Mexico’s persistent violence problem saw a grim milestone in 2024, with an average of 91 people killed daily, according to preliminary figures from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI). A staggering 33,241 homicides were recorded during the year.
Homicide Trends and Comparison
This total represents a 3% increase from the previous year, which saw 32,252 homicides. If confirmed, this marks a shift from the recent downward trend in homicides, as they had been decreasing in preceding years.
The national homicide rate also rose from 24.9 to 25.6 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants between 2023 and 2024. This rate illustrates the proportionate relationship between violent deaths and Mexico’s total population.
Firearms and Homicide Methods
A significant portion of the violence is linked to firearm possession in Mexico, with 7 out of every 10 homicides resulting from gunshot wounds. Another 9% involved sharp or blunt objects, while 7% were strangulation, hanging, or suffocation. The remaining cases encompass other forms of assault.
Concentration of Homicides in Five States
Although violence affects everyone and every location, its impact is significantly higher in certain entities. In 2024, only five federal entities accounted for 42% of the total homicides: Guanajuato, the State of Mexico, Baja California, Chihuahua, and Jalisco.
Guanajuato and the State of Mexico were the most violent states in absolute terms, with 4,015 and 3,277 homicides, respectively. Baja California reported 2,450; Chihuahua, 2,305; and Jalisco, 1,749 homicides.
It’s crucial to note that the breakdown by state reflects incidents occurring in that location, regardless of the victims’ origins.
Alarming Homicide Rates in Colima
When examining homicide rates by incidence, some entities stand out with significantly high numbers relative to their populations.
Colima presents the most alarming case, with a homicide rate of 123 per 100,000 people. This is nearly eight times the national rate and thirty times higher than Yucatán’s lowest rate (3 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants).
Morelos, Baja California, and Guanajuato follow with rates of 77, 65, and 63 per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the average number of daily homicides in Mexico during 2024? An average of 91 people were killed each day in Mexico during 2024.
- How many homicides were recorded in 2024, and how does this compare to the previous year? There were 33,241 homicides in 2024, a 3% increase from the 32,252 homicides in 2023.
- What factors contribute to the high homicide rate in Mexico? The easy availability of firearms and their use in violent crimes significantly impact the homicide rate. Additionally, sharp or blunt objects and strangulation also account for a considerable portion of homicides.
- Which states experienced the highest concentration of homicides in 2024? Guanajuato, the State of Mexico, Baja California, Chihuahua, and Jalisco accounted for 42% of the total homicides in 2024.
- Which state has the highest homicide rate relative to its population? Colima has an alarming homicide rate of 123 per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the national average and other states.
