Attempt to compare crime statistics in Mexico with many other developed nations (i.e. the USA) results in apples to oranges comparisons. Mexico doesn't maintain a reliable, inclusive database of crimes. And it sometimes classifies crimes it does count/report differently.
Regions and specific destinations are better to compare, when possible, than nations as a whole. The best guide I've seen that'll help us steer clear of the most serious of the terrorist, warfare and criminal activities is this map read together with the warnings issued by the U.S. Department of State:
http://www.travelweekly.com/uploaded...MEXICOMAP4.pdf
Most of what's happening in Mexico that'll be scary never sees print in the USA. One has to read Spanish and scan the Mexican newspapers to learn these things.