In Contrast to the Rest of the Country, Perceptions of Safety are Low in Hermosillo and Nogales

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Best

The perception of insecurity in Sonora hasn’t abated; on the contrary, two of its major cities—Hermosillo and Nogales—have seen an increase, reaching the highest level of perceived insecurity recorded so far this year.

This uptick in both cities runs counter to the national trend, where the perception of insecurity stood at 58.1 percent—a decrease of 1.7 percentage points compared to June 2026, marking the lowest level recorded since this survey began 13 years ago.

According to the National Survey of Urban Public Security (ENSU), conducted by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi), Hermosillo experienced the largest increase in residents’ feelings of insecurity between the second and third quarters of 2026. The percentage of inhabitants who consider living in the city to be unsafe rose from 43.2 percent to 53.2 percent—the highest level so far this year (following a 47.8 percent figure in the first quarter).

Key Data: According to Inegi’s ENSU, 58 percent of people aged 18 and older nationwide felt unsafe in September 2026, compared to 63 percent in September 2025.

The ENSU identifies Hermosillo as one of the urban areas that saw “statistically significant increases in the perception of insecurity between June and September 2026.”

The security survey noted that, compared to June, 16 urban areas showed statistically significant changes: 10 recorded decreases, while six—including Hermosillo and Nogales—saw increases. In the case of Nogales, the perception of insecurity rose from 38.8% in the second quarter to 40.7% in the third—the highest level recorded so far this year, following a figure of 38.2% in the first quarter.

Another city in Sonora included in the INEGI’s assessment of perceived insecurity is Ciudad Obregón. Although it showed a decrease when comparing the first and third quarters, it remains the locality with the highest level of insecurity in the state, with 69.8% of residents reporting such feelings.

Ciudad Obregón also ranked above the national average of 58.1% and placed among the 20 most dangerous cities in the country to live in, according to its inhabitants.

The sense of insecurity in Hermosillo increased by 10%.

Nationwide, the survey revealed a gender-based disparity: 64.2% of women reported feeling unsafe in their city, compared to 50.6% of men.

In the case of Nogales, the perception of insecurity rose from 38.8% in the second quarter to 40.7% in the third—the highest level recorded so far this year, following a figure of 38.2% in the first quarter.

Another city in Sonora included in the INEGI’s assessment of perceived insecurity is Ciudad Obregón. Although it showed a decrease when comparing the first and third quarters, it remains the locality with the highest level of insecurity in the state, at 69.8%.

Ciudad Obregón also ranked above the national average of 58.1% and placed among the 20 most dangerous cities in the country to live in, according to its residents.

The sense of insecurity in Hermosillo grew by 10%.

Nationwide, the survey revealed a gender-based disparity: 64.2% of women reported feeling unsafe in their city, compared to 50.6% of men.

Regarding specific locations, 68.7% of respondents reported feeling unsafe at public ATMs; 61.8% on the streets; 61.1% on public transportation; and 55.3% on highways.

During the third quarter, 40.7% of those surveyed changed their habits regarding carrying valuables; 38.8% altered routines concerning allowing minors to go out unaccompanied; and 35.8% adjusted their habits regarding walking near their homes at night. The sense of insecurity felt by the people of Sonora aligns with the findings of the National Survey on Victimization and Perception of Public Security (ENVIPE), which recorded an increase in the percentage of households in the state of Sonora with at least one crime victim when comparing 2024 to 2025.

According to the ENVIPE, the estimated victimization rate in the state of Sonora for 2025 was 22,433 victims per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to 23,260 victims in 2024.

The survey estimated that the victimization rate per 100,000 inhabitants in Sonora during 2025 was 23,778 for women and 20,910 for men; in 2024, the corresponding rates were 25,203 for women and 20,984 for men.

The results from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) also align with official figures; the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System reports an increase in Sonora—when comparing the first half of 2025 to the first half of 2026—in crimes such as femicide, small-scale drug dealing, domestic violence, and intentional bodily injury.

Specifically, femicide cases rose by 77 percent, increasing from 9 to 16, while small-scale drug dealing saw a 28 percent increase, rising from 2,547 to 3,264 cases. The crime of domestic violence saw a seven percent increase, rising from 2,663 to 2,872 cases, while intentional bodily injuries grew by 25 percent, increasing from 638 to 800 cases.

Source: La Razón

Source: https://www.borderlandbeat.com/2026/10/in-contrast-to-rest-of-country.html