Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco – According to the latest National Urban Public Security Survey (ENSU) conducted by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) for the last quarter of 2024, only one in four Puerto Vallarta residents believes in the effectiveness of their city government in addressing key issues. The report underscores growing public dissatisfaction with local governance in the popular tourist destination.
Below National Average Confidence Levels
The ENSU survey reveals that, nationwide, 32.6% of Mexicans aged 18 and over believe their city government is very or somewhat effective in solving pressing problems. However, Puerto Vallarta falls below this average, with only 24.4% of residents expressing confidence in their local government’s effectiveness.
The survey highlights urban areas with both the highest and lowest levels of perceived government effectiveness. San Pedro Garza García led the rankings at 67.2%, followed by Ciudad del Carmen (63.1%) and Nuevo Laredo (60.7%). Conversely, Ecatepec de Morelos ranked the lowest, with just 6.4%, followed by Los Cabos (13.9%) and Coatzacoalcos (15.0%).
In comparison, municipalities within the Guadalajara metropolitan area also showed low levels of confidence. Tlaquepaque reported 22.4%, Guadalajara 23.6%, Tonalá 27.9%, Tlajomulco 29.8%, and Zapopan 37.9%, the latter being the only municipality to surpass the national average.
Major Concerns Nationwide
The survey identified the most pressing urban problems across the country. Potholes in streets and avenues topped the list, with 84.5% of respondents highlighting it as a significant issue. Faults and leaks in water supply systems were cited by 63.0% of respondents, while insufficient public lighting was a concern for 60.6%.
In Puerto Vallarta, these issues resonate strongly, as locals frequently cite infrastructure challenges and inadequate public services as ongoing problems in the city.
Corruption and Public Security
The survey also examined perceptions of corruption among public security authorities. Nationally, 14.0% of the population reported contact with a public security authority between July and December 2024. Of those, 47.2% experienced at least one act of corruption.
In Puerto Vallarta, the percentage was slightly lower, at 24.8%. However, corruption rates were significantly higher in Guadalajara and its surrounding municipalities: Guadalajara (39.6%), Tlajomulco (47.2%), Tlaquepaque (48.7%), Tonalá (53.7%), and Zapopan (53.8%).
Household Victimization
The survey further revealed data on household victimization during the second half of 2024. Nationally, 11.4% of households reported that at least one member had been a victim of extortion, 10.0% reported incidents of fraud, 8.7% reported robbery or assault on the street or public transport, and 8.5% experienced partial vehicle theft.
In Puerto Vallarta, 17.8% of households reported being affected by these crimes, a figure below the levels recorded in municipalities around Guadalajara: Tlajomulco (27.7%), Guadalajara (27.8%), Tonalá (31.9%), Tlaquepaque (32.8%), and Zapopan (40.6%).
National and Local Crime Hotspots
Coyoacán in Mexico City topped the list of urban areas most affected by robbery, extortion, and fraud, with 44.1% of households reporting at least one incident. Naucalpan de Juárez (44.0%) and Ecatepec de Morelos (43.9%) followed closely.
In contrast, cities like Ciudad Obregón (10.0%), Reynosa (12.0%), and Saltillo (14.1%) reported the lowest prevalence of these crimes.
The ENSU survey paints a concerning picture for Puerto Vallarta, where confidence in the city government’s ability to address critical issues remains below the national average. While the city performs slightly better in some areas, such as corruption rates, it lags in others, including household victimization and infrastructure problems.
As Puerto Vallarta continues to grow and attract tourists and expatriates, addressing these systemic issues will be crucial for the city government to restore public trust and improve the quality of life for its residents.
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco – According to the latest National Urban Public Security Survey (ENSU) conducted by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) for the last quarter of 2024, only one in four Puerto Vallarta residents believes in the effectiveness of their city government in addressing key issues. The report underscores growing public dissatisfaction with local governance in the popular tourist destination.
