Crime and Pollution in Guadalajara

Crime Data in Guadalajara

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Guadalajara is experiencing significant concerns regarding crime, with data indicating a high level of anxiety among residents. The city's crime index points to a high level of crime, suggesting ongoing challenges for both public safety and law enforcement.

Public perception of safety is notably low, particularly at night, where a significant portion of the community feels at risk of mugging or robbery.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - Property crimes such as theft and car-related crimes remain a pressing issue in Guadalajara. The high level of concern over these crimes contributes to a general feeling of insecurity among residents and impacts their day-to-day lives.
• Drug-Related Issues - Drug-related activities present substantial challenges for Guadalajara, with community fears pointing to this as a critical area of concern, affecting both immediate safety and long-term security in the city.
• Violent Crimes - Concerns over violent crimes are alarmingly high, with significant fears surrounding incidents of assault and personal attacks. This fear exacerbates the overall perception of danger in the city, especially during night hours.
• Public Safety - While some residents feel moderately safe during daylight, safety concerns spike significantly after dark, indicating a stark contrast in the feeling of security between day and night.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - Worry concerning the increasing trend of crime remains prevalent, fueled by reports of corruption and bribery which further erode trust in local institutions to manage these challenges effectively.
• Specific Fears - Gang-related violence and drug trafficking are major concerns. Additionally, corruption is perceived as a deteriorating factor in the ability of law enforcement to handle crime effectively, further stoking public fears.

Summary of Crime in Guadalajara

Guadalajara faces critical issues in controlling crime levels, with high incidents of property and violent crimes. Efforts to curb corruption, enhance police efficacy, and involve community support are pivotal to improving safety in the city.

Crime Rankings

Guadalajara ranks 3rd on the Crime rankings in Mexico. The crime ranking by city for Mexico 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. Tijuana

Mexico

2. Mexico City

Mexico

3. Guadalajara

Mexico

4. Puebla

Mexico

5. Cancun

Mexico

6. San Miguel de Allende

Mexico

7. Monterrey

Mexico

8. Queretaro (Santiago de Querétaro)

Mexico

9. Puerto Vallarta

Mexico

10. Merida

Mexico

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Guadalajara grapples with moderate pollution challenges, where urban development and traffic contribute significantly to air quality issues. Particulate matter levels reflect a concerning picture, with implications for the health and comfort of its citizens.

Despite some progress, air pollution remains a vital public concern due to the potential health impacts of prolonged exposure to current PM2.5 and PM10 levels.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - The PM2.5 levels in Guadalajara are well above ideal standards, posing health risks particularly to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with existing health conditions.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - With PM10 levels also elevated, they contribute significantly to the pollution index, reflecting recurring challenges with air quality that necessitate ongoing intervention and monitoring.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Issues of waste management and noise pollution compound environmental concerns in Guadalajara. While garbage disposal shows some improvement, more work is needed to meet resident satisfaction across all neighborhoods.

Noise pollution, while not the most severe issue, affects urban life, with traffic and city activities contributing to the overall environmental strain.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - Guadalajara has made strides in waste management; however, the satisfaction levels are not uniform across the city, indicating the need for comprehensive strategies to address these disparities.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Noise pollution is a persistent challenge, particularly affecting heavily populated and trafficked areas, requiring efforts to manage urban noise more effectively.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

Guadalajara's green spaces provide much-needed leisure and environmental benefits, yet their quality does not fully meet the residents' expectations.

Water quality is another critical factor with mixed perceptions, as some areas exhibit challenges related to pollution, impacting their usability and safety.

• Green and Parks Quality - The quality of green areas and parks in Guadalajara needs improvement to enhance urban life and environmental health, serving as recourses for recreational and ecological functions.
• Drinking Water Quality - Water quality accessibility in Guadalajara shows room for advancement, with residents indicating a moderate level of satisfaction but calling for sustained efforts to ensure safe, accessible drinking water city-wide.

Pollution Rankings

Guadalajara ranks 3rd on the Pollution rankings in Mexico. The pollution ranking for Mexico 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.

1. Mexico City

Mexico

2. Monterrey

Mexico

3. Guadalajara

Mexico

4. Puerto Vallarta

Mexico

5. Merida

Mexico