Violence in Costa Rica.
In 2024, Costa Rica is maintaining a homicide rate similar to last year. The country’s current homicide rate stands at 2.41 per day or 16.7 homicides per every 100,000 inhabitants, which is slightly lower than the rate recorded in 2023.
In 2023, Costa Rica’s Homicide Rate was 2.47 per day or 17.2 murders per 100,000 inhabitants. Last Year, Costa Rican authorities registered 903 murders, 242 more than the 661 reported in the previous year (2022).
The country known for safety and security reached record highs in homicides in 2023; the Rodrigo Chaves government is struggling to address the mounting security problems.
| Month | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023-2024 Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 49 | 49 | 60 | 77 | 70 | -7 (-9.09%) |
| February | 46 | 48 | 51 | 70 | 89 | 19 (27.14%) |
| March | 48 | 56 | 46 | 66 | 76 | 10 (12.99%) |
| April | 36 | 48 | 48 | 84 | 61 | -23 (-27.38%) |
| May | 48 | 47 | 54 | 77 | 67 | -10 (-12.99%) |
| June | 43 | 45 | 52 | 72 | 75 | 3 (4.17%) |
| July | 49 | 38 | 53 | 70 | – | |
| August | 41 | 55 | 58 | 88 | – | |
| September | 50 | 37 | 45 | 77 | – | |
| October | 58 | 58 | 68 | 73 | – | |
| November | 57 | 58 | 62 | 83 | – | |
| December | 45 | 50 | 64 | 66 | – | |
| Total | 570 | 589 | 661 | 903 | 438 | -465 (-51.40%) |
| Per Day | 1.56 | 1.61 | 1.81 | 2.47 | 2.41 | |
| Per 100,000 inhabitants | 11.1 | 11.4 | 12.8 | 17.2 | 16.7 |
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.
However, in 2023, the country witnessed an alarming rise in homicides, which could potentially tarnish its image as a Pura Vida destination.
SEE ALSO: Central America Homicide Rate
Thus far in 2024, the San Jose province has reported the highest number of homicides, totaling 108, five less than during the same period in 2023. Limon follows with 95 homicides, 13 fewer compared to the same 2023 period.
The Heredia province is at the bottom; it has registered only 20 homicides thus far this year, five less than the 25 reported in the same 2023 period.
| Province | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023-2024 Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose | 162 | 130 | 120 | 216 | 108 | -108 (-50.00%) |
| Limon | 127 | 152 | 170 | 213 | 95 | -118 (-55.40%) |
| Puntarenas | 85 | 105 | 111 | 149 | 83 | -66 (-44.30%) |
| Alajuela | 77 | 70 | 107 | 104 | 48 | -56 (-53.85%) |
| Cartago | 38 | 41 | 43 | 73 | 43 | -30 (-41.10%) |
| Guanacaste | 33 | 36 | 61 | 100 | 41 | -59 (-59.00%) |
| Heredia | 48 | 55 | 49 | 48 | 20 | -28 (-58.33%) |
SEE ALSO: Homicide Rate in El Salvador
This year, two provinces have experienced a raise in homicides compared to the same 2023 period.
Cartago has reported the highest percentage increase in homicides, with 43 cases, representing a rise of 30.30% compared to the corresponding period in 2023. Following is Puntarenas, with 83 murders recorded this year, indicating a 20.29% increase compared to the same period last year.
| province | 2023 | 2024 | 2023-2024 Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cartago | 33 | 43 | 10 (30.30%) |
| Puntarenas | 69 | 83 | 14 (20.29%) |
| San Jose | 113 | 108 | -5 (-4.42%) |
| Guanacaste | 45 | 41 | -4 (-8.89%) |
| Alajuela | 53 | 48 | -5 (-9.43%) |
| Limon | 108 | 95 | -13 (-12.04%) |
| Heredia | 25 | 20 | -5 (-20.00%) |
Costa Rican authorities have taken a variety of measures to stem the recent increase in drug trafficking and homicides. However, the homicides seem to be increasing.
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.
