Valencia Spain Crime Rate 2024 – Trends and Analysis

Police Tape Over a Nighttime View of Valencia, Spain, Highlighting Concerns About the Crime Rate in 2024

Valencia, Spain, is generally considered a safe city, with residents and visitors feeling secure during both day and night.

According to recent safety statistics, walking alone during the day is rated very high at 84.88, while it remains high at 66.37 at night.

Despite these positive figures, Valencia has experienced fluctuations in crime rates over the years.

Notably, between 2018 and 2020, there was a 12.5% decrease in overall criminal offenses, particularly in violent and property crimes, although drug-related and cybercrimes have seen slight increases.

These improvements reflect the cityโ€™s ongoing commitment to public safety through community policing and enhanced security measures.

Safety Levels

Safety in Valencia, Spain Chart
Safety Levels for Walking Alone in Valencia, Spain Chart

Valencia, Spain, is considered a safe city, with high levels of safety for both daytime and nighttime activities.

During the day, safety for walking alone is rated very high at 84.88, while at night it remains high at 66.37.

These statistics reflect Valencia’s reputation as a safe city for residents and visitors alike, with well-maintained public spaces and active community policing contributing to its overall sense of security.

Crime Trends in Valencia

Aerial Night View of A Cityscape Intersected by A Large Yellow Police Tape Reading "Police Line Do Not Cross," Highlighting a Focus on Crime Trends in Valencia
Valencia Continues to Be a Safe City in 2024, with A Low Crime Rate of 28.16

The level of crime in Valencia is relatively low, with a score of 28.16 in 2024.

Between 2018 and 2020, Valencia experienced fluctuations in crime rates, with an overall downward trend in reported criminal offenses.

According to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, the total number of reported crimes decreased by approximately 12.5% during this period, from 48,000 in 2018 to 42,000 in 2020.

This decline included reductions in violent crimes and property crimes, while drug offenses showed a slight increase.

Year Total Reported Crimes Violent Crimes Property Crimes Drug Offenses
2018 48,000 5,500 30,000 2,700
2019 46,500 5,200 29,000 2,800
2020 42,000 4,800 26,000 2,900

Despite this positive trend, cybercrimes and internet fraud have seen a significant rise in Valencia, following national trends. For instance, cybercrimes increased by 18.2%, reflecting the broader shift towards technology-related offenses, which did not directly threaten public safety but posed new challenges for law enforcement.


Moreover, 2021 saw continued improvement in overall crime rates in Spain, with the country recording its lowest crime rate in recent history, driven by reductions in murders, violent robberies, and property crimes. However, sexual offenses rose significantly during this period due to better reporting and awareness campaigns.


In 2021, Valencia experienced the fastest rise in crime rates among Spainโ€™s major cities, with a 36.3% increase compared to 2020. This surge significantly surpassed the national increase of 10.8% and the 16% rise across the Valencian Community, despite their neighbor island Mallorca which has generally on of the lowest crimes in Spain.

The data, provided by Spainโ€™s Ministry of the Interior, highlights concerning spikes in several types of criminal activity, particularly in sexual crimes and thefts.

Notable Crime Statistics (2020-2021)

Crime Type 2020 2021 % Increase
Minor sexual abuse 244 408 67.2%
Rape (aggressive nature) 41 61 48.8%
Thefts 12,229 19,863 62.4%
Burglaries 1,231 1,857 50.9%
Grievous bodily harm/brawls 320 467 46.1%
Robbery 410 578 41%
Murders 15 21 40%
Kidnapping 10 5 -50%
Drug trafficking 282 245 -13.2%

The most alarming increase was in sexual abuse cases, which rose by 67.2%. Rapes of an aggressive nature also spiked by 48.8%. Thefts, which are often indicators of economic strain, saw a steep rise of 62.4%, reflecting a jump from 12,229 cases in 2020 to 19,863 in 2021.

Similarly, burglaries, grievous bodily harm, and brawls also showed significant increases. Despite these worrying trends, kidnappings and drug trafficking offenses declined, with kidnappings falling by 50% and drug trafficking down by 13.2%.

Valenciaโ€™s councillor for Citizen Security, Aaron Cano, acknowledged the rising crime rates but maintained that Valencia remains a safe city. He highlighted that crimes such as drug trafficking and burglaries had reached their lowest levels in five years.

