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 366 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.3/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5
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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New York, Group travel

I spent six days in New York City last summer. I felt safe. There were a few weird people, but they didn’t really care about others. And if they did, you just had to ignore them. Things to do: Brooklyn (DUMBO, Brooklyn Bridge), Central Park, Grand Central Terminal, Times Square, take the free ferry to see the Statue of Liberty, visit the 9/11 Memorial (I didn’t go inside), Summit One Vanderbilt (the ticket was around $50, I guess), and take the free cable car. I had a MetroCard, which was about $30–40 for a week. I stayed in New Jersey and took a bus every day. It happened to be free that week, so I was really lucky! The ride was about half an hour. I used the subway at the end of the day, tried to walk as much as possible, and occasionally took a bus during the day. The hotel was pretty nice.

Posted: March 7, 2025
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Chicago, Solo travel

I was so surprised about Chicago. I actually felt way safer than in my hometown. The locals were so nice and there were so many green spots downtown. The only thing is that food is super expensive there.

Posted: March 3, 2025
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Aino

Aino

Finland

Virginia Beach, Solo travel

I took a solo trip to Virginia Beach in the fall of 2024. I study theology, and nature is important to me, so I visited places related to these interests: various churches, cemeteries, and natural sites. I visited the Virginia Beach Aquarium and went on a dolphin-watching kayak tour organized by Chesapeake Outdoors. It was great! The shoreline of Virginia Beach is breathtakingly beautiful— as long as you keep your eyes on the ocean and pretend not to see the row of hotels behind your back. I rented a car and found it essential, as the distances were surprisingly long. Finding gluten-free food in restaurants was unexpectedly difficult, but grocery stores had a wide selection. I'm glad I had a microwaveowen in my room. The weather was warm and humid and the people were friendly and helpful, and I felt safe even when exploring alone.

Posted: February 28, 2025Experienced: July, 2024
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Alaska, Group travel

If you love snow, nature, mountains and animals, you have to go to Alaska! We did the trip with six girls and it wasn’t that expensive at all for us. Sharing the costs is always a good way to save money. You have to know that the activities are more expensive then another vacation. I would love to go in the summer to, because that’s more fun to hike and be more outside.

Posted: February 25, 2025Experienced: February, 2025
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San Francisco, Solo travel

San Francisco is quite safe at the daylight. You can meet some homeless people, but they are not crazy. I recommend stay in when sun goes down or walk only in crowded areas. Downtown and Chinatown are pretty crowded.

Posted: February 14, 2025
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Is United States safe for women?

Safety index

4 /5

Based on 1197 local experiences

Crime index

2.4 /5

Based on 1197 local experiences

Chicago

Like any other urban city, being aware of your surroundings is essential. I have no problem walking home at night around my neighborhood, but It's important to pay attention(not on your phone) I love how close I am to restaurants, bars and shops. Love Chicago

Posted: April 18, 2025
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Los Angeles County

Pretty safe, I like leaving here. I def don't like to go out at night, but I still feel pretty safe, no complaints, no homeless people. And a lot of vendors of delicious food. Definitely recommend it

Posted: April 17, 2025
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Meet locals in United States

Theresa

Theresa

About Me

Hi, I’m Theresa! I live in the sunny state of New Mexico right now, but due to my work and love of travel, I am always somewhere different. 4 rescue pups Celiac Lived in four countries so far 22 countries down

Speaking

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Daemiyan

Daemiyan

About Me

Los Angeles native pretending that I'm still a little chubby baby as long as my face hides the horrible, unforgivable truth. No one has to know. You'll lie for me, your new best friend, won't you? Aw, you're the best. I have an invisible disability that slowly but surely will make it impossible for me to travel at all (at best). My goal is to grind out a world tour in small bursts , meet beautiful people & make friends across the world. I've seen both wonders and horrors beyond comprehension in this life, and I aim to see much, much more. I have a giant sense of humor that can be anywhere from silly, ironic, a bit dark (if present company is comfortable with it), but I'll also make you suffer through some very lame dad jokes. I learned to laugh through the hard times, and now I always do it. I do best with people who aren't uptight, judgemental, disrespectful, or bigots. If you try and drop hints about something, you're wasting your time. I prefer being told like it is. If you have nasty things to say about marginalized groups, walk on, sister. I'm not the fashionable circus freak for you. Be kind to others in this short life! I'm told I'm a firecracker & I don't take shit from anyone despite being very affable. I love to help people if I can. I'm an ambivert, so it's accurate to say that I could spend weeks alone like it was nothing, but also spend that same duration with a throng of other people. Just don't be surprised when I have random days where all I can do is rest. I tend to be a bit flaky as I never know what the next day brings. I'm really excited to add some spice and joy to your life and vice versa. :)

Speaking

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Stay with locals in United States

Theresa

Theresa

Albuquerque

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, I’m Theresa! I live in the sunny state of New Mexico right now, but due to my work and love of travel, I am always somewhere different. 4 rescue pups Celiac Lived in four countries so far 22 countries down

Speaking

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Trudi

Trudi

Bozeman

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi I’m Trudi! I’m a student currently taking some time off to travel around Europe☺️

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to United States

Jessica

Jessica

About Me

Hi! My name is Jessica. I'm a traveling engineer, and I travel a lot for fun. A few of the things I love include hiking, coffee ☕️, walks with my doggo 🐶 and as already mentioned, traveling 🏞

Speaking

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Ornella

Ornella

About Me

Hey! I'm Orne. Product designer from buenos aires.

Speaking

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Safety in United States