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 363 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.3/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5
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 đŸ©”đŸŒŠđŸ€™

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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United States, Solo travel

I felt safe most of the times, but I wouldn’t recommend going alone there since it’s a big place and crimes are common there but if you go in a group or have family there it’s okay. It’s very expensive so make sure to bring enough money.

Posted: February 10, 2025Experienced: February, 2025
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Wynwood, Solo travel

MY SAFETY RATING: pretty fun and safe with lots of things to do from 7pm to 10pm. Also nice to visit during the day, the new architecure especially the shoppes near ross are a lot more shaded. do park at ross or valet at the wynwood garage with the fancy white sides. ross costed me 15 from 7 to 12am and wynwood was 20 for allnight valet. i would experiment in parking in some of the free zones but one is walking distance from a tow truck and both look dark at night so I'm willing to pay out the ass if it means I get home safe. i walked from wynwood to midtown across north miami avenue around midnight, only came across some friendly tourists asking for directions. its a bit freaky being alone walking for 30 minutes so check the lil alleys, walk against traffic, and try to stay in lit areas. some buildings were occupied but for the most part streets outside downtown wynwood get quiet after 11. if you have a walk above 10 minutes to get to your car, I'd get an uber back home or to where you're parked. but im a Florida local, broke, and im typically armed so i took the risk. keep in mind this was February, I wouldn't attempt this around spring break.

Posted: February 6, 2025Experienced: February, 2025
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Julie

Julie

Brazil

Lincoln, Couple travel

I am not a winter person, so I went to NH White mtns during the summer for the green forests, springs and lakes. I would recommend staying at an Airbnb to save money on cooking food and such. Very kind people and great for the granola girls who like hiking.

Posted: February 3, 2025
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Is United States safe for women?

Safety index

4 /5

Based on 1165 local experiences

Crime index

2.4 /5

Based on 1165 local experiences

Theresa

Theresa

Albuquerque

Albuquerque gets a bad rap, there are places that are very dangerous, but there are also so many incredibly safe places. Basically just don’t go below I40 unless you’re in Nob Hill or old town area and you’re fine

Posted: April 2, 2025
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Serra

Serra

Maine

Where I live in Maine is very safe. I live in the small coastal town of Saco. It is popular with tourists during the summer however crime rates are extremely low. And is safe for a solo travelers. There Is a big international school on the maine street so the town has a young population who are out and about with no safety concerns/issues.

Posted: April 1, 2025
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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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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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Upcoming visitors to United States

Diplomomwife

Diplomomwife

About Me

I'm a wife, mom of two teenage boys, world traveler, and diplomat. I've lived in seven countries, traveled to 38 countries; and if I haven't been there yet, it's on my list. I'm looking to meet ladies who have similar interests and make new friends in new places.

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Carlota

Carlota

About Me

I'm a Spanish woman living in Germany. I love travelling, reading, writing and just walking around!

Speaking

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Safety in United States