Crime map puerto rico: Puerto Rico Crime Rate & Statistics 1990-2022

Puerto Rico Crime Rate & Statistics 1990-2022





Intentional homicides are estimates of unlawful homicides purposely inflicted as a result of domestic disputes, interpersonal violence, violent conflicts over land resources, intergang violence over turf or control, and predatory violence and killing by armed groups. Intentional homicide does not include all intentional killing; the difference is usually in the organization of the killing. Individuals or small groups usually commit homicide, whereas killing in armed conflict is usually committed by fairly cohesive groups of up to several hundred members and is thus usually excluded.

  • Puerto Rico crime rate & statistics for 2020 was 18.49, a 10.49% decline from 2019.
  • Puerto Rico crime rate & statistics for 2019 was 20.66, a 2.04% decline from 2018.
  • Puerto Rico crime rate & statistics for 2018 was 21. 09, a 8.48% decline from 2017.
  • Puerto Rico crime rate & statistics for 2017 was 23.04, a 13.04% increase from 2014.



Data Source: World Bank

MLA Citation:





















































Similar Country Ranking
Country NamePer 100K Population
St. Kitts and Nevis18.80
Bahamas18.56
Puerto Rico18.49
Barbados14.27
Panama11.59
Uruguay9.70
Antigua and Barbuda9.19
United States6. 52
Argentina5.35
Chile4.84
Latvia3.71
Lithuania3.71
Estonia3.17
Liechtenstein2.62
Andorra2.59
Canada1.97
Finland1.64
Malta1.59
Iceland1.47
France1.35
Cyprus1.24
Sweden1.23
Slovak Republic1.15
Croatia0.97
Denmark0. 95
Germany0.93
Portugal0.91
Australia0.87
Hungary0.83
Greece0.75
Austria0.72
Czech Republic0.72
Poland0.70
Ireland0.69
Spain0.64
Netherlands0.62
South Korea0.60
Norway0.57
Switzerland0.54
Slovenia0.53
Italy0.47
Qatar0. 42
Macao0.31
Hong Kong0.29
Oman0.27
Japan0.25
Singapore0.17
Luxembourg0.16


































Puerto Rico Crime Rate & Statistics – Historical Data
YearPer 100K PopulationAnnual % Change
202018.49-10.49%
201920.66-2.04%
201821.09-8.48%
201723.0413.04%
201420. 38-22.70%
201326.37-8.12%
201228.70-13.34%
201133.1215.11%
201028.778.24%
200926.589.73%
200824.2213.18%
200721.40-0.95%
200621.61-4.88%
200522.72-1.86%
200423.153.39%
200322.390.05%
200222. 382.41%
200121.859.22%
200020.0123.47%
199916.20-9.45%
199817.89-10.48%
199719.99-17.18%
199624.14-0.33%
199524.22-13.92%
199428.133.31%
199327.239.33%
199224.914.72%
199123.7834.90%
199017. 6334.90%

Is San Juan Safe for Travel? (Honest Local Advice for 2022)

San Juan is Puerto Rico’s capital city and the first destination many people venture to on the island, but the question on everyone’s mind is: is San Juan safe?

Despite some alarming crime rates you might find online, San Juan is one of the safest cities in Puerto Rico for tourists. Neighborhoods like Condado are no different than Miami, and Old San Juan has a very safe nightlife. 

I’ve been to San Juan countless times at different hours and I’ve never had a negative experience. Of course, there are some tips you should know before you go. As a local, I’ve put together the best advice and information for staying safe in San Juan.

Table of Contents

  • Is San Juan Safe?
  • Things to Know About Safety in San Juan
    • San Juan Travel Advisories 
    • Safe Neighborhoods and Areas in San Juan
    • Covid-19 Safety in San Juan
    • Crime in San Juan
    • Common Scams in San Juan
    • Hazardous Weather and Natural Disasters
    • Female Travel Safety
    • Drinking-Water Safety
  • 5 Safety Tips for San Juan
    • Tip #1 – Stay Out of La Perla
    • Tip #2 – Lock Your Car
    • Tip #3 – Don’t Swim with High Tides
    • Tip #4 – Don’t Leave Your Things Unattended
    • Tip #5 – Walk in Groups
  • FAQs About Safety in San Juan
    • Is San Juan unsafe?
    • What parts of San Juan should be avoided? 
    • How safe is San Juan right now?
    • Can I drink the water in San Juan, Puerto Rico?

Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. Thank you!

Is San Juan Safe?

