Is Kansas City safe for solo female travelers?

Kansas City is generally considered a safe destination for solo female travelers. Most areas favored by tourists, such as the Country Club Plaza, Crown Center, and downtown, are typically bustling and well-patrolled. However, like any urban area, it's still essential to be aware of your surroundings, especially during the evening and night times. Attention should be paid while using public transport at late hours. So, while the city overall offers a sizable degree of safety, caution should always be a companion while traveling alone.

Safety rating

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How safe is Kansas City for female travelers?

Travel safety index

3.7 /5

based on 3 experiences from female travelers

Solo travel

I rented a car from St. Louis and drove across the state to Kansas City, which was only a 3 hour drive (for those of you that want to do the opposite!) I felt very safe where I stayed, which was an Air BnB right outside of the Power and Light District. It was an easy walk or electric scooter ride into the P&LD. I highly recommend hopping on the train (I’m pretty sure it’s free?) that takes you from one end of the city to the other to explore more, getting off on all the stops. When I was there, the KC Live Block had a live 21+ country concert (Hot Country Nights - every Thursday during the summer) and it was amazing. The following night was a PBR event so I was able to watch a live rodeo. I went to a KC Royals game which was about a 20 minute commute outside of the city but a wonderful experience. Noteworthy food was Jack Stack and County Road Ice House for some quality BBQ, Cafe Corazon for latte flights.

Posted: April 19, 2024
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Sara

Sara

United States

Solo travel

I feel safe in most areas of Kansas City. I do not feel safe on the Plaza due to the protesting and thug behavior. Raytown, Independence, Troost Avenue, KCK, Argentine are areas I would feel unsafe. Overland Park, Olathe, Leawood, Mission, Prairie Village, Shawnee, Waldo and Brookside are safe

Posted: February 4, 2024
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Sara

Sara

Germany

Solo travel

I spent a year abroad in Kansas City and stayed there for 5 months in 2021. In 2023, I went back for the summer and experienced even more things. Before that, I traveled with my family along the West Coast in a camper and saw everything I had always wanted to see in the western United States.

Posted: January 6, 2024
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How safe is Kansas City for women?

Local safety index

3.1 /5

Based on 9 local experiences

Local crime index

2.6 /5

Based on 9 local experiences

Downtown area can be dangerous at night, midtown/plaza area is fairly nice, but the drivers can be a little more aggressive, suburban areas are safe, especially further south in Leawood, Overland Park, Shawnee mission, and Olathe.

Posted: June 21, 2025
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BrittELife

BrittELife

Kansas City MO is typically safe. There are a few areas within the city that are a no go zone for anyone (especially women). Other than those small areas the city is safe. I would not recommend to take any city transport. Taking cabs or renting a car is the only way to truly see the city.

Posted: May 6, 2025
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Ivy

Ivy

Kansas City itself feels like any other big city, but in the metro area there are many many suburbs and neighborhoods that feel much safer than downtown KC Kansas or Missouri. I personally have never had a negative experience downtown, but I also don’t spend a lot of time out and about alone or after dark.

Posted: February 3, 2025
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Emma

Emma

I’ve lived and traveled all over and KC is one of the safest places I feel I’ve been in! Downtown is a little iffy sometimes with homeless like most cities though. However I’ve never felt any discomfort and have even had plenty of great conversations with homeless which I haven’t found in other cities! It’s a Midwest city so people are friendly and the it’s not over populated which I love! It’s not a crazy fun place like some of my other travels but I’ve found some great spots and adventures that have kept me living here and not wanting to move :)

Posted: December 28, 2024
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Kansas City is safe but there are definitely places you should avoid going to. I typically feel comfortable going around the suburbs of Kansas City but the city itself can be different. I recommend getting to know the city and area more before completely traveling alone.

Posted: October 2, 2024
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Safety in United States