Additionally, car thefts dropped by 24.2%, and violent robberies fell by 16.4%, signaling some success in curbing certain types of criminal activity.

Valencia’s rising crime figures have caused concern among officials, such as Maria Jose Catala of the Partido Popular, who noted that Valenciaโ€™s crime growth had more than doubled that of cities like Zaragoza, Madrid, Malaga, and Barcelona.

Violent Crimes

A Masked Man Aiming a Handgun During a Nighttime Street Robbery in Valencia
Robberies in Valencia Dropped from 2,300 in 2018 to 2,000 in 2020

Violent crimes, including assaults and robberies, have shown a downward trend. Research conducted by the European Crime Prevention Network (EUCPN) indicates that Valencia’s violent crime rate is below the national average in Spain.

  • Assaults: Decreased from 3,200 incidents in 2018 to 2,800 in 2020.
  • Robberies: Declined from 2,300 incidents in 2018 to 2,000 in 2020.

As demonstrated in these statistics, increased police presence and community policing initiatives have contributed to reducing violent crimes.

Property Crimes

Aerial View of A Suburban Area in Valencia, Spain, Overlaid with A Close-Up of A Sparkling Police Badge, Symbolizing a Focus on Property Crimes
Valencia’s Crime Index in 2024 Stands at 31.5 out Of 100

In 2024, property crimes in Valencia, Spain, remain a moderate concern, particularly in areas with high tourist traffic. Similarly, New Orleans continues to grapple with property crime issues, particularly in neighborhoods that attract visitors.

Theft, including pickpocketing and car-related crimes, tends to be more frequent in popular areas, although recent improvements in surveillance, such as new street cameras installed in June 2024, have helped reduce street-level crimes.

Cybercrime, including fraud, has seen a notable rise of 18.2%, reflecting broader trends of internet-based offenses across Spain.

Despite these challenges, Valencia still enjoys a relatively low overall crime rate compared to other major cities in Spain according to Numbeo.

The city recorded a crime index of 31.5 out of 100 in 2024, which is lower than cities like Barcelona and Bilbao.

Property crimes such as vandalism and theft are moderate concerns, with the overall perception of safety remaining positive, especially during the daytime.

The city has also seen reductions in specific types of property crimes, including a 24.2% decrease in car thefts.

Drug Offenses


Drug-related offenses have shown a slight increase in Valencia, in line with broader national trends. Spainโ€™s strategic location on the Mediterranean makes it a key transit hub for drug trafficking, and cities like Valencia have been affected.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Drug Report 2020, Spain remains one of the main entry points for narcotics entering Europe, particularly cocaine and cannabis.

  • Drug Trafficking Cases: The number of drug trafficking incidents rose from 1,500 in 2018 to 1,700 in 2020. This increase reflects Valencia’s role in the international drug trade, where organized crime networks often exploit the city’s coastal access for smugglingโ€‹
  • Possession Offenses: Similarly, possession-related offenses increased from 1,200 cases in 2018 to 1,300 in 2020, suggesting a broader increase in both personal use and the availability of drugs in the cityโ€‹(

The UNODC report underscores the importance of enhancing international cooperation to combat these issues. Efforts include bolstering border control and international collaboration to stem the flow of narcotics into the region.

This aligns with local initiatives in Valencia, where law enforcement is increasingly focused on disrupting trafficking networks and reducing drug-related crimeโ€‹

Factors Influencing Crime Rates

Giant Handcuffs as A Street Art Installation Hanging Over a Narrow Alley in Valencia
Key Factors Shaping Valencia’s Crime Rates: Law Enforcement Strategies, Tourism, and Economic Conditions

Several factors influence the crime rates in Valencia:

Government Initiatives and Preventive Measures

The government has implemented various measures:

  • Community Policing: As evidenced in the Valencia Police Community Programs, fostering better relationships between law enforcement and residents.
  • Technology Integration: As revealed through the Smart City Initiative, the integration of surveillance systems and data analytics aids in crime prevention.
  • Youth Programs: According to recent studies by the Institute of Youth (Injuve), engaging young people in educational and recreational programs reduces the likelihood of criminal involvement.

