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 September 30, 2025, Costa Rica’s national homicide rate stands at 2.37 per day, equivalent to 16.3 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 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024-2025 Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 49 | 60 | 78 | 69 | 75 | 6 (8.7%) |
| February | 48 | 51 | 70 | 88 | 72 | -16 (-18.2%) |
| March | 56 | 46 | 66 | 75 | 85 | 10 (13.3%) |
| April | 48 | 48 | 84 | 60 | 63 | 3 (5.0%) |
| May | 47 | 54 | 77 | 66 | 67 | 1 (1.5%) |
| June | 45 | 52 | 72 | 75 | 69 | -6 (-8.0%) |
| July | 38 | 53 | 68 | 78 | 72 | -6 (-7.7%) |
| August | 55 | 58 | 90 | 74 | 66 | -8 (-10.8%) |
| September | 37 | 45 | 77 | 70 | 79 | 9 (12.9%) |
| October | 58 | 68 | 73 | 70 | ||
| November | 58 | 62 | 83 | 74 | ||
| December | 50 | 64 | 66 | 79 | ||
| Total | 589 | 661 | 904 | 879 | 568 | YTD -7 (-1.1%) |
| Per Day | 1.61 | 1.81 | 2.48 | 2.41 | 2.37 | |
| Per 100,000 inhabitants | 11.4 | 12.8 | 17.2 | 16.7 | 16.3 |
Regional Distribution of Homicides
The province of San José has recorded the highest number of homicides so far this year, with 215 cases—an increase of 45 compared to the same period in 2024. The Caribbean province of Limón follows with 129 cases, and Puntarenas ranks third with 102.
| Province | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | YTD Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose | 130 | 120 | 218 | 251 | 215 | -36 (-14.3%) |
| Limon | 152 | 170 | 213 | 180 | 129 | -51 (-28.3%) |
| Puntarenas | 105 | 111 | 149 | 153 | 102 | -51 (-33.3%) |
| Alajuela | 70 | 107 | 104 | 105 | 74 | -31 (-29.5%) |
| Guanacaste | 36 | 61 | 100 | 75 | 60 | -15 (-20.0%) |
| Cartago | 41 | 43 | 73 | 75 | 46 | -29 (-38.7%) |
| Heredia | 55 | 49 | 47 | 40 | 22 | -18 (-45.0%) |
As of this year, two provinces—San José and Guanacaste—have reported increases in homicides compared to the previous year.
San José experienced the most substantial rise, with a 26.5% increase resulting in 45 additional cases. Guanacaste also saw a rise, though smaller, with a 5.3% increase, accounting for three more cases than during the same period last year.
On the other hand, Heredia has posted the most significant decline, recording 10 fewer homicides than the previous year—a 31.3% decrease.
| province | 2024 | 2025 | Change Previous Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose | 170 | 215 | 45 (26.5%) |
| Guanacaste | 57 | 60 | 3 (5.3%) |
| Alajuela | 78 | 74 | -4 (-5.1%) |
| Limon | 140 | 129 | -11 (-7.9%) |
| Cartago | 55 | 46 | -9 (-16.4%) |
| Puntarenas | 123 | 102 | -21 (-17.1%) |
| Heredia | 32 | 22 | -10 (-31.3%) |
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. El Salvador has taking first place as the country with the lowest homicide rate in Central America.
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.
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.
