In a new global survey by Ipsos, global worries about crime and inflation have taken center stage in people’s minds. According to the July 2025 edition of the “What Worries the World” report, 32% of respondents worldwide say crime and violence are their biggest concerns, followed closely by inflation, which continues to impact daily life across many countries.
This rising concern reflects a shift in public perception compared to recent years, where health and unemployment were top concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, as the world deals with rising prices, financial instability, and growing social unrest, fear of crime and inflation has taken over.
Let’s take a closer look at what the Ipsos report reveals and what this means for people and governments around the globe.
The Ipsos survey, conducted across 29 countries, found that 32% of global respondents listed crime and violence as their top worry, making it the most commonly mentioned issue. Inflation followed closely behind, with 31% of people globally expressing concern about rising prices and the cost of living.
Here’s a breakdown of the top concerns reported worldwide:
While these numbers might shift slightly month-to-month, the trend shows that economic and safety issues dominate public sentiment globally.
While global worries about crime and inflation are widespread, different countries highlight different primary concerns based on their local context.
In countries such as Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, and Chile, fear of crime and violence is particularly high. These nations have been dealing with ongoing issues related to organized crime, drug trafficking, and weak law enforcement.
In South Africa, for instance, violent crime rates have remained alarmingly high. Ipsos found that nearly 60% of South African respondents listed crime as their primary concern.
In many European countries and the United States, inflation continues to hit hard. Rising food prices, housing costs, and fuel prices have pushed many households to the edge.
Countries like Germany, the UK, France, and the United States show a strong focus on inflation. People there are worried about how far their money can go and whether their savings will survive growing economic pressure.
The world has not fully recovered from the economic shock of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many governments borrowed heavily to manage the crisis, and now inflation is being felt in full force. Food, fuel, housing, and healthcare prices have increased almost everywhere.
People are now struggling to manage their household budgets. Even in wealthier countries, inflation has made basic necessities harder to afford.
Economic hardship often brings an increase in crime. As unemployment and poverty rise, so does theft, robbery, and other violent crimes. The fear of personal safety has grown among citizens across Latin America, Africa, and parts of Asia.
In some countries, lack of trust in the police and justice systems also plays a role. People feel that the state cannot protect them, which adds to the sense of insecurity.
In several nations, especially those with weak governance, corruption and political conflict make it harder to fight both crime and inflation. People feel frustrated when leaders fail to control rising prices or enforce laws effectively.
This lack of leadership further erodes public trust and fuels more concern.
The growing global worries about crime and inflation are not just numbers on a report—they are affecting real lives every day.
Living in fear—whether of being attacked or not being able to afford groceries—takes a toll. Many people now report higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, particularly those in vulnerable or low-income groups.
Governments around the world are now under pressure to address these top concerns. But are their efforts enough?
Central banks in many countries, including the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank, have increased interest rates in an effort to control inflation. But this also makes borrowing more expensive, which can slow down economic growth and hurt small businesses.
Efforts to fight crime include:
However, in many countries, these efforts are still not enough to match the growing fear people feel.
Ipsos found that people’s trust in governments and political leaders is low when it comes to tackling crime and inflation. Many citizens feel that policies are reactive rather than proactive. They also believe that the root causes—such as poverty, inequality, and corruption—are not being seriously addressed.
The report suggests that public confidence will only return when people see actual improvements in their daily lives.
To address global worries about crime and inflation, experts suggest the following:
While governments must take the lead, individuals and communities also have a role to play in addressing these issues:
Despite the challenges, there are signs of hope. Countries that have invested in long-term economic and social development—such as Singapore, Canada, and parts of Scandinavia—have lower levels of fear regarding crime and inflation. This shows that effective governance, economic planning, and community involvement can lead to lasting change.
Also, as public awareness grows through surveys like Ipsos’s, it puts pressure on leaders to act—not just speak.
The Ipsos report sends a clear message: global worries about crime and inflation are real, urgent, and growing. People want safer communities and stable economies. They want leaders who don’t just talk, but take meaningful action.
Whether it’s a policymaker in Europe, a community leader in Africa, or a concerned citizen in Asia, now is the time to come together, address root causes, and build a safer, more stable world for all.
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