Is United States Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

The United States generally offers a safe environment for solo female travelers. Smaller towns and rural areas are typically safe and you'll often find people help you if you're in trouble. Major cities are also generally safe, but just like in any large cities around the world, you should take usual precautions and avoid less crowded areas late at night. Public transportation and taxi systems are overall reliable and safe.

Safety rating

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How safe is United States?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

The safety of walking alone at night in the United States largely depends on the location. Urban, well-lit areas, and places with high foot traffic are generally safer than isolated or poorly lit areas. However, even in relatively safe cities, the level of safety can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. It's also important to be aware of your surroundings, avoid distractions such as your mobile phone, and note the locations of nearby businesses or authorities should you need them. A considerable number of cities have designated safe areas for women and emergency call boxes. Nonetheless, use measures of caution when walking alone at night.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in the United States is generally safe, with systems like buses, subways, and trams well-maintained and monitored for security. However, like anywhere, safety can vary depending on the location and time of day. It's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially during off-peak times. In major cities, public transport is frequently used by a broad cross-section of residents, which also tends to improve safety.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Moderate

Street harassment in the United States can vary greatly depending on the city or region you're in. In larger cities or more populated areas, harassment may occur more frequently. It can range from verbal comments to more aggressive behavior. However, it's important to note that there are also many areas where instances of street harassment are rare and authorities are often quick to respond to such matters. Awareness and education about street harassment and women's safety are rising, contributing to a decrease in occurrences.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

While safety varies greatly across different regions and cities in the United States, the overall risk of petty crime, including pickpocketing and theft, is moderate. Popular tourist destinations may see higher rates of these crimes, particularly in crowded areas or at major events. Always be aware of your surroundings, avoid flashing valuable items, and secure your belongings to minimize the risk.

Is United States worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 372 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.3/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.6/5

Chicago, Solo travel

Nice city! Lou Malnati’s deep dish pizza is 10 times better than Giordano’s. Most of the times it’s cheaper to by souvenir (or anything else) at target or CVS. River cruise is a must and online you can find better deals. Once you are done with the city center, west town and especially Milwaukee avenue is nice with a lot of second hand shops and cool cafes: a neighborhood with hippy vibes.

Posted: May 7, 2025
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Carolyn

Carolyn

United States

Mount Pleasant, Family travel

We stayed at the residence in town and I was a nice hotel with a cute and large breakfast area. The town has a very luxurious and expensive feel. Stores are built to look nice rather than attract customers. This makes the town have an overall elevated feel. Would highly recommend!

Posted: April 22, 2025
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Jasmin

Jasmin

Germany

Las Vegas, Group travel

It was a really great experience. I was with a travel group from a language academy what made it a lot easier. We stayed at a motel which was a bit outside of the city, because we were all under 21 and not allowed to go through the casinos, so we had to took a hotel where the rooms are outside of the casino. We went to the Grand Canyons, which was a really impressing experienc, it’s such a great view and it was really stunning, after this we went to Arizona Casey, who is a musician that lives on a ranch in the middle of nowhere. The atmosphere on the ranch was so great! Then we went to a Katy Perry concert, her show was absolutely stunning and really impressive. After that we went to all the hotels in the city and it was great, there are whole cities build inside the hotels and it’s definitely worth We also took a ride through the red canyons. In the hotels, the Freemont street and the canyons I felt safe but it was a bit scary at night because we had a few scary people in our motel. So at night it wasn’t so nice. We got a car to go to all the places, and the group leaders were driving. The costs were a bit high. We payed 4000 for everything, food, the flight, the activities and fuel. So it was a bit exp but definitely worth it. All in all it was a great experience and I can definitely recommend Las Vegas :))

Posted: April 21, 2025
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Salma

Salma

Iran

Los Angeles, Solo travel

Overall I didn't feel the safest if I wasn't in a super crowded or public place. I didn't feel to at ease walking the streets as a solo traveller. It wasn't super easy to get around without getting an uber but that's the case for most of North America. I was on a tight budget but there are lots of hotels offering shared female's rooms with lockers. That was a cool experience.

Posted: April 18, 2025Experienced: March, 2024
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Eylül

Eylül

Germany

Miami Beach, Solo travel

Miami really was a an experience on it’s own! The beach and the weather were just right and the people were extremely nice. I stayed in a hostel in South Beach and the girls in my room were lovely too🥰 It is an affordable option to a hotel or Airbnb. It is a very expensive city and I would absolutely recommend the Cafe‘s on Washington Ave!!

Posted: April 18, 2025
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Nyah

Nyah

United Kingdom

New York, Group travel

I love love loved New York. I went in 2023 before trump was elected thankfully. One of my all time favourite trips - it was a school trip so I was with a massive class under the care of my teachers. Such an amazing time, the plane ride was painful haha but yeah so so fun.