San Juan is generally a safe destination for tourists. While the crime rate is higher than in some other Puerto Rico cities, violent crime rarely affects visitors. If anything, travelers should take precautions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, petty crime, and the potentially hazardous weather that can occur during hurricane season. 

San Juan is the safest city for tourists in Puerto Rico. Although there are some dangerous areas, it features extensive public transportation, some of the best attractions in Puerto Rico, and beautiful beaches. Taking common precautions should be enough to stay safe.

Me exploring San Juan

The drug crime rates are high, but they don’t affect travelers. Rarely, visitors could experience petty crimes like pickpocketing and theft, but these events are mostly preventable by locking valuables away in a hotel safe.

What could be more concerning is the Puerto Rico’s hurricane season, as there is a major risk of natural disasters. But, even during this season, travel is still common as hurricanes don’t affect the island every year.

If you’re concerned about safety in San Juan, consider getting travel insurance from World Nomads for added peace of mind. Record numbers of travelers are choosing insurance these days and, with everything going on in the world, it just makes sense to travel protected.

Things to Know About Safety in San Juan

San Juan Travel Advisories 

Protest in front of the Capitol

Even though San Juan is an overall safe place to visit, the Canadian and United Kingdom governments have issued a Puerto Rico travel advisory due to the presence of COVID-19. The CDC categorizes the United States as a high-risk country as of early 2022. 

Although there is also a travel advisory for terrorism in the United States, the risk for terrorism in San Juan is low. Since San Juan is the capital city and the center of politics, demonstrations and protests of different kinds are common, but they’re harmless for tourists.

Petty theft is common in San Juan as in any other capital city in the world, and travelers need to take precautions against it.

Safe Neighborhoods and Areas in San Juan

Old San Juan and Condado are the top tourist-friendly neighborhoods in San Juan. You’ll find dozens of hotels, stores, and restaurants, and lots of police presence. These are also the areas with the best and safest nightlife.

Ocean Park, Hato Rey, and Miramar are also safe neighborhoods during the day. In Santurce, you’ll find great museums, bars, and pubs, but you should take some extra safety measures, especially during the night.

👉 Need a safe place to stay? Check my guide to the best neighborhoods to stay in San Juan!

Covid-19 Safety in San Juan

Since San Juan is the largest city in terms of population, COVID-19 infections are common. As of the beginning of 2022, 90% of the population has at least one dose of the vaccine and the government continues its efforts to fight the pandemic.

The public health situation changes rapidly in San Juan, and the situation may have changed by the time you read this. The below widget from CovidActNow pulls data daily and gives an overview of the current covid-19 situation in San Juan:

You may encounter covid-related restrictions in San Juan. As of early 2022, masks are mandatory indoors, on public transportation, and outdoors for everyone two years and older whenever social distancing isn’t possible. Restaurants, concert halls, theaters, and some bars will ask you for vaccination proof or a negative PCR test less than 72 hours old. 

Visitors arriving at San Juan on a cruise will need to be fully vaccinated or present a negative PCR test to disembark in the city. Follow the Health Department of Puerto Rico and CDC to keep up to date with the changing situation.

📚 Bookmark for Later: Is Puerto Rico Safe for Travelers?

Crime in San Juan

While violent crime is present in San Juan, it is mostly related to drug and gang activity and rarely affects travelers. Tourists should be more aware of petty crimes like pickpocketing and robbery and take precautions against them like locking their cars, not walking around deserted streets at night, and not leaving their belongings unattended.

If you are concerned about pickpockets, consider bringing an anti-theft bag and also getting good travel insurance for your trip (Travel Lemming loves World Nomads, but do your own research).

Common Scams in San Juan

Since San Juan is such a tourist city, scams do happen. Here are some common ones tourists should watch out for:

🚕 Taxi scam – Common taxi scams include drivers taking longer routes, not turning the meter on, or claiming they don’t have any change for a higher-value bill. Always ask your driver to turn the meter on to avoid paying higher rates.

🚗 Rental car scams – If you’re renting a car in San Juan, watch out for companies with inflated deposits or hidden fees. Sometimes they’ll try to get you to pay for details like sand inside the car or wet seats.

🗺️ False guides – “False guides” usually take you to shops where you’ll have to pay an inflated price and your “guide” will get a commission without your knowledge. Always use a trusted company or website to book your tours.

Hazardous Weather and Natural Disasters

Due to its location and tropical climate, Puerto Rico is prone to natural disasters and hazardous weather during certain seasons of the year. Consult our guide on the best seasons to visit Puerto Rico, and keep the following in mind: 

⛈️ Hurricanes – Puerto Rico experiences a hurricane season from late June to November. Hurricanes are most likely to affect the island during this period but aren’t guaranteed. The last hurricane to affect Puerto Rico directly was in 2017. 

