By James Rocks, Founder — Rocks Investments | Updated March 2026
Safety is invariably one of the first questions international buyers ask before committing capital to Brazilian real
estate. It is a reasonable concern — and in the case of Santa Catarina, the data tells a reassuring story.
As of 2025, Santa Catarina has consolidated its position as the safest state in Brazil, backed by a
sustained, multi-year decline in violent crime. For investors and prospective residents evaluating where to live,
work, or acquire property in Brazil, these figures carry significant weight.
Santa Catarina’s Safety Record in Numbers
Data from the Secretaria de Estado da Segurança Pública de Santa Catarina (SSP/SC) paints a clear picture of
long-term improvement:
| Indicator | Period | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Homicides (January) | Jan 2025 vs peak (2016) | 85.7% reduction (49 cases statewide) |
| Violent deaths | First 100 days of 2025 | 24.2% decrease year-on-year |
| Feminicides | First 100 days of 2025 | 47.6% decrease |
| Robbery followed by death | Jan 2025 | Zero cases recorded |
| Municipalities with zero homicides | Jan 2025 | Over 90% of all municipalities |
These are not isolated data points. The trend has been consistent over several years, driven by coordinated policing
strategies, real-time data analysis, and targeted investment in security infrastructure across the state.
Carnival 2025: Safety Under Pressure
Large-scale events are often a litmus test for public safety. During Carnival 2025, Santa Catarina recorded
significant improvements compared to the previous year:
| Crime Category | Change vs Carnival 2024 |
|---|---|
| Robberies | −52.6% |
| Thefts | −43.8% |
| Sexual harassment complaints | −73.2% |
These results reflect a security apparatus that performs under pressure — not just during day-to-day operations, but
during the periods of highest demand.
Florianópolis: The Capital’s Own Track Record
For many international buyers, Florianópolis is the primary
point of entry into Santa Catarina’s property market. The city’s safety statistics reinforce its appeal:
- 8 homicides recorded across Florianópolis from January to April 2025 — a 46.6%
reduction compared to the same period in 2024 - Homicides in the broader Greater Florianópolis area (22 municipalities) fell by 15%
- Over 80% of homicide cases are being resolved, according to police officials — a figure driven
by enhanced coordination between the Military Police and Civil Police, and investments in intelligence-led
policing
These numbers position Florianópolis not merely as a desirable place to live, but as one of the safest urban
environments in Brazil — a distinction that directly influences property values and long-term
investment confidence.
Why Safety Matters for Property Investment
Safety statistics are not abstract — they have a direct, measurable impact on real estate outcomes:
- Property values: Neighbourhoods perceived as safe command higher per-square-metre prices and
experience more consistent appreciation - Rental demand: International tenants and short-stay visitors prioritise safety when selecting
locations, directly influencing occupancy rates - Lifestyle retention: Residents who feel secure are more likely to remain long-term, reducing
vacancy and supporting community stability - Institutional investment: Developers and institutional buyers favour markets with strong safety
records — Santa Catarina’s position attracts capital that might otherwise flow to competing regions
Context Within Brazil
Santa Catarina’s safety record is particularly notable when viewed against the national backdrop. While Brazil as a
whole has made progress in reducing violent crime, Santa Catarina consistently outperforms the national average
across virtually every category. The state’s combination of high human development indices (HDI), strong economic
fundamentals, and effective public safety policy creates an environment that is qualitatively different from much of
Brazil.
This is not to say that challenges do not exist — no state is immune to crime or social complexity. But for
international buyers weighing Brazil against other emerging property markets, Santa Catarina’s trajectory offers a
level of confidence that is increasingly well-supported by data.
Related Reading
- Florianópolis Real Estate Market Overview
- Why Retire in Santa Catarina
- Brazilian Golden Visa: Your Path to Permanent
Residency
Considering Santa Catarina for your next property investment? Rocks Investments provides market
intelligence, property sourcing, and end-to-end acquisition support across Florianópolis, Balneário Camboriú, and
the wider Santa Catarina coast. Get in touch with our team →
Explore Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Catarina the safest state in Brazil?
Yes. Santa Catarina consistently ranks as Brazil’s safest state by homicide rate. As of 2024, the state recorded one of the lowest violent crime rates in the country, with significant drops driven by the government’s integrated security programme across multiple administrations.
Is Florianópolis safe for foreigners and expats?
Florianópolis is considered one of Brazil’s most liveable cities for foreigners and expats. The main investment neighbourhoods — Jurerê Internacional, Lagoa da Conceição, Campeche, João Paulo — all maintain low crime indicators and a strong international community presence throughout the year.
How does Santa Catarina compare to São Paulo or Rio on safety?
Santa Catarina’s homicide rate is approximately 5–7x lower than São Paulo and 10x lower than Rio de Janeiro. The state benefits from strong European immigration heritage, a robust middle class, high education levels, and well-funded state-level policing — all contributing to a markedly safer environment than Brazil’s major metropolitan hubs.
What type of crime should property investors be aware of in Santa Catarina?
Property crime (opportunistic theft and car break-ins) exists as in any coastal tourist destination globally, but rates remain low by Latin American standards. In premium gated communities and luxury condo developments — the primary investment segments in Florianópolis and Balneário Camboriú — security is managed by 24/7 private security teams.
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