Violent crime trends in Costa Rica and Panama

Crime statistics in Costa Rica and Panama show varying trends in violent crime. In Costa Rica, the Limón province reported a rise in intentional killings, reaching 147 as of late September 2026, compared to 129 during the same period in 2025. The Judicial Investigation Department (OIJ) identified settling scores or revenge as the primary motive for 379 national cases, with firearms used in 467 incidents.

In Panama, homicides increased by 6% between January and August 2026, totaling 406 victims. This period also saw a 78% rise in femicides. Most victims were located in the province of Panama and the San Miguelito district, though robberies in the country decreased by 4.7%.

By late September 2026, Costa Rica’s national homicide count reached 600, following a triple murder in Río Cuarto, Alajuela, and a killing in Limón. Despite this milestone, the OIJ noted the total was 39 fewer than the same period in 2025. San José leads the country with 165 deaths, followed by Limón with 150 and Puntarenas with 94.

Firearms were used in 474 of the recorded killings this year, and authorities noted that 48 victims were collateral casualties. While triple homicides decreased by 18.2% compared to the previous year, double homicides saw a 25% increase.