Crime and Pollution in San Salvador

Crime Data in San Salvador

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, the crime data from San Salvador reveals a city struggling with safety concerns. The crime index suggests a moderately high level of crime, leading to resident apprehension.

Public fears persist regarding violent crimes and personal safety, particularly influenced by the city's socio-economic challenges.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - Property crimes are a significant issue in San Salvador, with residents expressing considerable concerns about theft and break-ins. This apprehension reflects a broader worry about the security of personal property throughout the city.
• Drug-Related Issues - While not overwhelmingly high, drug-related crime remains a concern for some residents. The influence of illegal drugs contributes to a broader sense of unease within certain neighborhoods.
• Violent Crimes - The problem of violent crimes, including assaults and robberies, is pronounced, making residents feel vulnerable and impacting their sense of security.
• Public Safety - San Salvador residents feel notably unsafe during nighttime, affecting their overall quality of life and freedom of movement. There is a significant contrast in the perception of safety between day and night, with daylight bringing only a slight improvement.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - While the perception of crime increase is moderate, residents are particularly troubled by corruption and bribery, which undermine confidence in law enforcement and governance.
• Specific Fears - There are pronounced fears around violent encounters and theft, with a specific apprehension regarding personal safety at night. Additionally, issues related to corruption amplify these fears, suggesting a need for systemic reform.

Summary of Crime in San Salvador

The crime situation in San Salvador poses serious challenges, with high concerns over both property and violent crimes. Tackling these issues requires comprehensive strategies focused on reducing corruption and enhancing community safety.

Crime Rankings

San Salvador ranks 1st on the Crime rankings in El Salvador. The crime ranking by city for El Salvador 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. San Salvador

El Salvador

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

San Salvador faces significant air quality challenges, ranking high in pollution indices. This is a crucial concern for citizens, given the health impacts associated with poor air quality.

Pollution from particulate matter, particularly PM2.5 and PM10, is a persistent problem, exacerbated by urban activities and insufficient environmental policies.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - The PM2.5 levels in San Salvador exceed international safety recommendations, posing health risks, especially for children and those with respiratory issues.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - PM10 concentrations are also troubling, contributing to the overall poor air quality. These elevated levels reflect ongoing issues with pollution control and urban emissions.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is a prevalent issue in San Salvador, largely due to traffic and urban density, affecting the general livability of the city.

Garbage disposal facilities and practices fall below desired standards, leading to dissatisfaction among residents and worsening the city’s environmental landscape.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - The dissatisfaction with garbage disposal services is widespread, with many areas experiencing inadequate waste management, leading to health and sanitation concerns.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Noise pollution due to traffic and urban crowding is an ongoing challenge for residents, impacting daily life and overall well-being.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

While green spaces are limited and often poorly maintained, they could offer much-needed respite and environmental benefits if developed.

Water quality and accessibility are other critical concerns, with negative perceptions regarding the sanitation and safety of drinking water.

• Green and Parks Quality - The quality of green spaces is far below expectations, highlighting a need for significant improvements to provide essential ecological and recreational benefits.
• Drinking Water Quality - Concerns about drinking water quality suggest a need for substantial upgrades in water treatment and sanitation infrastructure to ensure safe, reliable access.