Crime and Pollution in Marseille

The following data and statistics on crime, pollution, and overall safety in Marseille are derived from a combination of trusted public sources and insights gathered from over 460 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 Marseille.

Crime Data in Marseille

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Marseille faces significant crime challenges, with public perception highlighting a high level of concern regarding safety. The city struggles with rising crime rates, particularly in violent and property offenses.

Public safety concerns are especially pronounced at night, with residents expressing high anxiety about mugging, robbery, and other violent crimes.

Some notable concerns include:
  • Property CrimesProperty crimes in Marseille are a considerable worry for its residents, with theft and home break-ins being frequent issues. These crimes substantially contribute to the city's high crime index.
  • Drug-Related IssuesDrug-related issues are a major problem in Marseille, with a perception that these crimes are intensifying and negatively impacting community safety.
  • Violent CrimesViolent crimes also contribute to the public's anxiety, with many concerned about physical assaults and the overall rise in these types of offenses.
  • Public SafetySafety during daylight is slightly less concerning than at night, yet the overall feeling of security is low, affecting the city’s reputation as a safe place to live or visit.
Crime Trends and Safety
  • Rising Crime ConcernsThere is a profound perception that crime is on the rise in Marseille, with particular emphasis on the increase of property and drug-related crimes, necessitating focused interventions.
  • Specific FearsSpecific fears among residents include being mugged or robbed, having their car stolen, and experiencing violent encounters, highlighting a need for strategic safety measures.
Worldwide
France

Crime Rankings

Marseille ranks 1st on the Crime rankings in France.
The crime ranking by city for France 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 Marseille

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Pollution remains a pressing issue in Marseille, with air quality concerns exacerbated by urban and industrial activities. The city's pollution index indicates a high level of pollutants, posing health risks to residents.

Air quality is affected by particulate matter, with higher levels of PM2.5 and PM10 contributing to long-term health concerns.

  • PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter)PM2.5 levels in Marseille are problematic, raising health concerns especially for vulnerable groups. The concentration of fine particulate matter calls for robust air quality management strategies.
  • PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter)PM10 pollution is also a concern, contributing to Marseille's pollution issues and affecting the health and quality of life of its inhabitants.
Waste and Noise Pollution

Noise pollution, attributed to dense urban living and thriving nightlife, significantly impacts the quality of life in Marseille.

Residents express dissatisfaction with garbage disposal services, reflecting poorly on the city's overall cleanliness and contributing to the high pollution index.

  • Garbage Disposal SatisfactionThere is a widespread dissatisfaction with garbage disposal systems in Marseille, leading to issues of uncleanliness and exacerbating health and environmental concerns in certain neighborhoods.
  • Noise and Light PollutionNoise and light pollution in Marseille are prevalent, especially in bustling city areas, affecting residents' quality of life and prompting complaints about the urban living environment.
Green Spaces and Water Quality

Despite pollution concerns, Marseille's drinking water quality remains a positive aspect, with residents appreciating its accessibility and purity.

Green spaces in Marseille have room for improvement, with public perception indicating less satisfaction compared to other cities, suggesting a need for enhancement of urban greenery.

  • Green and Parks QualityThe quality of green and park spaces in Marseille is rated low, with residents calling for increased investment in urban green areas to enhance recreation and environmental health.
  • Drinking Water QualityMarseille's drinking water quality is excellent, providing a significant positive factor in the city's overall livability, ensuring safe and accessible water for all residents.
Worldwide
France

Pollution Rankings

Marseille ranks 1st on the Pollution rankings in France.
The pollution ranking for France 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