The following data and statistics on crime, pollution, and overall safety in Popayan are derived from a combination of trusted public sources and insights gathered from over 10 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 Popayan.

Crime Data in Popayan

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Popayán is perceived as having high levels of crime, with significant public concern towards issues of safety, especially during nighttime. The city's crime index suggests a challenging safety environment.

Residents express substantial worry about the increasing crime rates, particularly regarding violent crimes and instances of robbery, which has contributed to a heightened sense of insecurity.

Some notable concerns include:

  • Property Crimes - Property crimes are a significant issue in Popayán, with a high level of anxiety among residents regarding car thefts and home break-ins. This concern is one of the predominant challenges impacting the community's perception of safety.
  • Drug-Related Issues - The community is also dealing with notable drug-related problems, which are seen as exacerbating the overall crime scenario. This perception adds to the unease about public safety.
  • Violent Crimes - Concerns about violent crimes, including muggings and physical assaults, are considerably elevated, contributing to the public's perception of a precarious safety environment in the city.
  • Public Safety - Safety in Popayán is seen as a major issue, with significant numbers of residents feeling unsafe alone, especially at night. The fear of being mugged or attacked heavily influences this perception.

Crime Trends and Safety

  • Rising Crime Concerns - An overwhelming sentiment among residents is that crime is on the rise, particularly violent and property crimes. This perception is reflected in a widespread concern about personal and communal safety.
  • Specific Fears - The fear of theft, particularly involving cars and homes, along with drug-related offenses, stand out as top concerns. Additionally, there are concerns about safety being vulnerable to acts of corruption and bribery.

Summary of Crime in Popayan

Efforts to combat crime are crucial, as Popayán faces significant challenges with high crime rates and public concern. Initiatives that focus on reducing violent and property crimes, along with antidote measures against drug issues, are essential for improving public safety in the city.

Worldwide
Colombia

Crime Rankings

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: Jan, 2025

Pollution Data in Popayan

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Popayán boasts excellent air quality in 2024, with pollution levels considered very low. This is a positive aspect amidst other environmental challenges.

Residents enjoy high air quality, which is considered optimal for health and general well-being, despite other issues.

  • PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - Levels of PM2.5 in Popayán are outstandingly low, indicating almost negligible air pollution and a positive environmental health outlook for the city.
  • PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - Similarly, PM10 levels are remarkably low, contributing to the city's stellar air quality ratings and ensuring minimal health risks linked to particulate matter.

Waste and Noise Pollution

While air quality is excellent, other areas such as waste management and noise pollution present a challenge. These issues need addressing for improved urban living conditions.

Noise pollution, particularly in urban areas, poses a significant annoyance, affecting the quality of life for many residents.

  • Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - There is a neutral perception regarding garbage disposal, indicating room for improvement to enhance satisfaction and city cleanliness.
  • Noise and Light Pollution - Negative perceptions of noise and light pollution highlight ongoing challenges. Urban noise from traffic and daily activities remains a concern for residents seeking peace and quiet.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

Green spaces in Popayán face criticism regarding their quality, but the city's drinking water is highly praised for its purity and accessibility, a cornerstone of the city's environmental strengths.

Despite concerns over park quality, the availability and quality of drinking water stand out as a significant positive aspect for residents.

  • Green and Parks Quality - Parks and green spaces are perceived as below average, with residents expressing dissatisfaction. This calls for improvements in urban planning and maintenance to better serve the community's needs.
  • Drinking Water Quality - The city's water quality is noted to be excellent, with high satisfaction levels regarding accessibility and purity, providing a critical livability advantage.
Worldwide
Colombia

Pollution Rankings

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: Jan, 2025
Popayan Crime and Pollution

"Key Takeaways"

Crime in Popayán, with a notable focus on property and violent crimes, remains a pressing issue, necessitating enhanced security and law enforcement strategies.

Pollution levels in terms of air quality are outstanding, showcasing a strong environmental facet of the city, although waste management and noise pollution need further attention.

The city's drinking water quality and availability are exemplary, offering a key strength amidst other public service challenges.