- 1. Pietermaritzburg, South Africa – 82.7
- 2. Pretoria, South Africa – 81.8
- 3. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – 81.4
- 4. Caracas, Venezuela – 81.3
- 5. Johannesburg, South Africa – 80.8
- 6. Durban, South Africa – 80.4
- 7. San Pedro Sula, Honduras – 79.4
- 8. Port Elizabeth, South Africa – 78.3
- 9. Memphis, Tennessee, United States – 78.0
- 10. Salvador, Brazil – 76.7
Few cities have been identified as having the highest levels of perceived crime in 2025, based on how residents rate safety in their communities. These scores reflect concerns about theft, assault, corruption, and the effectiveness of law enforcement. Several cities in South Africa dominate the list, alongside cities in Latin America and the United States.
The data comes from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced platform where people share their personal experiences and perceptions of crime. Users rate local safety from -2 (very unsafe) to +2 (very safe), with responses filtered to remove spam and manipulation. Scores are then scaled from 0 to 100.
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According to Numbeo, here are the top 10 countries with the highest crime index in 2025
1. Pietermaritzburg, South Africa – 82.7
Pietermaritzburg tops the list with a crime index of 82.7. Residents report frequent experiences with “home invasions,” “muggings,” and “violent incidents.” Some say they avoid going out after dark, while others note a lack of visible law enforcement. Concerns over “drug use” and “car hijacking” are also commonly reported.
2. Pretoria, South Africa – 81.8
Pretoria ranks second on the list. Many locals say they are worried about “house break-ins,” “armed robberies,” and “street harassment.” Public comments suggest that “police responsiveness is weak” in certain areas, leading some residents to rely on private security measures.
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3. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – 81.4
Port Moresby continues to face significant safety challenges, according to residents. The capital city of Papua New Guinea scored 81.4 on the index. Locals mention incidents of “gang activity,” “violence in public areas,” and “robbery.” Some also cite “corruption” as a barrier to improving security.
4. Caracas, Venezuela – 81.3
Caracas remains one of the most troubled cities in Latin America. With a score of 81.3, many residents describe the city as unsafe for daily activities. Reports of “pickpocketing,” “express kidnapping,” and “police extortion” are widespread. Some respondents said they feel safer staying indoors or avoiding crowded areas.
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5. Johannesburg, South Africa – 80.8
Johannesburg ranks fifth, continuing its long-standing reputation for high crime rates. Residents report frequent “armed robberies,” “home burglaries,” and “car theft.” Many have raised concerns about “gang violence” in certain neighbourhoods, and some feel that police protection is limited.
6. Durban, South Africa – 80.4
Durban appears sixth on the list, with residents citing problems related to “theft,” “assault,” and “drug-related crimes.” Many locals say they avoid walking alone or using public transport at night. The perception of “low police visibility” is a recurring theme in responses.
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7. San Pedro Sula, Honduras – 79.4
San Pedro Sula has previously been in global headlines for crime-related issues, and it still ranks high on the index. Residents mention concerns about “gang activity,” “extortion,” and “street crime.” Public transport and markets are often viewed as high-risk areas.
8. Port Elizabeth, South Africa – 78.3
Port Elizabeth, now known officially as Gqeberha, comes in eighth. Residents highlight challenges related to “burglary,” “car break-ins,” and “police inefficiency.” Some say that even basic tasks like walking to work or sending children to school require extra caution.
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9. Memphis, Tennessee, United States – 78.0
Memphis is the only U.S. city in the top 10. Local respondents point to increases in “gun violence,” “drug activity,” and “theft.” There is growing concern over “youth crime” and the perceived ineffectiveness of community policing in high-risk areas.
10. Salvador, Brazil – 76.7
Salvador with a crime index score of 76.7. Residents have expressed concern over frequent incidents of “armed robbery,” “street violence,” and “gang presence.” Many say these issues are part of daily life in several neighbourhoods. Reports also highlight worries about “police inefficiency” and “corruption,” with some locals stating that justice is often delayed or not served at all.
