Mexico's 2025 Homicide Rate Drops 16.6%, Less Than Government Reported

Homicides in Mexico saw a significant decrease of 16.6% in 2025, with the total number of cases falling to 27,989. These figures, released by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi), indicate a notable reduction in violent deaths compared to the 33,550 recorded in 2024.

However, the reported decrease is less pronounced than the 30% reduction previously announced by the federal government, which based its figures on state prosecutor records. The discrepancy arises from different data collection methods: Inegi utilizes death certificates and civil registry records, while the government's data comes from state security agencies. This divergence highlights the complexities in tracking and reporting crime statistics.

Despite the overall decline, homicides remain a serious concern, ranking as the eighth leading cause of death in the country. The data reveals a stark gender disparity, with 24,506 of the recorded homicides being men. For men, homicide was the sixth leading cause of death, following heart disease, diabetes, malignant tumors, accidents, and liver disease.

In total, Mexico registered 762,494 deaths in 2025, a decrease of 57,178 from the previous year. The leading causes of death were overwhelmingly health-related, with heart disease, diabetes, and malignant tumors topping the list. External causes, including accidents, homicides, and suicides, accounted for 10.2% of all fatalities.