Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in La Paz, Baja California Sur: 2026 Data for U.S. Buyers

Karla & Erick | Cabo Realty | Century 21 Paradise Properties

Which neighborhoods in La Paz have the most crime? In 2026, the colonias named by the municipality as having the highest crime index include Las Garzas, Lagunitas, Camino Real, Calafia, Valle del Mezquite, Pueblo Nuevo and La Pasión. Several of them also appeared in state prosecutor data in 2023. Even so, La Paz is safer than the Mexican average: 46.6% of adults said they feel unsafe in their city, versus 61.5% nationally (INEGI, March 2026). This guide shows the data so buyers from California, Texas and Arizona can choose with clear eyes.

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📊 At a Glance

🚩 Colonias With the Highest Crime Reports

2026 list: municipal security analysis reported by Peninsular Digital (May 2026). 2023 data: Procuraduría General de Justicia de BCS, reported by Zeta (Mar 2023). Neither source gives a full ranking for every colonia.

🏙️ What About Downtown?

In the 2023 prosecutor data, the central and commercial zones had the most reports of all (57 and 48). That’s typical of busy areas with more people, shops and traffic, and much of it is theft rather than violent crime. Centro remains a popular place to live; just choose the street carefully and secure your car and home.

🔐 Home Burglary: What Second-Home Owners Should Know

The same 2023 data showed the most home burglaries in the central zone, Valle del Mezquite, Santa Fe, El Centenario and the commercial zone. If you’ll be away part of the year, plan for:

• An alarm and cameras you can check from the U.S.
• Someone who checks the house regularly
• Gated communities with controlled access, if security is your top priority

🧭 What This Means for U.S. Buyers

• Look block by block. In La Paz, a good street and a problem street can be close together.
• Visit at night before you buy: check lighting and activity.
• Lower prices can mean lower demand and slower resale.
• For the safest options, see Best Neighborhoods to Live in La Paz.

For the bigger picture on safety, see The Safest City in Mexico for Expats. Comparing with Los Cabos? See La Paz vs. Cabo: Where Should You Invest?

❓ FAQ – Dangerous Neighborhoods in La Paz

What are the most dangerous neighborhoods in La Paz?

In 2026, the municipality named Las Garzas, Lagunitas, Camino Real, Calafia, Valle del Mezquite, Pueblo Nuevo and La Pasión among the colonias with the highest crime index.

Is La Paz safe for Americans?

Generally yes, by Mexican standards. In March 2026, 46.6% of adults in La Paz said they felt unsafe, compared with 61.5% nationally.

Is downtown La Paz safe?

Downtown has more reported crime because it’s the busiest area, mostly theft. Many expats live there; choose your street and secure your home and car.

Where is home burglary most common in La Paz?

In 2023 data: the central zone, Valle del Mezquite, Santa Fe, El Centenario and the commercial zone.

Can I buy in these neighborhoods as a foreigner?

Yes, legally. But evaluate the specific street carefully and compare with safer areas first.

Sources: INEGI, Encuesta Nacional de Seguridad Pública Urbana (ENSU), March 2026, via El Financiero (Apr 2026); Peninsular Digital, “Se suma Las Garzas a las colonias con mayor índice delictivo de La Paz” (May 2026); Semanario Zeta, “Las colonias más violentas de La Paz”, with PGJE BCS data (Mar 2023). Information verified October 2026.

Disclaimer: Crime data changes over time and varies street by street. This is general information; visit in person before you buy. Karla & Erick are MLS members with Century 21 Paradise Properties.

Karla & Erick | Cabo Realty | Century 21 Paradise Properties