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

4.7 /5

based on 327 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5
May

May

United States

Maui, Couple travel

My husband and I visit Maui, and stayed at 3 different Airbnbs in different areas of Maui. I felt extremely safe in all the neighborhood! The food is just amazing, from food truck to high end restaurants, they really know how to make the food right. I don’t think you can go wrong with any restaurant to be honest. The hotel or Airbnbs are generally pretty pricey, ranging from 400-600 for some modest stay. But the overall experience is pretty magical, Maui got rain forest and dry side, so it leads to many different types of activities like hiking, snorkeling etc, I have to say that if you plan to go to Hana, the highway is pretty challenging given that it a 3 hours drive by the cliff, and sometimes you have to wait bc the road becomes single lane. It was our honeymoon, so we had a little budget to play with. If you go solo, I would definitely recommend it!

Posted: November 17, 2024
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New York, Solo travel

I treated my dad to an immersive experience for his birthday and it was great. I rode on the subway for the first time which was also an exciting experience. We spent 2 days together then he left and stayed behind on my own for a few days more where I went on a self-guided walking tour of DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights on my own which was so memorable but would have been better with company.

Posted: October 18, 2024Experienced: August, 2024
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Aurora

Aurora

United States

Juneau, Solo travel

Did a three day trip, and it was amazing! I did a solo hike part way up Mt. McGinnis to see Mendenhall Glacier! It's very easy to navigate the bus system, and local are friendly. The hostel is also right downtown!

Posted: October 13, 2024Experienced: October, 2024
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Hannah

Hannah

United Kingdom

Alaska, Solo travel

Female solo traveller visiting Alaska from the UK. Stayed in mainly hostels to save money on excursions as they are quite expensive. I felt safe and everyone was very friendly, welcoming and helpful. Hired a car using TURO for the first few days of my trip, 1st time I’ve done this and couldn’t fault it and was much cheaper than normal car hire companies. Itinerary Anchorage Girdwood Whittier Seward Eagle River / Hatcher Pass Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Talkeetna Alaska Railroad from Talkeetna to Fairbanks. I highly recommend the Gold Star service. Excursions Blackstone Bay Jetski Tour (from Whittier) Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise 7.5hr Real Alaska Tour (Seaveys Ididaride) Northern Lights Tour (Fairbanks)

Posted: October 7, 2024
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Los Angeles, Solo travel

LA is expensive and big. I stayed in a hostel in Santa Monica, it is cool being so close to the water and also fairly closer to The Getty and Hammer museum which are both free. The Getty gives you a beautiful view of the city and is nice to be there when the sun sets. LA seems like an interesting lace and too many different neighbours to determine safety. I felt safe in the places I was in and felt safe alone travelling on public transit.

Posted: September 29, 2024
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Susanna

Susanna

Canada

Seattle, Solo travel

Quiet place mostly reserved polite people. Very safe - food for nature hikes out of town. City is pretty basic American city - watch out for rainy season which is winter I believe. Lake Washington is nice, fish market is cool spot to see and get some local food or art.

Posted: September 27, 2024
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San Francisco, Solo travel

It was pretty safe and convenient in San Francisco. Fisherman’s wharf and beaches were pretty nice. Sunsets were my favorite. Food, transportation and Uber, and accommodation were quite expensive though.

Posted: September 25, 2024
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Eyreka

Eyreka

United States

Valdez, Solo travel

Valdez was beautiful and welcoming. It honestly looks like a rainforest when you're there in July. I drove from Anchorage to Valdez and that in itself was a trip. Some of the drive is not for the feint of heart. The canyon you drive through right before you hit Valdez is some of the most picturesque, gorgeous scenes I've ever laid eyes on. Waterfalls, streams, greenery,and mountains all around. The food is good, but costly. Valdez is tiny and during tourist season it can get crowded. The harbor is beautiful and I went for early a.m. walks that were SO serene. Lots of berry picking/eating with some locals and watched to walrus get lucky catching fish at the Solomon Gultch Hatchery. I missed taking a cruise on the Prince William Sound, but I was so busy seeing other sights it was just fine! Such a lovely little place and I hope I return some day.

Posted: September 21, 2024Experienced: July, 2023
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Las Vegas, Solo travel

I went to the Bellagio and although it was beautiful there was a strange man who approached me and I didn't really feel safe. Fremont St is expensive but had an open festival vibe. There were intoxicated ppl at McDonald's and wanted to fight me. I wouldn't go alone. I'm used to traveling alone but not any more

Posted: September 19, 2024Experienced: August, 2023
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Santa Fe, Solo travel

very safe, sooo much art and downtown is beautiful. Native American. people are very kind. its very expensive to live nonetheless worth the visit. There is an outdoor vibe. hiking and camping. swimming in the lakes and hot springs. the opera and great dining .

Posted: September 13, 2024
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Is United States safe for women?

Safety index

3.9 /5

Based on 706 local experiences

Crime index

2.3 /5

Based on 706 local experiences

Eden

Eden

Benton

Hi! My name is Eden and I just wanted to tell you how safe Benton Arkansas is. Benton is a very safe area and I can confidently say that. The population has been growing over these last few years but so far the area is still very safe! Very green and there’s a lot of mountains in the state but not a lot to do if you like to stay indoors!

Posted: November 14, 2024
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Hobe Sound

Hobe Sound is very safe! I have never felt scared of walking alone or worried about theft. In fact, I leave my front door unlocked everyday and work 30 min out of town. The beaches are safe as well and the public beaches have lifeguards.

Posted: November 13, 2024
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Meet locals in United States

Christina

Christina

About Me

Hello! I am solo traveling out of the country for the first time and am very excited! If anyone is going to be there at the same time as me and would like to meet up, message me!

Speaking

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Alejandra

Alejandra

About Me

Designer who loves to traveling the world. Living in Los Angeles originally from Colombia. Next trip is eastern Europe. Reach out if you want to join, looking for a traveling companion.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in United States

Alejandra

Alejandra

Los Angeles

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Designer who loves to traveling the world. Living in Los Angeles originally from Colombia. Next trip is eastern Europe. Reach out if you want to join, looking for a traveling companion.

Speaking

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Remi

Remi

Charlotte

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi fellow travelers! i'm Remi from Japan living in Charlotte NC. I'm a professional dancer and I lived 10 years in Europe before moving to the USA. I will be traveling from June till the end of July but I will be happy to meet up, host, show you around, whatever I can help for your travel if I am in Charlotte! Feel free to contact me:)

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to United States

Amanda

Amanda

About Me

I live in Wisconsin and would love to travel the US a few times a year - ideally I’d love to find someone else who works from home where we could plan a week here or there. Work during the day and explore at night and on the weekend(s). I love hiking, live music, hanging out by the pool, wineries and sightseeing. I also love trying new things and being out in nature ❤️

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Safety in United States