🌊 Rip tides and swimming conditions – Depending on the season, beaches in San Juan might have strong tides and rip currents. Always check the local weather before swimming in Puerto Rico.

👉 Traveling during the hurricane season? Traveling during hurricane season involves the risk of canceling your trip last minute. Protecting your trip with World Nomads could help you recoup costs for tickets, tours, and hotels.

Female Travel Safety

San Juan is, in most aspects, safe for female travelers, but women traveling alone could expect some catcalling on the streets. It won’t usually escalate beyond that, so just keep walking and ignore anyone saying something. If you’re drinking outside, keep an eye on your drinks to avoid anyone spiking them, and don’t leave bars with strangers if you’re not in your best senses.

For more tips, see Sky’s guide to safe solo travel for women.

Drinking-Water Safety

Water in San Juan is safe for drinking. It is processed by Autoridad de Acueductos y Alcantarillados, a government company that controls the water supply and sanitizes it as per the standards of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Travelers that are still worried can carry the Grayl water bottle, which features a quick and easy-to-use water filtration system that makes it safe to drink in seconds.

5 Safety Tips for San Juan

Tip #1 – Stay Out of La Perla

While many visitors venture into La Perla, it’s not the safest neighborhood in San Juan for travelers. Many travelers feel uncomfortable in the area so it’s best practice to just stay away. If you still want to visit, get a local guide and visit only during daylight hours.

Tip #2 – Lock Your Car

Cars are the main targets of thieves in San Juan. Never leave valuables in your car, park in well-lit areas whenever possible, and always lock your doors. Thieves will often break the windows if they see something valuable inside.

Read my guides to driving in Puerto Rico and renting cars in Puerto Rico if you’re planning to drive on the island.

Tip #3 – Don’t Swim with High Tides

While San Juan is home to some of the best beaches on the island of Puerto Rico, they have strong tides during the fall and winter seasons. Use common sense when visiting the beaches and stay out of the water if the tide is strong. 

Tip #4 – Don’t Leave Your Things Unattended

The crimes that affect most tourists are theft and pickpocketing. Never leave your belongings unattended at restaurants and beaches, and don’t get distracted when someone is talking to you. Use your hotel safe to secure important documents and valuables. 

📚 Continue Reading: Where to Stay in San Juan

Tip #5 – Walk in Groups

If you’re planning on partying at night, go out with company. Most crimes and theft happen at night, but large groups are always a dissuasive factor for criminals. 

FAQs About Safety in San Juan

Is San Juan unsafe?

San Juan is a safe city for tourists. Old San Juan and Condado are safe even late at night and they have a strong police presence and a lively ambiance.

What parts of San Juan should be avoided? 

Travelers should avoid walking around the streets of Santurce and La Perla late at night if there isn’t a special activity like a concert.

How safe is San Juan right now?

San Juan is one of the safest cities in Puerto Rico for tourists. Visitors should always take common safety precautions against COVID-19, petty crimes, and occasional hazardous weather.

Can I drink the water in San Juan, Puerto Rico?

Travelers can safely drink tap water in San Juan. Water in San Juan is potable and follows the Environmental Protection Agency’s standards for safe drinking water.

***

Don’t let your concerns keep you away from San Juan! It’s such an amazing city to explore with lots of things to do and beautiful beaches for your Caribbean vacation.

If you’re adventuring around Puerto Rico, read my guide to staying safe in Puerto Rico during your trip.

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Puerto Rico Travel Tips | Preparation

1. Most Puerto Ricans are Catholics, there are many beautiful Catholic churches and temples in the country. However, it should be remembered that churches are primarily places of worship, not attractions for tourists. Here it is necessary to cover the shoulders, men must be in trousers, women in skirts that cover their knees. You should not make noise, take flash photos and distract the believers. This is considered unforgivable rudeness.

2. In public places, you should not take out your phone, and it is better not to wear jewelry and expensive clothes at all. Due to endemic poverty, Puerto Rico’s crime rate is high and there is a risk of attracting the attention of would-be robbers. It is better to try to blend in with the crowd, it is important to avoid places where there are a handful of tourists – scammers hunt there. For the same reason, you should not go out after dark, get into cars with strangers and go to deserted places.

3. Men often whistle or shout obscene language at the women they like. It would be wise for tourists to take an example from Puerto Ricans and just ignore it. In most cases, such a display of attention is simply an expression of admiration, harassment and persecution does not follow. An aggressive reaction can provoke retaliatory aggression.

