THE Peace index in Mexico 2025 (MPI) uses a range of indicators, including homicide rates, organized crime, violent crimes, firearm crimes and fear of violence in the 32 states of Mexico to help determine the overall peace score of each state, reflecting both the current state of security and trends over time.
Here are the 10 least peaceful states of Mexico:
10. SINALOA: The heart of the cartel war
Sinaloa is home to one of the most powerful cartels in the world, the Sinaloa cartel, and continues to fight violence. In 2024, the state recorded a homicide rate of 28.9 per 100,000 people. Despite his association with the notorious cartel, Sinaloa also faces violence due to internal power struggles within the organization, as well as conflicts with rival cartels.
Sinaloa’s central role in drug trade has targeted it for the application of national and international laws. The involvement of the cartel in the production and trafficking of narcotics, in particular methamphetamine and fentanyl, exacerbated the violent environment of the state. While Sinaloa has historically been considered the cradle of drug trade in Mexico, its residents continue to undergo the consequences of the cartel’s violence.
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Zacatecas
With a homicide rate of 29.7 per 100,000 people in 2024, Zacatecas ranked among the Less peaceful states of Mexico. Located in the North Center in Mexico, Zacatecas has faced increasing violence in recent years. The geographic location of the State, at the crossroads of several main drug trafficking routes, has made it a focal point for the activity of the cartel.
Zacatecas was particularly affected by inter-carmeter violence, the rival groups fighting for the control of the strategic position of the State. The current conflict has caused general insecurity, affecting both urban and rural areas. Despite efforts to improve security, Zacatecas remains one of the most violent states in Mexico.
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Nuevo León: a state to the epicenter of cartel’s violence
Nuevo León is the third largest city in Mexico. The state of the North which includes the city of Monterrey has become a hotspot for organized crime and the violence of the cartel. In 2024, the state recorded a homicide rate of 34.2 per 100,000 people. The importance of Nuevo León as an economic and industrial center has made a target for cartels seeking to take advantage of its flourishing commercial activities.
Violence in Nuevo León is largely motivated by conflicts between rival cartels, in particular the CJNG and the Gulf cartel. These groups engage in bloody wars of lawn on the control of trafficking tracks and local extortion rackets. Despite the economic importance of the state, violence has disrupted daily life and made Nuevo León one of the least peaceful regions of Mexico.
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Warrero
South state known for its mountainous terrains and dynamic communities, Guerrero has long been in the grip of violence. In 2024, Guerrero’s homicide rate was 37.5 per 100,000 people, driven by cartel wars, extortion and removal. The state was a battlefield for cartel operations, with groups competing for the control of lucrative drug production areas, in particular the culture of poppy with opium.
Guerrero’s political instability, associated with a lack of investment in security and social programs, has contributed to its continuous difficulties with violence. Organized crime and corruption have eroded the social fabric of the state, many citizens living in the constant fear of criminal groups. Guerrero remains one of the most violent states in Mexico, with little immediate peace prospects.
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Veracruz
Veracruz, a coastal state of the Gulf of Mexico in Mexico, faced high levels of violence and insecurity. In 2024, the State recorded a homicide rate of 38.1 per 100,000 people, a large part of the violence attributed to organized crime and the involvement of cartels in the state trade. The location of Veracruz along the main transport routes makes it a strategic point for traffic, which attracted the attention of criminal groups seeking to control the flow of drugs.
Corruption within local law organizations has further hampered efforts to combat crime in Veracruz. The challenges of state governance, associated with high levels of violence, have created an environment where organized crime can prosper. Despite the federal intervention, Veracruz continues to face a difficult battle in his efforts to restore peace.
