Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Puerto Vallarta has climbed to fourth place in perceived safety among Mexican cities, and remains the safest in the state of Jalisco, according to the latest results from the National Urban Public Security Survey (ENSU), published on April 22 by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI).
To determine the public’s perception of security in cities throughout Mexico, every year during the first two weeks of March, June, September and December, the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) conducts a National Urban Public Security Survey among the population over 18 years of age who reside in the 91 cities considered to be of interest in the national territory.
In the most recent survey, published on Tuesday, April 22, only 23.0% of Puerto Vallarta residents aged 18 and over reported feeling unsafe, a marked improvement from the 30.5% recorded in the previous quarter. This positive shift highlights the city’s commitment to ensuring a secure environment for both its residents and the thousands of visitors it welcomes every year.
Compared to other cities in Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta’s safety ratings are exceptional. In Guadalajara, 78.8% of residents reported feeling insecure, while Tlajomulco and Tlaquepaque showed similar concerns, with 71.5% and 61.0% of their populations feeling unsafe, respectively.
On a national level, Puerto Vallarta stands alongside cities like San Pedro Garza García (10.4%), Benito Juárez (20.4%), and Piedras Negras (20.5%), as the cities with the lowest levels of perceived insecurity. On the other end of the spectrum, cities like Villahermosa (90.6%), Culiacán (89.7%), and Fresnillo (89.5%) reported the highest rates of perceived insecurity, with over 89% of respondents expressing concern.
The ENSU also revealed broader trends in perceptions of insecurity across Mexico. Nationwide, 61.9% of the surveyed population aged 18 and over expressed feelings of insecurity in their respective cities. This figure represents a stable trend, showing no statistically significant change from the March 2024 (61.0%) and December 2024 (61.7%) surveys.
The March 2025 ENSU identified 18 urban areas with statistically significant shifts in perceived safety compared to December 2024, with seven cities showing a decrease in insecurity and eleven reporting an increase.
While historical data reveals variations in how safe Puerto Vallarta has been perceived over time, the current survey suggests that ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety have yielded positive results. With continued emphasis on crime prevention and community involvement, both residents and visitors are experiencing an increased sense of security.
Whether it’s a short vacation or a long-term stay, Puerto Vallarta’s appeal continues to grow – thanks not only to its scenic coastline and cultural richness but also to the safety that makes it feel like home.
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