Violence in Costa Rica.
Increasing crime is challenging Costa Rica’s long-standing reputation for peace and safety. Although homicide numbers are showing signs of improvement in 2025, the more profound challenges of organized crime and drug trafficking remain.
As of May 31, 2025, Costa Rica’s national homicide rate stands at 2.30 per day, equivalent to 15.8 per 100,000 people, a slight decline from the same period in 2024.
Although these figures reflect a modest improvement, the nation continues to face significant security challenges, mainly stemming from the rise in drug trafficking and organized crime.
Costa Rica’s homicide rate decreased in 2024 and continues to decline even further in 2025.
| Month | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024-2025 Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 49 | 49 | 60 | 78 | 69 | 74 | 5 (7.2%) |
| February | 46 | 48 | 51 | 70 | 88 | 70 | -18 (-0.5%) |
| March | 48 | 56 | 46 | 66 | 75 | 85 | 10 (13.3%) |
| April | 36 | 48 | 48 | 84 | 60 | 64 | 4 (6.7%) |
| May | 48 | 47 | 54 | 77 | 66 | 54 | -12 (-18.2%) |
| 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 | 347 | YTD -11 (-3.07%) |
| Per Day | 1.56 | 1.61 | 1.81 | 2.48 | 2.41 | 2.30 | |
| Per 100,000 inhabitants | 11.1 | 11.4 | 12.8 | 17.2 | 16.7 | 15.8 |
SEE ALSO: Central America Homicide Rate: Which Country Had the Lowest Last Year?
Regional Distribution of Homicides
The province of San José has recorded the highest number of homicides so far this year, with 104 cases—an increase of 14 compared to the same period in 2024. The Caribbean province of Limón followed with 77 cases, and Puntarenas ranked third with 51.
| Province | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024-2025 Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose | 162 | 130 | 120 | 218 | 251 | 104 | -147 (-58.6%) |
| Limon | 127 | 152 | 170 | 213 | 180 | 77 | -103 (-57.2%) |
| Puntarenas | 85 | 105 | 111 | 149 | 153 | 51 | -102 (-66.7%) |
| Alajuela | 77 | 70 | 107 | 104 | 105 | 43 | -62 (-59.0%) |
| Guanacaste | 33 | 36 | 61 | 100 | 75 | 33 | -42 (-56.0%) |
| Cartago | 38 | 41 | 43 | 73 | 75 | 20 | -55 (-73.3%) |
| Heredia | 48 | 55 | 49 | 47 | 40 | 19 | -21 (-52.5%) |
SEE ALSO: Homicide Rate in El Salvador
Four provinces—San Jose, Guanacaste, Alajuela, and Limon—have reported year-over-year increases in homicides.
So far this year, San José has seen the largest percentage increase in homicides, rising 15.6% with 14 more cases. Guanacaste recorded 33 cases, up 10%, while Alajuela reported 43 cases, a 2.4% increase. Limón saw a 1.3% rise, reaching 77 cases in total.
On the other hand, Cartago has posted the most significant decline, recording 16 fewer homicides than the previous year—a 44.4% decrease.
| province | 2024 | 2025 | YTD Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose | 90 | 104 | 14 (15.6%) |
| Guanacaste | 30 | 33 | 3 (10.0%) |
| Alajuela | 42 | 43 | 1 (2.4%) |
| Limon | 76 | 77 | 1 (1.3%) |
| Heredia | 19 | 19 | — |
| Puntarenas | 61 | 51 | -14 (-21.5%) |
| Cartago | 36 | 20 | -16 (-44.4%) |
From a Safe Haven to Rising Crime
Once regarded as one of the safest countries in Latin America, Costa Rica has recently experienced an alarming rise in violent crime.
The record number of homicides in 2023 was a wake-up call for the Pura Vida country; it showed that Costa Rica’s longstanding reputation for peace and safety was starting to change.
In 2024, things got a little better with 25 fewer murders, and the downward trend has continued into early 2025, giving people a bit of hope, even though concerns still remain.
SEE ALSO: Costa Rica Crime Profile: Criminal Groups, Security Forces, the Judicial System, and Prisons
Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime
Costa Rica has a reputation for being a safe and stable country. However, the surge in violence in the last few years has seriously challenged this image.
Drug trafficking networks and organized criminal groups are primarily driving the escalation in homicides as they engage in violent territorial disputes over drug distribution and sales.
Despite not being a producer of narcotic substances, Costa Rica’s strategic geographic location has made it a key transit point for drug trafficking to North America and Europe.
Government Response
Costa Rican authorities have implemented a series of measures to reduce violence and restore public confidence.
- They have intensified anti-narcotics operations and increased surveillance in high-crime areas.
- They have strengthened cooperation with international partners to dismantle transnational criminal networks.
- The government has launched social programs targeting at-risk youth, aiming to prevent gang recruitment and address the root causes of violence.
Although homicides in Costa Rica are declining, the homicide rate remains high by the country’s historical standards, and a persistent sense of insecurity continues to affect the population.
Violent crime not only affects the daily lives of Costa Ricans but also threatens to tarnish the international image of a country once lauded for its peacefulness and low crime rates.
Challenges Ahead
The Costa Rican government face the dual challenge of enforcing security measures while preserving the country’s social fabric and international reputation.
While the figures from early 2025 offer some hope, sustained and comprehensive efforts will be necessary to reverse the tide of violence and ensure long-term safety for all Costa Ricans.