Our island has a tropical climate. Average temperatures range from +21°C in January to +31°C in August. The length of our …
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4. Although the crime rate in Puerto Rico is high, don’t be afraid to talk to strangers. During the day in crowded places, the danger of becoming a victim of a crime is minimal, you can independently start conversations with local residents, who are mostly open to communication and friendly.

5. Some restaurants and shops close earlier or open later than the stated time, and this must be borne in mind. Many establishments target loyal customers and may close early, open later, or take a break if there are no familiar faces on the horizon. In this case, you can simply look for another store or restaurant.

6. Do not be surprised if the bus does not arrive at the scheduled time. If there is nowhere to hurry, it is better to wait for the bus than to order a taxi – the prices of this service are very high. Car rental is also expensive, but in some cases it is cheaper to rent a car than to pay taxi drivers.

7. Discussions of Puerto Rican and US politics are best avoided. If the interlocutors themselves start a conversation on this topic, it is worth keeping a neutral position. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

8. The topic of homosexuality in Puerto Rico is considered taboo, although many Puerto Ricans, especially young ones, are very tolerant. It is better not to start a conversation about this on your own, and if the interlocutor raises the topic, you should indicate your position on this issue without unnecessary emotions – Puerto Ricans appreciate honesty.

9. The magnificent Caribbean forest beckons with its exoticism and beauty. However, you should not risk going into the forest alone or in the company of other tourists. Your best bet is to find a local who knows the forest or hire a guide. More than one tourist got lost in the huge forest, and, unfortunately, in some cases, the case ended in the death of travelers.

10. There are a lot of insects in hot Puerto Rico. To prevent a nasty illness like dengue fever from spoiling your holiday experience, it is very important to use an insect repellent.

11. In cities, traffic jams can become a waste of time, so travelers who want to explore the city are better off just walking.

The economic development of our country has been difficult since the beginning of the Spanish colonization. The indigenous people of the Taino were engaged in hunting, fishing and …
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12. Before traveling to Puerto Rico, it is worth learning a few basic phrases in English. Although the island has two official languages, Spanish and English, in big cities you can get by with English, and when planning to visit smaller cities and the countryside, it is better to learn Spanish – there is a high probability that English will not be understood there.

13. Shorts and flip-flops – things exclusively for relaxing on the beach. In people walking around the city and even entering restaurants in this form, they immediately recognize tourists. You should dress appropriately for the occasion.

14. Many Puerto Ricans carry firearms with them, and some may shoot in the air for fun, so when you hear shots, it’s best to get away quickly – accidental injuries are not uncommon here.

15. The Viejo San Juan metropolitan area and the historic city of La Perla may look like great vacation spots, but it’s best not to linger in them. The drug mafia trades here, the crime rate is very high, so wandering around the neighborhood alone, especially after sunset, is extremely risky.

This collection of travel tips for Puerto Rico is protected by the copyright law. Its use is encouraged, but only if the source is indicated with a direct link to www.orangesmile.com.

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Ranking of countries by crime rate

Home > Directory > Lists and ratings > Countries > Ranking of countries by crime rate

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The world’s largest database of cities and countries Numbeo published statistics on the level of life danger in different countries of the world ( Crime Index for Country ). Experts assessed how dangerous or safe it is to be in the territory of the countries listed below; such types of crimes as intentional murders, robberies, violence and others were included in the statistics. At the same time, the main source of information for the assessment was the feedback from residents of these countries and tourists who visited them. Numbeo will clarify that a crime index below 20 indicates extremely rare cases of street crime in the country, an index from 20 to 40 is a low crime rate, from 40 to 60 is moderate, from 60 to 80 is high, and from 80 to 100 is the maximum. the likelihood of becoming a victim of a crime.

It is important to understand that current crime rates are based on people’s feedback and are often in conflict with government statistics in these countries. And all because in many countries where crime is high, crimes are simply not recorded by law enforcement agencies and, accordingly, without being included in the statistics, they do not reflect the real picture of the situation in the country. The last time the ranking of countries in the world by crime rate was updated in the middle of 2021 .