Public Perception and Safety

Back View of A Police Officer Wearing a Uniform Labeled 'Policia' with The Flag of Spain in Valencia
Valencia Residents Report Feeling Safer Now Compared to Previous Years

As mentioned in surveys by the Valencian Institute of Economic Research (Ivie), residents report an increased sense of safety compared to previous years. This improvement is attributed to enhanced security measures and community engagement.

Comparative Analysis with Other Spanish Cities

As outlined by Numbeo, Valencia’s crime rate is lower than that of other major Spanish cities like Barcelona and Madrid.

Rank City Crime Index Safety Index
1 Barcelona 51.8 48.2
2 Bilbao 51.4 48.6
3 Seville (Sevilla) 32.0 68.0
4 Valencia 31.5 68.5
5 San Sebastian 29.5 70.5
6 Malaga 29.3 70.7
7 Madrid 27.4 72.6

  • Valencia has a crime index of 31.5, which is moderate compared to cities like Barcelona (51.2) and Bilbao (52.2). These cities experience higher crime levels, especially in terms of petty theft and property crimes, likely due to their larger populations and tourist traffic.
  • Madrid has one of the lowest crime indices at 26.6, indicating relatively higher safety, which may be attributed to stronger law enforcement measures and higher surveillance, especially in tourist areas.
  • Seville and Malaga fall between these extremes, with crime indices of 33.2 and 30.1, respectively, indicating moderate crime concerns, especially for property crimes.

In terms of property crimes per 100,000 people, Barcelona tops the list with 350 cases, while Madrid has the lowest at 280. Valencia reports 300 property crimes, placing it between the extremes but with a relatively safer environment compared to Barcelona and Bilbao.

FAQ

Is Valencia a Safe City to Visit?
Valencia is generally considered a safe city for tourists. With a low rate of violent crime, the city mainly experiences minor incidents like pickpocketing, which are common in busy tourist areas. It ranks as one of Spainโ€™s safer urban destinations, and local police are proactive in maintaining public order. Crime tends to be less of a concern in areas like the historic center and along the popular Turia Gardens, provided travelers take usual precautions with personal belongings.
Is Valencia or Madrid Safer?
Valencia is often considered slightly safer than Madrid, particularly due to its smaller size and relatively lower levels of petty crime. While both cities are generally secure for residents and tourists alike, Madrid, being a larger capital city, has more cases of pickpocketing and opportunistic theft, especially in high-traffic areas like public transport hubs and tourist attractions. However, neither city presents significant safety risks, and normal travel precautions will ensure a secure experience in both locations.
Which Part of Spain Has the Lowest Crime Rate?
The region of Asturias, along with parts of Galicia and La Rioja, is known to have the lowest crime rates in Spain. These areas, characterized by smaller cities and rural communities, have fewer incidents of violent crime and theft compared to larger urban centers. They offer a tranquil environment, appealing particularly to families and retirees.
Is Valencia, Spain, Nice to Live In?
Yes, Valencia is often ranked among the best cities to live in Spain, noted for its high quality of life, affordable cost of living, beautiful beaches, cultural activities, and relatively low crime rate. The city offers a mix of modern amenities, green spaces, and traditional Spanish culture. Additionally, it has an established expatriate community, excellent healthcare services, and a more relaxed pace compared to larger cities like Madrid or Barcelona.
What Is the Poorest City in Spain?
The city of La Lรญnea de la Concepciรณn, located near Gibraltar in the province of Cรกdiz, is often reported as the poorest city in Spain. It faces high unemployment rates and economic challenges due to its dependence on the Gibraltar economy and issues related to smuggling and illicit trade. The area struggles with systemic poverty, which is reflected in its lower household income levels compared to other parts of Spain.
Is Spain Safer than Germany?
Both Spain and Germany are safe countries, with well-developed law enforcement and generally low crime rates. However, Spain tends to have a slightly higher rate of petty crime, primarily linked to tourism-heavy areas. Germany has more organized security systems in urban settings, but it also faces challenges with sporadic political unrest. Overall, both countries are considered safe for residents and tourists, with Spain having slightly more issues related to petty theft, especially in tourist hotspots.

Bottom Line

Overall, Valencia is a relatively safe city compared to other major cities in Spain.

While certain crime categories, like sexual offenses and theft, have risen in recent years, the city’s overall crime index remains moderate.

Ongoing government efforts, including enhanced surveillance and community policing, continue to make Valencia a secure and pleasant place for both residents and visitors.

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