Sam SmithBrazil is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history. It is important to know the crime hotspots so as to know where to visit, and where to simply avoid. This is because, there are quite a lot things happening there that most people don’t hear about. Yes, this is a country with a high crime rate. Some of the most dangerous cities in the world are located in Brazil.
Some of the most dangerous cities in Brazil include Caucaia, Itabuna, Belford Roxo, São José do Rio Preto, Cariacica, Guarulhos, Teresina, Campina Grande, São Bernardo do Campo, and Campo Grande amongst others.
Top 50 Most Dangerous Cities In Brazil
1. Feira de Santana, Bahia
Feira de Santana tops the list due to its alarming homicide rate and rampant drug trafficking. As a major transit hub in northeastern Brazil, it’s a hotspot for organized crime and gang disputes. Residents face frequent armed robberies, assaults, and property crimes. Despite efforts to increase police presence, violence continues to escalate, especially in peripheral neighborhoods. The city’s strategic location makes it a key battleground for rival criminal factions.
2. Fortaleza, Ceará
Fortaleza struggles with high levels of urban violence, including assaults, armed robberies, and gang-related killings. As one of Brazil’s largest cities, it faces challenges with overcrowded favelas and limited law enforcement resources. Drug trafficking and turf wars are common, and tourists are often warned to avoid certain districts. Despite its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, Fortaleza’s crime index remains among the highest in the country.
3. Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte
Mossoró has seen a sharp rise in violent crime, particularly homicides linked to drug gangs and prison factions. Located near major trafficking routes, the city is plagued by organized crime and frequent shootouts. Police operations have struggled to contain the violence, and residents report increasing fear and insecurity. Mossoró’s growing population and economic disparities contribute to its instability, making it one of Brazil’s most dangerous mid-sized cities.
4. Rio Branco, Acre
Rio Branco, the capital of Acre, faces serious issues with drug-related violence and theft. Its proximity to international borders makes it a key point for narcotics smuggling, fueling gang activity and territorial disputes. The city’s infrastructure struggles to keep pace with its security needs, and many neighborhoods suffer from inadequate policing. Violent assaults and property crimes are common, and youth involvement in crime is rising.
5. Salvador, Bahia
Salvador, known for its rich Afro-Brazilian heritage, is also notorious for high crime rates. Gang violence, armed robbery, and vandalism are widespread, especially in the city’s outskirts. The historic center, while a tourist attraction, has seen increased incidents of theft and assault. Police efforts are often undermined by corruption and resource shortages. Salvador’s social inequality and dense urban sprawl make it a persistent hotspot for criminal activity.
6. Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro’s iconic beaches and landmarks contrast sharply with its deep-rooted violence. Favelas are controlled by drug cartels and militias, leading to frequent shootouts and police raids. Tourists and locals alike face risks of robbery, assault, and carjacking. Despite hosting major international events in recent years, Rio’s crime rate remains high. The city’s complex geography and political challenges make law enforcement difficult and uneven.
7. Recife, Pernambuco
Recife is plagued by street crime, drug abuse, and gang violence. The city’s port and urban density make it a prime location for trafficking and organized crime. Assaults and robberies are common, particularly in public transport and crowded areas. While cultural and economic development continues, security remains a major concern. Police efforts are often reactive rather than preventive, and many neighborhoods lack consistent law enforcement presence.
8. Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul
Porto Alegre faces rising crime rates, especially in car theft, burglary, and violent assaults. Economic disparities and urban sprawl contribute to insecurity, with certain districts experiencing frequent gang activity. The city’s southern location doesn’t exempt it from Brazil’s broader crime trends. Despite being a cultural and economic hub, Porto Alegre struggles with maintaining public safety, and residents often report feeling unsafe in both central and suburban areas.
9. São Paulo, São Paulo
Brazil’s largest city, São Paulo, deals with complex crime dynamics including gang violence, drug trafficking, and property crime. While some areas are heavily policed, others—especially in the outskirts—are dominated by criminal factions. The city’s sheer size and population density make crime prevention a logistical challenge. Despite improvements in homicide rates, São Paulo remains dangerous due to high rates of robbery, assault, and organized crime.
