Violence in Costa Rica.
Increasing crime is challenging Costa Rica’s 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 February 2025, Costa Rica’s homicide rate stands at 1.98 per day, or 13.6 per 100,000 people, marking a decline from the previous year.
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 | 63 | -6 (-8.7%) |
| February | 46 | 48 | 51 | 70 | 88 | 54 | -34 (-38.6) |
| 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 | 117 | -762 (-86.7%) |
| Per Day | 1.56 | 1.61 | 1.81 | 2.48 | 2.41 | 1.98 | |
| Per 100,000 inhabitants | 11.1 | 11.4 | 12.8 | 17.2 | 16.7 | 13.6 |
SEE ALSO: Central America Homicide Rate: Which Country Had the Lowest Last Year?
Regional Distribution of Homicides
As of February 2025, the province of San Jose has recorded the highest number of homicides, totaling 45—four more than in the same period in 2024. Alajuela follows with 19 cases, while Puntarenas ranks third with 18.
| Province | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024-2025 Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose | 162 | 130 | 120 | 218 | 250 | 45 | -206 (-82.1%) |
| Alajuela | 77 | 70 | 107 | 104 | 105 | 19 | -86 (-81.9%) |
| Puntarenas | 85 | 105 | 111 | 149 | 153 | 18 | -135 (-88.2%) |
| Limon | 127 | 152 | 170 | 213 | 180 | 13 | -167 (-92.8) |
| Guanacaste | 33 | 36 | 61 | 100 | 75 | 10 | -65 (-86.7%) |
| Cartago | 38 | 41 | 43 | 73 | 75 | 7 | -68 (-90.7%) |
| Heredia | 48 | 55 | 49 | 47 | 40 | 5 | -35 (-87.5%) |
SEE ALSO: Homicide Rate in El Salvador
Thus far this year, three provinces—Heredia, Alajuela, and San Jose — have reported an increase in homicides compared to the same period in 2024.
Heredia has the highest percentage increase in cases, with five murders representing a 66.7% rise.
Alajuela follows with 19 murders, reflecting an 18.8% increase, while San Jose comes in third with 45 murders, showing a 9.8% increase
In contrast, Heredia has the most significant decline in homicides, with 26 fewer cases, representing a 66.7% decrease compared to the same period in 2024.
| province | 2024 | 2025 | 2024-2025 Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heredia | 3 | 5 | 2 (66.7%) |
| Alajuela | 16 | 19 | 3 (18.8%) |
| San Jose | 41 | 45 | 4 (9.8%) |
| Guanacaste | 12 | 10 | -2 (-16.7%) |
| Puntarenas | 33 | 18 | -15 (-45.5%) |
| Cartago | 13 | 7 | -6 (-46.2%) |
| Limon | 39 | 13 | -26 (-66.7%) |
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.
