Santa Catarina: Brazil’s Safest Gateway to a Better Life

When it comes to living well in Brazil, one state consistently stands out: Santa Catarina.

Beyond stunning landscapes and coastal charm, what truly sets this southern state apart is its measurable, high-quality standard of living — a fact recognized both nationally and internationally.

According to data from the Atlas of Human Development in Brazil and recent statistics published by IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics), Santa Catarina ranks among the top states in key indicators such as:

• Human Development Index (HDI)

• Public safety

• Education (basic and higher)

• Public healthcare system

• Employment and income per capita

These indicators place cities like Florianópolis, Joinville, Blumenau, and Balneário Camboriú among the best-rated urban centers in the country. In fact, in areas such as education and safety, many of these cities compare favorably with developed countries in Europe.

In Brazil — a country known for contrasts — Santa Catarina stands out not only for its beauty and development, but for its safety.While cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro continue to face challenges with urban violence and public security, Santa Catarina offers a vastly different reality: low crime, social stability, and peace of mind.

📊 The Numbers Speak for Themselves

According to data from the Institute for Applied Economic Research (IPEA) and the Brazilian Public Security Forum:

• Santa Catarina has the lowest homicide rate among all Brazilian states — just 8.4 per 100,000 inhabitants (2023), while Rio de Janeiro reports over 33, and São Paulo nearly 10.

• It also has one of the lowest robbery and assault rates among Brazilian capitals.

• Most of its major cities — such as Blumenau, Joinville, and Florianópolis — consistently rank among the safest urban areas in Brazil.

• 
  

🌐 Why Safety Matters for Foreign Residents

Living abroad isn’t just about buying a beautiful property — it’s about feeling secure walking the streets, raising a family, or opening a business.

Smaller, wealthier, and better-managed than many larger Brazilian states, Santa Catarina creates an environment where foreigners can integrate more easily, without the constant concerns that come with high-crime regions.

And while cities like São Paulo and Rio have their global appeal, they also present complex urban challenges, including traffic, pollution, and social inequality.In contrast, Santa Catarina offers:

• Human-scale cities with modern infrastructure

• Efficient public services and healthcare

• Less bureaucracy and more localized support

• A population that values safety, community, and hospitality

• 
  

🏡 Smart Living, Smarter Investing

Safety isn’t just a personal concern — it’s also an investment factor.Properties in safer regions tend to hold or increase their value more steadily over time, and attract renters, retirees, and tourists with greater consistency.

In Santa Catarina, you don’t have to choose between beauty and security — you get both.From the beaches of Florianópolis to the mountains of São Joaquim, from the bustling charm of Balneário Camboriú to the serenity of Pomerode, the state offers a rare combination: vibrant culture, modern living, and real peace of mind.

✦ Living well is a universal dream. Investing where that’s already a reality — is a smart decision.

Author’s Note

As someone who has lived and worked in Santa Catarina for over two decades, I’ve seen firsthand how uniquely diverse this region truly is. From beachfront condos in vibrant tourist cities to serene countryside homes in the mountains, the state offers an impressive range of opportunities — whether you're looking for a permanent residence, a vacation retreat, or a strategic real estate investment. The market here isn't just growing — it's maturing, attracting both families seeking quality of life and investors seeking long-term returns. For many of my international clients, Santa Catarina isn’t just a destination — it becomes a new chapter.