderly and individuals with preexisting health conditions. Continued efforts are needed to reduce these levels.
  • PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter)PM10 is also elevated, indicative of moderate pollution. Decision makers must address these airborne particles to improve overall air quality.
Waste and Noise Pollution

Garbage management in Medellin is rated positively, indicating effective waste disposal systems and cleanliness in the city.

Noise pollution, however, mirrors a common urban challenge with widespread impacts, needing strategies to manage urban noise and light disturbances.

  • Garbage Disposal SatisfactionResidents express high satisfaction with garbage disposal services, suggesting efficient management that contributes positively to the city's cleanliness.
  • Noise and Light PollutionNoise pollution is a persistent issue, with city sounds from traffic, construction, and nightlife affecting quality of life and requiring ongoing intervention.
Green Spaces and Water Quality

Medellin benefits from high-quality green spaces contributing to the city's environmental appeal and offering residents vital recreational areas.

The city's drinking water quality is exceptional, with residents expressing high levels of satisfaction regarding its accessibility and purity.

  • Green and Parks QualityGreen spaces are rated positively, providing essential benefits for both recreation and environmental health, thereby improving overall quality of life in Medellin.
  • Drinking Water QualityDrinking water in Medellin is deemed exceptional, with few concerns over pollution, underscoring it as a triumph of urban utility management.
Worldwide
Colombia

Pollution Rankings

Medellin ranks 2nd on the Pollution rankings in Colombia.
The pollution ranking for Colombia 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