Walking alone at night can be a major safety concern in some cities, where residents and visitors report high levels of concern about robbery, assault, violent crime and personal security.
According to Numbeo’s Crime Index 2026, several cities in South Africa, Venezuela, Papua New Guinea, Honduras, the United States and Brazil recorded some of the highest perceived crime levels in the world.
The index considers users’ perceptions of crime and safety, including how safe people feel walking alone during the day and at night, as well as concerns about robbery, physical attacks, property crime and violent crime.
The 2026 historical ranking places Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, first with a Crime Index of 82.8 and a Safety Index of 17.2.
Numbeo’s ranking is based on user-reported perceptions, so a high score indicates that people perceive crime levels as high rather than proving that a city has the highest actual crime rate.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in 2026
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| Rank | City | Country | Crime Index | Safety Index |
| 1 | Pietermaritzburg | South Africa | 82.8 | 17.2 |
| 2 | Pretoria | South Africa | 81.8 | 18.2 |
| 3 | Caracas | Venezuela | 81.4 | 18.6 |
| 4 | Port Moresby | Papua New Guinea | 81.3 | 18.7 |
| 5 | Johannesburg | South Africa | 80.8 | 19.2 |
| 6 | Durban | South Africa | 80.4 | 19.6 |
| 7 | San Pedro Sula | Honduras | 79.4 | 20.6 |
| 8 | Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) | South Africa | 78.6 | 21.4 |
| 9 | Memphis | United States | 78.5 | 21.5 |
| 10 | Salvador | Brazil | 76.5 | 23.5 |
- Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Pietermaritzburg ranks first with a Crime Index of 82.8 and a Safety Index of 17.2.
South African authorities and travel advisories continue to warn about violent crime, with the risk generally higher after dark and in isolated or high-density areas.
The UK government advises travellers in South Africa not to walk alone after dark and notes that violent crime can occur in city centres, townships, informal settlements and isolated areas.
- Pretoria, South Africa
Pretoria records a Crime Index of 81.8 and a Safety Index of 18.2, placing it second.
South African crime statistics released in August 2026 showed declines in several serious crimes nationally, including murder, carjacking and robbery, but authorities continued to identify organised and heavily armed criminal groups as a major source of fear in communities.
- Caracas, Venezuela
Caracas ranks third with a Crime Index of 81.4 and a Safety Index of 18.6.
The city’s high ranking is consistent with security concerns in Venezuela. The US State Department currently advises travellers to reconsider travel to Venezuela because of risks including crime and kidnapping.
It warns that violent crimes such as homicide, armed robbery and kidnapping occur and says nighttime travel between cities is risky.
- Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Port Moresby has a Crime Index of 81.3 and a Safety Index of 18.7, ranking fourth.
Australia’s Smartraveller advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in the country because of high levels of serious crime, while warning that civil disorder and tribal violence can escalate quickly.
- Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg ranks fifth with a Crime Index of 80.8 and a Safety Index of 19.2.
Johannesburg is among several South African cities appearing near the top of Numbeo’s ranking. The broader security picture includes concerns about violent crime, robbery, carjacking and crime in isolated areas.
- Durban, South Africa
Durban records a Crime Index of 80.4 and a Safety Index of 19.6, ranking sixth.
As with other South African cities in the ranking, safety concerns are linked to violent crime and robbery.
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South African authorities reported declines in several serious crimes during the April-June 2026 period, but organised criminal activity remains a concern nationally.
- San Pedro Sula, Honduras
San Pedro Sula ranks seventh with a Crime Index of 79.4 and a Safety Index of 20.6.
The city has faced security challenges, including violent crime and organised criminal activity.
These factors have contributed to its reputation as one of the more dangerous urban areas in Honduras.
- Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Port Elizabeth, known as Gqeberha, records a Crime Index of 78.6 and a Safety Index of 21.4.
South African travel advice highlights crime risks in parts of the country, including vehicle-related crime.
It notes that visitors travelling from Gqeberha towards Addo Elephant National Park have been advised to use an alternative route because of crime, including vehicle hijackings, along another road.
- Memphis, United States
Memphis has a Crime Index of 78.5 and a Safety Index of 21.5, making it the highest-ranked US city in the list.
However, police data show that Memphis experienced a substantial improvement in crime during 2025 and the first half of 2026. The Memphis Police Department reported that in 2025 murders fell by 26%, robberies by 31% and carjackings by 48%. In the second quarter of 2026, murders were down 60% year-on-year, robberies 38% and aggravated assaults 30%.
- Salvador, Brazil
Salvador records a Crime Index of 76.5 and a Safety Index of 23.5.
In July, Bahia police investigated a group accused of carrying out armed robberies against pedestrians, including tourists, in Salvador’s Rio Vermelho area.
The Bahia Public Security Secretariat reported that the city recorded its lowest number of violent deaths in 25 years in 2025, down 22.9% from 2024.
Numbeo’s Crime Index is based primarily on user perceptions of crime and safety rather than police-recorded crime statistics.
The index considers perceptions of crime levels, changes in crime over the previous five years, concerns about being robbed or physically attacked, property crime, violent crime, and how safe people feel walking alone during the day and at night.
Scores range from 0 to 10, and a higher Crime Index indicates a higher perceived level of crime, while a higher Safety Index indicates a higher perceived level of safety.
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