Costa Rica murder rate on the rise: but still less than most US cities
I read a post by Scott Oliver on welovecostarica.com that made a good comparison about murder in Costa Rica. I know a lot of expats are concerned with safety when they’re living in other countries. I’ve heard the same thing from a lot of people who I’ve told about Costa Rica, most of them say the same thing “isn’t it dangerous there”. I always answer no. I feel more comfortable in the places that I’ve been to in Costa Rica than cities like Houston, Miami or even New York City. I think petty crimes exist every where and Costa Rica is no exception. I think it’s usually up to you to be aware of your surroundings, and try not to put yourself in situations that could be dangerous. However, sometimes, situations are unavoidable and as we say in the southern USA, Shit happens. As you’ll see by the charts below Costa Rica as a country, has as lower murder rate per 100,000 than most major US cities.
via welovecostarica.com (password protected)
Ronny Said,
June 7, 2007 @ 1:17 pm
I think most of the murders in the US are gang related crimes. In countries like Costa Rica or Panama,the majority of their murders are targeted murders- kidnapping and robberies.
urmom Said,
November 26, 2008 @ 7:48 am
there are no kidnappings in costa rica… maybe 10 a year TOPS
bruno Said,
August 10, 2009 @ 6:37 am
hate to say it but there is no law in costa rica,and everyday it is getting worst…with the nicas and the dominicanos/columbians/Salvadorians it is not that safe
most of the americans know nothing about the real costa rica
there are like animals /it is in there culture to be that way..there are fewer and fewer good people left the mentality is hey if i dont steal/ the nicas will get it..the worst thing the ticos did is let the columbian come here, there are smarter than most latinos when it come to crime/starting up real businesses to cover up what they are really doing/plus some morones think crime is good for the businesses like private body guards/and alarm company..i love cr but i can;t lie to my self 22 years living down here
Chris Said,
August 10, 2009 @ 8:48 am
@bruno I understand what you’re saying. And I suspect that crime has increased in CR, as a result of some immigration issues. But, crime as a whole, is still much lower there, than it is in the rest of the world. Also, just like most countries/cities, higher crime is centralized around the larger population centers. If you live in any major city here in the US, you have to be aware of your surroundings, it’s the same in San Jose.
Gregory Said,
August 25, 2009 @ 7:59 am
I think Jamaica is the most violent country in the world if you dont believe me check it out
Valeria Said,
December 18, 2009 @ 8:15 pm
Well I’m a Costa Rican living in Norway at the moment. I think the comment made by Bruno reflects the horrible xenophobia Costa Rica has towards another Latin American countries, which is of course very sad. If you read a bit more, Bruno, you’d find out that actually the rate of crimes committed by other latinos rather than Costa Ricans within the country is ridiculously low if you compare it to the general opinion. Noone has to be a genious in order to realize that the world is just fucked up and I am not defending other latin american countries (they’re all quite fucked up when it comes to violence) but what I’m saying is that it is very common to just say that violence and crimes are someone else’s fault and not ours. Costa Rica has to assume responsability for what it does.
World citizen Said,
July 10, 2010 @ 6:32 pm
Yes Bruno shame on you. Calling nationalities does not reduce crime. I doubt you are Costarrican.