Violence in Costa Rica.
As of January 31, 2025, Costa Rica’s homicide rate stands at 2.0 per day, or 13.9 per 100,000 people, marking a decline from the previous year.
In 2024, the country recorded a homicide rate of 2.41 per day, or 16.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, slightly lower than in 2023.
Once known for its safety, Costa Rica experienced record-high homicides in 2023. While 2024 saw a slight reduction, with 25 fewer murders, the downward trend continues into 2025.
| Month | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024-2025 Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 49 | 49 | 60 | 78 | 69 | 62 | -7 (-10.1%) |
| February | 46 | 48 | 51 | 70 | 88 | ||
| March | 48 | 56 | 46 | 66 | 75 | ||
| April | 36 | 48 | 48 | 84 | 60 | ||
| May | 48 | 47 | 54 | 77 | 66 | ||
| June | 43 | 45 | 52 | 72 | 75 | ||
| July | 49 | 38 | 53 | 68 | 79 | ||
| August | 41 | 55 | 58 | 90 | 74 | ||
| September | 50 | 37 | 45 | 77 | 70 | ||
| October | 58 | 58 | 68 | 73 | 70 | ||
| November | 57 | 58 | 62 | 83 | 74 | ||
| December | 45 | 50 | 64 | 66 | 79 | ||
| Total | 570 | 589 | 661 | 904 | 879 | 62 | -817 (-92.9%) |
| Per Day | 1.56 | 1.61 | 1.81 | 2.48 | 2.41 | 2.00 | |
| Per 100,000 inhabitants | 11.1 | 11.4 | 12.8 | 17.2 | 16.7 | 13.9 |
Costa Rica has long been recognized for its reputation as a safe and stable country with a strong emphasis on environmental conservation, a robust education system, and a booming tourism industry.
SEE ALSO: Central America Homicide Rate
Thus far in 2025, San Jose province has recorded the highest number of homicides, totaling 21, four more than the same period in 2024. Puntarenas follows with 12, while Alajuela ranks third with 10.
| Province | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024-2025 Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose | 162 | 130 | 120 | 218 | 250 | 21 | -230 (-91.6%) |
| Puntarenas | 85 | 105 | 111 | 149 | 153 | 12 | -141 (-92.2%) |
| Alajuela | 77 | 70 | 107 | 104 | 105 | 10 | -95 (-90.5%) |
| Limon | 127 | 152 | 170 | 213 | 180 | 7 | -173 (-96.1%) |
| Guanacaste | 33 | 36 | 61 | 100 | 75 | 6 | -69 (-92.0%) |
| Cartago | 38 | 41 | 43 | 73 | 75 | 3 | -72 (-96.0%) |
| Heredia | 48 | 55 | 49 | 47 | 40 | 3 | -37 (-92.5%) |
SEE ALSO: Homicide Rate in El Salvador
As of January 2025, four provinces have reported an increase in homicides compared to the same period in 2024: Heredia, Alajuela, San Jose, and Guanacaste.
Heredia saw the highest percentage rise, with three cases, a 300% increase. Alajuela followed with five additional murders, doubling its previous count (100% increase).
San Jose recorded four more homicides, a 23.5% increase, while Guanacaste had the smallest rise, with one additional case, a 20% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
| province | 2024 | 2025 | 2024-2025 Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heredia | 0 | 3 | 3 (300.0%) |
| Alajuela | 5 | 10 | 5 (100.0%) |
| San Jose | 17 | 21 | 4 (23.5%) |
| Guanacaste | 5 | 6 | 1 (20.0%) |
| Puntarenas | 16 | 12 | -4 (-25.0%) |
| Limon | 18 | 7 | -11 (-61.1%) |
| Cartago | 8 | 3 | -5 (-62.5%) |
Costa Rican authorities have taken a variety of measures to stem the recent increase in drug trafficking and homicides. However, the homicide rate remains at a high level.
Drug trafficking and organized crime have driven the spike in homicides to a country known for safety. These criminal groups fight over control of territories for drug selling and distribution.
Costa Rica is not a producer of narcotic substances; however, its location makes it one of the largest export platforms of narcotics to many nations.
The increase in homicides not only increases the feeling of citizen insecurity but also damages the image of a country that, until a few years ago, enjoyed the lowest figures of violence in Central America.
