OAXACA, Mexico – Oaxaca remains one of the country’s most violent regions, finishing the month of September as the eighth most violent state in Mexico in terms of homicide rates. According to the latest data, 619 people were murdered in the state between January and September.

The federal government reported that Oaxaca surpassed the violence records of Jalisco, Michoacán, and Veracruz during this period. At the close of September, Oaxaca solidified its position within the top seven Mexican states accounting for 50% of all intentional homicides in the country.

According to the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System, the eight most violent states in Mexico currently are:

• Baja California: 1,921 intentional homicides
• Guanajuato: 1,089
• Chihuahua: 1,009
• Sinaloa: 987
• Estado de México: 818
• Guerrero: 731
• Morelos: 673
• Oaxaca: 619

For comparison, Jalisco recorded 712 cases, and Michoacán recorded 611.

Firearms Dominant in Violent Crimes

Of the 619 murders documented in Oaxaca from January through September, 513 were committed using firearms, accounting for 82.8% of the total incidents. Additionally, 63 people were killed with bladed weapons, and 43 were murdered using other means.

The state has seen a fluctuating but high volume of violence throughout 2026. Monthly data shows the following progression:

• January: 64
• February: 72
• March: 94
• April: 81
• May: 67
• June: 61
• July: 56
• August: 65
• September: 59

While the figures saw a slight decrease in September compared to the peak in March, the overall volume highlights the ongoing security challenges facing the region.