Medellín 2024 Homicide Rate
11.04
per 100,000 residents
The lowest in 82 years. A 97% reduction from 1991's peak of 381.
"But is it safe?" It's the first question every American asks about Medellín. The answer—based on actual crime statistics, not 30-year-old stereotypes—might surprise you.
The Numbers Don't Lie
| City | Homicide Rate (2024) | vs. Medellín |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis | ~60-65 | 6x higher |
| Baltimore | ~55-58 | 5x higher |
| New Orleans | ~40-50 | 4x higher |
| Chicago | ~21.5 | 2x higher |
| Houston | ~14-17 | 1.4x higher |
| Medellín | 11.04 | — |
| Miami | ~11 | Same |
| Los Angeles | ~9 | Slightly lower |
| New York City | ~4-5 | Lower |
The Uncomfortable Truth
If you've visited New Orleans for Mardi Gras, Chicago for business, or Houston for a conference—without worrying about safety—you've already visited cities with higher murder rates than Medellín.
The Transformation Is Real
Yes, Medellín was once the most dangerous city on earth. In 1991, the homicide rate was 381 per 100,000—averaging 16 murders per day. Pablo Escobar. Car bombs. Total chaos.
That was 33 years ago. Here's what's happened since:
| Year | Rate | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 381 | Peak cartel violence |
| 2002 | 184 | Post-Escobar era |
| 2010 | 63 | Urban renewal underway |
| 2015 | 20 | Transformation recognized |
| 2024 | 11.04 | Lowest in 82 years |
A 97% reduction. The city that was once synonymous with violence is now safer than many American metros.
2024 Year-Over-Year Improvements
The improvement isn't just historical—it's ongoing. Comparing 2023 to 2024:
Homicides
-45%
Street Robberies
-31%
Car Theft
-43%
Business Theft
-54%
Where You'll Actually Be
Medical tourists don't wander into high-crime areas. You'll be in El Poblado, Laureles, or Envigado—neighborhoods with their own safety profiles:
El Poblado
Where most clinics and recovery houses are located. Only 25 homicides over 4 years (2020-2024)—just 2% of the city total. Strong police presence, well-lit streets, upscale infrastructure.
Laureles
Named "Coolest Neighborhood in the World" by Time Out (2023). Popular with expats. 56 homicides over 4 years (3% of city total).
Envigado
Adjacent municipality with similar safety profile to El Poblado. Quieter, more residential. Popular for longer recovery stays.
Real Risks to Be Aware Of
This isn't "Medellín is perfectly safe." There are real risks—just not the ones Americans usually imagine:
Actual Concerns
- • Petty theft: Phone snatching, pickpocketing in crowded areas
- • Taxi scams: Overcharging tourists (use Uber/official white taxis)
- • Drink spiking: Scopolamine drugging in nightlife areas (don't accept drinks from strangers)
- • Flashy displays: Visible jewelry/electronics can attract attention
These are the same precautions you'd take in any major city. Don't flash expensive items. Use official transportation. Be aware of your surroundings. Don't accept drinks from strangers.
US State Department Advisory
The US State Department rates Colombia as Level 3: "Reconsider Travel" due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping in certain regions. However, Medellín is not in a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" zone.
For context: The advisory specifically warns about rural areas and border regions, not major cities like Medellín where tourist infrastructure is well-developed.
The Bottom Line
Medellín's 2024 homicide rate (11.04 per 100,000) is lower than Chicago, Houston, Baltimore, St. Louis, and New Orleans. The city Americans fear is statistically safer than cities Americans visit without hesitation.
The "Narcos" era ended 30+ years ago. What exists today is a modern, transformed city with safety statistics that rival or beat major US metros—especially in the tourist neighborhoods where medical tourists actually spend their time.