The latest INEGI data released today, January 23, 2026, reveals a historic role reversal for Zacatecas. For the first time in years, the Mineral City of Fresnillo has shed its title as the state’s most dangerous-feeling city, passing that heavy mantle to the state capital.
By the Numbers: A New Reality for Fresnillo
As of December 2025, 76.2% of Fresnillo residents reported feeling unsafe. While still high compared to the 63.8% national average, this is a massive improvement from the staggering 90.9% recorded just a year ago.
The real shocker for the diaspora is the statistical crossover. Zacatecas City now sits at a 78.6% insecurity perception rate, meaning those living in the capital now feel 2.4 points more vulnerable than those in Fresnillo.
The Trust Gap: Faith in the Capital, Doubt in Fresnillo
Despite feeling more at risk, people in the capital still strongly back their local leaders. An impressive 45.1% believe their city government is effective, a figure that crushes the national average and shows a resilient civic bond.
The story in Fresnillo is the exact opposite, where trust in local government has hit a wall. Only 18.3% of «Fresnillenses» believe their officials are actually solving problems, highlighting a massive disconnect between falling crime stats and political credibility.
Historic Context: Why This Matters for the Migrant Community
For the thousands of Zacatecanos in the U.S., these numbers tell a story of resilience in El Mineral. Just eighteen months ago, Fresnillo was the most feared city in Mexico with a 94.7% insecurity rating.
Today’s report confirms a 15-point drop in fear over the last year. While cities like Uruapan (88.7%) and Culiacán (88.1%) dominate the national headlines for violence, Fresnillo has quietly but steadily trended toward a safer—though still cautious—normality.
The 2026 Outlook: A Mixed Bag for the State
Looking ahead, the road is split for the state’s two main hubs. The capital must urgently stop the rising tide of fear, while Fresnillo needs to prove that its «safety streak» isn’t just luck, but the result of real governance.
Optimism remains a rare commodity back home, as 75.6% of residents still believe things won’t improve soon. For those sending remittances from abroad, the data suggests a state in transition, where the old «danger zones» are changing faster than the headlines suggest.
