Tamaulipas Records 70% Drop in Homicides, Rises to 10th Peaceful State in Mexico

The Mexican state of Tamaulipas achieved the largest overall improvement in peace according to the 2026 Mexico Peace Index. Homicides and firearm‑related crimes fell about 70%, moving the state up 19 places to become the tenth most peaceful state in the country.

Cities Ciudad Madero and Tampico recorded the lowest homicide counts nationwide, with one and three killings respectively, while Nuevo Laredo logged 11 homicides, ranking 13th. The national index showed Mexico’s strongest peace gains in at least a decade, with a 5.1% improvement in 2025 and progress reported in 22 of the 32 states. Yucatán remained the most peaceful state for the ninth consecutive year.

The improvements are attributed to security strategies overseen by Governor Américo Villarreal Anaya and data compiled by the independent Institute for Economics and Peace.