The Mexico Peace Index (MPI) 2025 provides a detailed analysis of the country’s peace levels, ranking states based on a range of factors, including violent crime, homicide rates, and organised crime.
Querétaro, a rapidly developing state in central Mexico, ranks tenth in the MPI, with a homicide rate of 8.4 per 100,000 people in 2024. Known for its strong industrial base, which includes a growing automotive sector, Querétaro has seen substantial economic growth, which has helped reduce the appeal of organised crime. The state’s government has implemented a range of measures aimed at promoting social cohesion and public safety, including initiatives to improve education and employment opportunities.
Querétaro’s peaceful environment is also a result of its effective law enforcement and community engagement efforts. The state’s police force is known for its transparency and close collaboration with local communities, helping to build trust and deter criminal activity.
Tamaulipas, located in north-eastern Mexico, has experienced a remarkable recovery in recent years. Once one of the most violent states in the country, Tamaulipas has made significant strides in improving its peace score. In 2024, the state’s homicide rate was 7.3 per 100,000 people, a marked improvement from previous years. The state’s success in reducing violence can be attributed to improved security measures, increased federal intervention, and a concerted effort to dismantle drug cartels.
Tamaulipas’ economic recovery, driven by its manufacturing and oil industries, has also played a role in restoring stability. The state’s government continues to focus on rebuilding trust with local communities and improving the quality of life for its residents.
Hidalgo, located in central Mexico, is a state that has managed to maintain peace amidst the broader challenges facing the country. With a homicide rate of 6.8 per 100,000 people in 2024, Hidalgo ranks eighth in the MPI. The state’s relative peace can be attributed to a strong sense of community and a government that has prioritised security and social programmes aimed at reducing violence.
The state’s economy is based on a mix of agriculture, industry, and tourism, all of which contribute to its stability. Hidalgo’s focus on improving its law enforcement capacity and investing in public infrastructure has also helped reduce the impact of organised crime.
Campeche, a small state located on Mexico’s Gulf Coast, ranks seventh in the MPI, with a homicide rate of 6.2 per 100,000 people in 2024. Known for its colonial architecture and thriving oil industry, Campeche benefits from both economic stability and strong local governance. While the state has faced some challenges related to organised crime, its relatively small size and geographical location have helped limit the extent of violence.
Campeche’s peace is also reinforced by its focus on social welfare programmes, particularly those targeting at-risk youth. The state’s government has invested heavily in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, which has contributed to reducing social inequalities and preventing the spread of violence.
Coahuila, located in northern Mexico, is often viewed as a safe haven amid the violent chaos that plagues other border states. With a homicide rate of 6.1 per 100,000 people in 2024, Coahuila is the sixth most peaceful state in Mexico. The state’s relatively low levels of violence can be attributed to its highly developed industrial economy, which has provided ample employment opportunities, reducing the need for involvement in criminal activities.
Coahuila’s proximity to the United States has also contributed to its relative peace. Strong cross-border cooperation between Mexico and the US has enabled both countries to combat drug trafficking and organised crime effectively. The state’s government continues to prioritise public safety and social development, ensuring that its residents enjoy a high standard of living.
Download the Mexico Peace Index 2025 report.
Located along Mexico’s Pacific coast, Nayarit is a state renowned for its picturesque beaches and vibrant tourism industry. The region’s peacefulness is evident in its MPI ranking, with a homicide rate of just 5.1 per 100,000 people in 2024. While Nayarit has faced some challenges related to organised crime, its low population density and strong community-based law enforcement have kept violence at manageable levels.
In addition to its peaceful environment, Nayarit’s economy is diversified, with agriculture, tourism, and fisheries all contributing to the state’s stability. The government’s focus on sustainable development and public safety has fostered a sense of security that attracts both local residents and international visitors.
Chiapas, located in the southernmost part of Mexico, is known for its cultural diversity and natural beauty, drawing tourists and scholars alike. Despite its proximity to areas of conflict, Chiapas remains one of Mexico’s most peaceful states. In 2024, the state had a homicide rate of 4.7 per 100,000 people, well below the national average.
Chiapas benefits from a combination of historical and geographical factors. The state is home to numerous indigenous communities that have preserved their traditions of conflict resolution. Additionally, Chiapas has been largely insulated from the drug trafficking trade that fuels violence in other parts of Mexico, largely due to its relative isolation and less lucrative market for cartels. The state government’s investment in education and healthcare has also played a role in maintaining social peace.
Durango, located in north-western Mexico, is another state that has consistently ranked highly for peace. In 2024, it was ranked third in the MPI, with a homicide rate of 4.1 per 100,000 people. This represents a significant achievement for a state that, in previous years, struggled with the violence associated with drug cartels. Durango’s relative calm is the result of targeted efforts by local authorities to dismantle criminal networks and reduce the influence of organised crime.
Moreover, the state’s tourism and agriculture sectors have provided an economic cushion, helping to divert attention away from illegal activities. Durango’s proactive community engagement, along with strong institutional support for law enforcement, has fostered a sense of security among residents.
Tlaxcala, a small central Mexican state, has also consistently ranked among the most peaceful states in the country. Despite its proximity to the more volatile regions of Puebla and Mexico City, Tlaxcala has managed to maintain relatively low levels of violent crime. In 2024, it ranked second in terms of peacefulness, with a homicide rate of just 1.7 per 100,000 people.
Tlaxcala’s peaceful environment can be attributed to a combination of factors, including its smaller population size and efficient local government. The state has effectively kept organised crime at bay by focusing on proactive policing and investing in social development. Additionally, Tlaxcala’s strong agricultural sector provides a stable economic base, reducing the likelihood of the region being drawn into the drug trade.
For the eighth consecutive year, Yucatán has been recognised as the most peaceful state in Mexico. This peninsula region, known for its historical significance, thriving tourism industry, and rich cultural heritage, boasts a homicide rate far below the national average. In 2024, Yucatán’s homicide rate was just 2.2 per 100,000 people, more than 10 times lower than the national average. Factors contributing to Yucatán’s peace include strong governance, a stable economy, and a vibrant social fabric that prioritises community welfare.
The state’s commitment to public safety is further bolstered by its local police force, which has developed strong relationships with the community, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. Additionally, Yucatán’s government has invested in social programmes aimed at preventing violence and creating opportunities for youth, which has contributed to low levels of criminal activity.
Identifying and measuring the factors that drive peace.
Identificación y medición de los factores que impulsan la paz
