National Crime
Foreign rate 2.5x that of Spaniards
The conviction rate among foreigners (15.7%) is 2.5 times higher than that of Spaniards (6.2%). However, general crime in Spain remains at a historic low band.
Key data
2,46 millones
Total offenses 2024
-0.3% vs 2023
41,0 por 1.000 hab.
Crime rate
Historic low band
465.000 casos
Cybercrime
19% of total
32,7%
Foreign prisoners
May 2025
Conviction rates by region (adults per 1,000 pop.)
View data in table
| Region | Rate |
|---|---|
| Ceuta | 21,4% (mayor) |
| Melilla | 18,2% |
| Baleares | 14,9% |
| Media nacional | 7,5% |
| Madrid | 9,0% |
| Galicia | 8,9% (menor) |
Spain crime rate evolution (2007-2024)
View data in table
| Year | Rate x 1,000 pop. |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 47,6% |
| 2009 | 45,8% |
| 2011 | 48,4% |
| 2013 | 44,8% |
| 2015 | 43,1% |
| 2017 | 43,0% |
| 2019 | 44,9% |
| 2021 | 41,2% |
| 2023 | 41,2% |
| 2024 | 41,0% (mínimo) |
Methodological context
Detention figures (51.8% foreigners) are much higher than conviction rates (2.5x rate), suggesting part of the difference is explained by the judicial process. Statistics don't adjust for age (younger, more male foreign population), socioeconomic status, or integration level. The vast majority (98.4%) of foreigners have no criminal conviction. The crime rate is at historic lows coinciding with the peak foreign population. Note: The INE Convicted Statistics provides data since 2007, allowing for long-term trend analysis.