Posted: April 17, 2025
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United States, Family travel

In June and July 2022, I made a road trip with my family from Canada to the USA. It was : Montreal > Detroit > Boston > Provincetown and Cape Cod. 🚘 In average I feel pretty safe. When I was in Detroit we sleep in friends’ house so quite more immersive than an hotel. Montreal was a friendly place with very nice people all around. The street art on Saint-Laurent Boulevard is great. 🎨 Detroit was cool but in France, right after the COVID it was the “no bra” trend and Americans weren’t confortable with that at all ! Even little girls had to wear bra with hull because nipples are really shocking over there 😅 Boston was a great old money vibe town. I would recommend to go on the Boston Seaport for the sunset it’s amazing. 🌅 Provincetown is wonderful. I never feel that safe in my life. It’s LGBT friendly and they have such amazing shops all around to bring a souvenir. 🏳️‍🌈 And about Cape Cod it was fine. I liked the local artists selling their sea art. I also tried the famous lobster roll, quite expensive, but worth it ! 🦞

Posted: April 13, 2025
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Utah, Group travel

We went to Utah to explore the Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks. It was amazing. The food although closer to the park is limited in terms of options, so pack some snacks. The crowd was nice and we felt safe.

Posted: April 11, 2025Experienced: February, 2025
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Melissa

Melissa

Canada

Oahu, Solo travel

I had an epic experience with One Ocean Diving in Oahu, Hawaii. Ocean Ramsey & Juan Shark are the perfect people to conquer this potential fear with or live out a dream. Sharks used to be a fear of mine and as a professional Stunt woman, it's my nature to push my limits like this. One Ocean Diving are educational and offer a cage free dive with safety divers. I paid the extra fee and had a photographer join us. (They offer this) So you can enjoy your experience and not worry about selfies. Lol 🩵🌊🤙

Posted: March 15, 2025
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Chicago, Solo travel

I loved staying in Chicago and although all the talk you hear about how dangerous it is compared to other cities I felt super safe. I loved the architecture boat tour and all the different things Chicago had to offer. Also loved that Chicago is super walkable!

Posted: March 10, 2025
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Is United States safe for women?

Safety index

4 /5

Based on 1228 local experiences

Crime index

2.4 /5

Based on 1228 local experiences

Los Angeles

Pretty safe depending on what areas you are in of the city. Generally like any big city, car theft is probably the most common crime. Public transport can be sketchy since most people in LA have cars and drive.

Posted: May 9, 2025
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Austin

I think as in any other place, we have to be aware of our surroundings and our drinks. There is a large homeless population that might make people uneasy, but I've personally never had any issues with them. Overall, it's a fairly safe place, and people do watch out for one another. I've been out late at night / downtown alone plenty of times and have never felt unsafe.

Posted: May 9, 2025
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Meet locals in United States

Angela

Angela

About Me

About to be done with law school and start my real life, trying to use my Delta companion pass as much as possible before I lose all my free time 😮‍💨

Speaking

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Keyra

Keyra

About Me

Hello, I'm Keyra. I am an introvert, but love making new friends, exploring new places, and discovering different interests. I have a cat named Penny and a dog named Pepper.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in United States

Angela

Angela

Atlanta

Can host for:

3 days

About me

About to be done with law school and start my real life, trying to use my Delta companion pass as much as possible before I lose all my free time 😮‍💨

Speaking

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Maddie

Maddie

Madison

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Hi, I'm Maddie! Sometimes pinked-haired, sometimes not. I've lived in the Midwestern United States my whole life and am finally getting out to travel the world! My favorite spots so far are: Reykjavik, the Alps, and the Rockies. I have three big goals for traveling: 1) Experience culture and nature 2) Try chocolate from every country 3) Visit as many (ethical) zoos and aquariums as I can Want to know some cool spots up in Wisconsin? I gotchu!

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to United States

Mia

Mia

About Me

Hi I am Mia and I am 20 years old right now🦋 I grew up with a lot of traveling and couch surfing and as soon as I turned 18 I started to explore the world by myself. I'm more an extrovert person and I love to talk when the vibe is nice. I've been to several countries and worked in different areas by now. I'm a very empathetic and understanding person. Respecting boundaries is very important for me and I would never do something which makes another one uncomfortable. ♡ I have a lot of interest.... but my real passion are dogs (dog training, breeding...) and also KPOP. I love to learn about new things and cultures and I am open to almost everything. I love meeting new people because I think this is how you understand the world, listening to different opinions and seeing the world with different eyes.

Speaking

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Olga

Olga

About Me

Hi everyone! I am 24 and I am about to end studies in Wrocław. I will be on work and travel in USA this summer. Is there anyone who wants to explore Hawaii? Or maybe shere place to sleep? (24.08-31.08)

Speaking

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Safety in United States