My personal experience with crime in Merida.

You can search crime rate or statistics in Mexico, and Merida will more than likely show up as the top safest place in Mexico.  I believe for the most part that this is true.  But just because a place is listed as the safest place to live, it does not mean that there is no crime.  Yes, there is crime in Merida, but the types of crime in Merida (mostly non-violent) as compared to other states in Mexico would be an important consideration to anyone considering living in this area. 

For example, in a September 2025 report from Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), indicated that perception of public safety and security had dropped to third place.  But, the National Public Security System suggests that the overall homicide rate is lower than any other city in Mexico and the United States.  And the occurrence of petty crime is also low. Additional reports suggest the same.  With other sources confirming that Merida is one of the safest places in the Americas to live, in addition to Quebec, Canada. 

Clearly, safety is a key element to consider when deciding where to live abroad, and Merida is doing a great job of keeping their crime rates low.  However, I’m here to share my personal story with crime here in Merida, and to remind my readers that crime does exist here in Merida.  

I was walking near La Rua Privada Residencial very early on the morning of October 1, 2025, when I was sexually assaulted by a woman.  She wore a dark hooded jacket with the hood pulled over her head. She wore a dark face mask that covered everything except her eyes.  She came from behind me and repeatedly grabbed my buttocks. I turned and screamed at her to stop and hit her with my flashlight and stick I use to protect myself from stray dogs. She ran away. 

My husband and I went to La Rua to speak with the security booth guard and ask for camera footage.  They said they did not have any coverage in the area where the crime happened.   We left our WhatsApp number for the administrator to contact us. When she contacted me several days later, she confirmed that there was no camera footage of the crime but did indicate they had camera footage of me walking past their complex during the timeframes I provided. 

We also went to the Conkal Police Station at Conkal City Hall to file a criminal report.  They were very helpful and although we do not speak Spanish they gladly “spoke” with us using the translator on our phones.  They were patient as we used the translation app to fill out the criminal report form. 

The next morning (October 2, 2025) I went for my walk at my normal time and route. I was pleased to see police presence throughout my walk.  To get this level of service was impressive. 

Thank you so much to the Conkal Police Department. 

My advice is the same to anyone, anywhere in the world, you always need to be on guard to protect your own safety.

As a side note, we noticed about 3-4 weeks after my assault, La Rua had installed gates at their entrance that prevent anyone to access their property without interacting with the security guard.  

A coincidence…I think not.