10. Campinas, São Paulo
Campinas, a major city in São Paulo state, has seen a surge in property crimes and drug-related offenses. Its proximity to São Paulo city and strategic location make it attractive to criminal networks. Assaults, car thefts, and home invasions are common, and gang activity is rising. While the city is a tech and education hub, its security infrastructure lags behind, leaving many residents vulnerable to everyday violence.
Brazil’s Turbulent Cities Ranked 11–50
| Rank | City | State | Notable Issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Curitiba | Paraná | Assault, theft, rising youth crime |
| 12 | Belo Horizonte | Minas Gerais | Armed robbery, drug trafficking |
| 13 | Manaus | Amazonas | Border crime, smuggling, violence |
| 14 | Goiânia | Goiás | Domestic violence, theft |
| 15 | Vitória da Conquista | Bahia | Homicide, gang-related violence |
| 16 | Teresina | Piauí | Assault, drug-related crime |
| 17 | João Pessoa | Paraíba | Robbery, street violence |
| 18 | Aracaju | Sergipe | Property crime, youth gangs |
| 19 | Natal | Rio Grande do Norte | Drug turf wars, theft |
| 20 | São Luís | Maranhão | Organized crime, corruption |
| 21 | Belém | Pará | High murder rate, drug trafficking |
| 22 | Maceió | Alagoas | Gang violence, armed robbery |
| 23 | Macapá | Amapá | Border crime, theft |
| 24 | Cuiabá | Mato Grosso | Drug routes, violent crime |
| 25 | Campo Grande | Mato Grosso do Sul | Assault, car theft |
| 26 | Sorocaba | São Paulo | Property crime, domestic violence |
| 27 | Londrina | Paraná | Youth crime, vandalism |
| 28 | São Bernardo do Campo | São Paulo | Gang activity, robbery |
| 29 | Diadema | São Paulo | High homicide rate, drug crime |
| 30 | Osasco | São Paulo | Theft, assault, gang presence |
| 31 | Guarulhos | São Paulo | Organized crime, carjacking |
| 32 | Vila Velha | Espírito Santo | Drug trafficking, street crime |
| 33 | Serra | Espírito Santo | Violent assaults, theft |
| 34 | Itabuna | Bahia | Gang violence, homicide |
| 35 | Ilhéus | Bahia | Drug-related crime, robbery |
| 36 | Caruaru | Pernambuco | Assault, theft, youth gangs |
| 37 | Petrolina | Pernambuco | Border crime, smuggling |
| 38 | Marabá | Pará | Illegal mining, violence |
| 39 | Altamira | Pará | Land conflict, homicide |
| 40 | Ananindeua | Pará | Gang activity, robbery |
| 41 | São Gonçalo | Rio de Janeiro | Drug trafficking, police violence |
| 42 | Belford Roxo | Rio de Janeiro | High crime index, favelas |
| 43 | Duque de Caxias | Rio de Janeiro | Organized crime, theft |
| 44 | Nova Iguaçu | Rio de Janeiro | Assault, gang violence |
| 45 | Queimados | Rio de Janeiro | Drug turf wars, homicide |
| 46 | Campos dos Goytacazes | Rio de Janeiro | Property crime, youth violence |
| 47 | São João de Meriti | Rio de Janeiro | Theft, domestic violence |
| 48 | Niterói | Rio de Janeiro | Robbery, car theft |
| 49 | Volta Redonda | Rio de Janeiro | Assault, organized crime |
| 50 | Cabo Frio | Rio de Janeiro | Tourist-targeted crime, theft |
Final Thoughts: Navigating Brazil’s Urban Risks in 2025
Brazil’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and economic potential stand in stark contrast to the challenges many of its cities face with crime and public safety. From sprawling metropolises to mid-sized urban centers, violence continues to shape daily life for millions. Understanding where danger is most concentrated isn’t just useful for travelers—it’s essential for policymakers, researchers, and citizens working toward change.
This list isn’t meant to stigmatize—it’s meant to spotlight. Because awareness is the first step toward accountability, and transparency is the foundation for reform. Whether you’re planning a visit, conducting research, or advocating for safer communities, knowing the terrain helps you move wisely.
Stay informed. Stay alert. And never underestimate the power of data-driven insight to drive meaningful change.