Puerto Vallarta, once renowned for its laid-back atmosphere and reputation as a safe tourist destination, has seen a significant rise in the perception of insecurity among its residents in 2024. According to data from the National Urban Public Security Survey (ENSU), conducted by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi), the number of residents feeling unsafe increased by 11.1 percentage points compared to 2023.
The survey, which measures the perception of public safety across 91 cities in Mexico, revealed that 30.5% of Puerto Vallarta residents felt insecure in 2024, compared to just 19.4% the previous year. This marks a substantial shift in sentiment and places the city among those with the highest year-on-year increases in perceived insecurity nationwide.
National Trends Reflect Rising Concerns
The findings for Puerto Vallarta mirror a broader national trend. At the national level, the perception of insecurity among Mexicans aged 18 and older rose to 61.7% in December 2024, an increase of 3.1 percentage points from September 2024 and 2.6 points compared to December 2023. Women reported a higher perception of insecurity at 67.8%, compared to 54.4% of men.
Notably, Puerto Vallarta is not alone in experiencing a significant increase in perceived insecurity. The coastal city of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, saw a 27.7 percentage-point jump in insecurity, rising from 40% in 2023 to 67.7% in 2024. Other cities with significant increases included Culiacán, Sinaloa, and Villahermosa, Tabasco, which experienced year-on-year increases of 47.1 and 25.8 percentage points, respectively.
Specific Concerns in Puerto Vallarta
While Puerto Vallarta’s increase in perceived insecurity is lower than some of the cities with the sharpest rises, the trend is still notable given the city’s historical reputation as a relatively safe place. Residents cite concerns over street crime, public corruption, and the presence of organized criminal activity as contributors to the growing unease.
“In December 2024, 68.9% of the population nationally reported feeling unsafe at ATMs on public roads, 63.0% on public transportation, and 53.6% at banks,” according to Inegi. These concerns likely resonate with Puerto Vallarta residents, many of whom have voiced similar worries about public spaces and financial transactions.
The increase in perceived insecurity also comes at a time when Puerto Vallarta continues to experience rapid urban development and population growth. Some residents have attributed these changes to a decline in the city’s charm and safety, citing increased commercial activity and overcrowding as potential factors.
Corruption Among Public Security Authorities
Nationally, concerns about corruption within public security forces have also grown. During the second half of 2024, 14.0% of Mexicans over the age of 18 had contact with public security authorities, and of these, 47.2% reported experiencing at least one act of corruption. This represents the highest percentage since 2020 and an increase compared to prior years.
For Puerto Vallarta, which relies heavily on tourism, the perception of corruption among authorities could further erode public trust and contribute to the rising feeling of insecurity among residents and visitors alike.
The rising perception of insecurity in Puerto Vallarta presents challenges for local authorities, businesses, and residents who have long touted the city as a haven for both locals and tourists. Addressing these concerns will require collaborative efforts to improve public safety, reduce corruption, and restore confidence in the city’s ability to provide a safe environment for all.
With public perception playing a crucial role in shaping Puerto Vallarta’s reputation, officials must take proactive measures to address the root causes of these concerns to ensure the city remains a desirable destination and a safe place to live.
Puerto Vallarta, once renowned for its laid-back atmosphere and reputation as a safe tourist destination, has seen a significant rise in the perception of insecurity among its residents in 2024. According to data from the National Urban Public Security Survey (ENSU), conducted by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi), the number of residents feeling unsafe increased by 11.1 percentage points compared to 2023.