See also: list of countries by number of intentional homicides, world’s safest city

  • 2021
  • Map
No. Country Crime index Security index
1 Venezuela 83.76 16.24
2 Papua New Guinea 80.79 19.21
3 South Africa 76.86 23.14
4 Afghanistan 76.31 23.69
5 Honduras 74.54 25.46
6 Trinidad and Tobago 71.63 28.37
7 Guyana 68.74 31.26
8 El Salvador 67. 79 32.21
9 Brazil 67.49 32.51
10 Jamaica 67.42 32.58
11 Syria 67.18 32.82
12 Peru 66.72 33.28
13 Angola 66.48 33.52
14 Cameroon 65.24 34.76
15 Namibia 65.21 34.79
16 Nigeria 64.06 35.94
17 Bangladesh 63.9 36.1
18 Argentina 63.82 36.18
19 Puerto Rico 62.84 37.16
20 Bahamas 62.06 37.94
21 Libya 61. 78 38.22
22 Dominican Republic 61.02 38.98
23 Kenya 60.14 39.86
24 Belarus 59.58 40.42
25 Zimbabwe 59.3 40.7
26 Guatemala 58.67 41.33
27 Bolivia 57.77 42.23
28 Fiji 57.62 42.38
29 Malaysia 57.29 42.71
30 Kyrgyzstan 56.87 43.13
31 Columbia 56.87 43.13
32 Uganda 56.12 43.88
33 Somalia 56.04 43.96
34 Mongolia 56. 01 43.99
35 Tanzania 56 44.00
36 Maldives 55.34 44.66
37 Ecuador 55.23 44.77
38 Costa Rica 54.22 45.78
39 Mexico 54.19 45.81
40 Kazakhstan 53.77 46.23
41 Chile 53.42 46.58
42 Botswana 52.98 47.02
43 Algeria 52.03 47.97
44 France 51.99 48.01
45 Uruguay 51.73 48.27
46 Cambodia 51.13 48.87
47 Belize 50. 39 49.61
48 Iran 49.38 50.62
49 Paraguay 49.37 50.63
50 Ethiopia 49.3 50.7
51 Mauritius 48.88 51.12
52 Morocco 48.66 51.34
53 Iraq 48.42 51.58
54 Sweden 48.00 52
55 Nicaragua 47.89 52.11
56 USA 47.81 52.19
57 Ukraine 47.42 52.58
58 Ghana 46.98 53.02
59 Egypt 46.83 53.17
60 Lebanon 46. 77 53.23
61 Myanmar 46.51 53.49
62 Moldova 46.35 53.65
63 Vietnam 46.19 53.81
64 UK 46.07 53.93
65 Indonesia 45.93 54.07
66 Greece 45.85 54.15
67 Ireland 45.51 54.49
68 Panama 45.15 54.85
69 Italy 44.85 55.15
70 Belgium 44.58 55.42
71 India 44.43 55.57
72 Palestine 43.74 56.26
73 Tunisia 43. 69 56.31
74 Zambia 43.62 56.38
75 Australia 43.03 56.97
76 Bosnia and Herzegovina 42.99 57.01
77 New Zealand 42.88 57.12
78 Albania 42.53 57.47
79 Pakistan 42.51 57.49
80 Philippines 42.46 57.54
81 Sudan 42.34 57.66
82 Canada 41.89 58.11
83 Sri Lanka 41.39 58.61
84 Montenegro 41.18 58.82
85 Malta 40.39 59.61
86 Russia 39. 99 60.01
87 Jordan 39.96 60.04
88 Turkey 39.62 60.38
89 Thailand 39.35 60.65
90 North Macedonia 39.12 60.88
91 Latvia 38.77 61.23
92 Bulgaria 38.21 61.79
93 Serbia 38.1 61.9
94 Kosovo 36.73 63.27
95 Nepal 36.01 63.99
96 Germany 35.79 64.21
97 Hungary 34.36 65.64
98 Luxembourg 34.13 65.87
99 Norway 33. 72 66.28
100 Kuwait 33.42 66.58
101 Uzbekistan 33.42 66.58
102 Lithuania 33.42 66.58
103 Spain 33.32 66.68
104 Azerbaijan 32.02 67.98
105 Israel 31.47 68.53
106 Cyprus 31.28 68.72
107 Poland 30.5 69.5
108 Slovakia 30.37 69.63
109 China 30.14 69.86
110 Portugal 29.91 70.09
111 Brunei 29.00 71
112 Cuba 28. 33 71.67
113 Romania 28.30 71.7
114 Singapore 27.96 72.04
115 Finland 27.59 72.41
116 Netherlands 27.16 72.84
117 South Korea 26.68 73.32
118 Denmark 26.22 73.78
119 Bahrain 25.64 74.36
120 Austria 25.54 74.46
121 Czech Republic 25.52 74.48
122 Saudi Arabia 25.23 74.77
123 Rwanda 24.89 75.11
124 Croatia 24.59 75.41
125 Iceland 23.

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