Is San Luis Potosí Safe?
A data-driven analysis with crime statistics, local perception surveys, and real expat experiences.
✅ The Short Answer
San Luis Potosí is moderately safe — ranked among Mexico's top 10 safest states for homicides, and safer than Mexico City and Guadalajara. The US State Department classifies it as Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) with no travel restrictions. Homicides dropped 39% in the first half of 2025, and the capital saw a 50% reduction. Perception of insecurity remains above national average but is improving. Take standard urban precautions and you'll likely have no issues.
Overview: Safety in San Luis Potosí
San Luis Potosí sits in Mexico's industrial heartland, home to major automotive plants (BMW, GM, Ford) and a growing expat community. Understanding safety here requires looking at multiple data sources: official statistics, perception surveys, and real experiences from people living in the city.
US State Department Classification
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
San Luis Potosí is in the same category as Querétaro, Aguascalientes, and Puebla. There are no restrictions on travel for US government employees and no specific areas to avoid according to the State Department.
For context: Only Yucatán and Campeche are Level 1 (Normal Precautions). Six states are Level 4 (Do Not Travel): Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas. SLP is solidly in the "proceed with normal urban caution" category.
Crime Statistics: What the Numbers Say
52.63
Crime Index (Numbeo)
Lower is better • Similar to NYC
47.37
Safety Index (Numbeo)
Higher is better
↓39%
Homicide Decline H1 2025
142 vs 235 same period 2024
Top 10
Safest States (Homicides)
Mexico Evalúa 2025
Comparison with Mexico City
| Metric | San Luis Potosí | Mexico City |
|---|---|---|
| Crime Index | 52.63 | 66.75 |
| Safety Index | 47.37 | 33.25 |
Source: Numbeo Crime Comparison
Day vs. Night Safety
Daytime
76% feel completely safe
Nighttime
41% feel completely safe
Local Perception: What Residents Say
The INEGI (Mexico's national statistics institute) conducts quarterly surveys on perceived safety. Here's what residents of San Luis Potosí report:
INEGI ENSU Survey Results (2025)
- ✓70.9% perception of insecurity (Q3 2025) — improved 4 points from Q2's 74.8%
- ✓Ranked 34th of 91 cities — middle of the pack nationally
- ✓Capital: -50% homicides in 2025 — lowest since October 2016
- !Still above national average (63% feel insecure nationally)
Source: INEGI ENSU Q3 2025
Trend: Mixed but Improving
Perception of insecurity rose in early 2025 (to 74.8% in Q2) but has since improved to 70.9% in Q3. Meanwhile, actual crime is declining significantly: homicides down 39% statewide and 50% in the capital. The gap between perception and reality suggests media coverage may influence feelings more than actual risk. Mayor Enrique Galindo reports 23 points of improvement in security perception over his 4-year term.
Safe Neighborhoods for Expats
Lomas del Tecnológico
Most popular expat area. Modern, walkable, excellent restaurants and cafes. Well-patrolled.
Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Colonia Polanco
Quiet, residential, close to supermarkets. Preferred by long-term expats. Easy bus access to Centro.
Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Colonia Del Valle
Family-oriented with parks and schools. Strong sense of community. Safe for children.
Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
La Loma Golf / Club Campestre
High-end gated communities. Maximum security. Premium pricing ($2,000+ USD/month).
Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Centro Histórico
Well-patrolled tourist area. Safe during day and early evening. Vibrant plaza life.
Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (day) ⭐⭐⭐ (late night)
Areas to Avoid (Especially at Night)
- • Colonia Satélite
- • Colonia Progreso
- • Peripheral industrial areas after dark
What Expats Actually Say
Real experiences from foreigners living in San Luis Potosí, gathered from expat forums and communities:
"I felt safer than I've felt in the neighborhood where I grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas."
"As far as safety goes I have never had a problem here. I feel very safe although it is a big city and does have crime. I don't let it affect my daily life just as I wouldn't in the States."
"I'm a big tall white guy who looks nothing like a Mexican, and I've had no problems traveling anywhere in Mexico. The good people outnumber the bad by 1,000 to 1."
Sources: Expat Forum,TripAdvisor
Practical Safety Tips
🏙️ Daily Life
- ✓Use Uber or DiDi instead of street taxis
- ✓Withdraw money from ATMs inside banks or malls
- ✓Don't flash expensive jewelry or electronics
- ✓Keep car doors locked while driving
🌙 At Night
- ✓Stick to well-lit, populated areas
- ✓Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods
- ✓Centro and Lomas are fine until 11 PM
- ✓Use ride apps for late-night transportation
🏠 Housing
- ✓Consider gated communities ("privadas")
- ✓Buildings with 24/7 security are common
- ✓Get renter's insurance for valuables
- ✓Don't leave valuables visible in parked cars
🚗 Driving
- ✓Avoid driving alone at night on highways
- ✓Use toll roads ("cuotas") over free roads
- ✓Keep copies of documents, not originals
- ✓Get comprehensive car insurance
Emergency Contacts
Emergency (All Services)
911
Police
444 826 8300
Fire Department
444 812 4344
Red Cross
444 815 0808
Tourist Police
444 834 1115
US Embassy (CDMX)
55 5080 2000
Tip: Save these numbers in your phone. For taxis, use Taxi Seguro (444 817 2111) or Radio Taxi (444 812 0000).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Luis Potosí safe for tourists?▼
Is it safe to walk at night?▼
How does SLP compare to other Mexican cities?▼
Are expats targeted for crime?▼
What about drug-related violence?▼
Is Uber/taxi safe?▼
Sources & References
Need More Help?
Explore our other guides or connect with our community for personalized advice.