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 378 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.3/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.6/5

California, Solo travel

I travelled inland from SFO to Sisters Oregon, and back via the coast. I stayed some nights with friends, some nights with Couchsurfing hosts and some nights at a hotel/motel I rented a car to get around as I also wanted to be independent and be able to stop where I wanted. I felt safe, and people were very friendly wherever I came.

Posted: June 2, 2025
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Maine, Solo travel

Maine is gorgeous. Coastal Maine from Portland to Acadia National Park. Great to go in the fall after kids have gone back to school, crowds are minimal, and the fall foliage is in its colorful prime. Beaches are clean, food is good, and inland you will find gorgeous hikes and lakes where it's quiet, peaceful, and rural. Very safe, people are friendly and keep to themselves, lots of families and retired folks.

Posted: May 29, 2025Experienced: October, 2021
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Hannah

Hannah

United States

Arizona, Solo travel

Though I stayed in Phoenix, most of my time was spent in other parts of the state. Like all major cities, however, Phoenix has its good and its bad, and as long as you are aware of your surroundings and don't go out at night by yourself, it can be a good experience. Outside of Phoenix, at places like Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and Tombstone, I felt generally safe enough to travel alone and did not experience any harassment (but that could be just a me experience as I am sure that some others may have had that sort of experience)

Posted: May 15, 2025Experienced: May, 2025
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Farah

Farah

Tunisia

Washington, Group travel

We stayed at the Marriott Hotel during our exchange trip. The accommodation was decent for the experience, but unfortunately, the food at the hotel was below average. That said, the overall experience was really enjoyable. I loved exploring many of the city's monuments, and we even got the chance to attend a baseball game, which was a highlight! For food, I highly recommend Elephant & Castle and Pizza Uno at Union Station they were definitely a step up from the hotel dining. My favorite place was the National Gallery of Art a must-visit if you're in the city. Overall, the city felt quite safe, and I had a great time discovering it.

Posted: May 12, 2025Experienced: June, 2022
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Albin Roach at Dallas Pkwy Frisco, Solo travel

Alot of choices of restaurants and things to do that are kid friendly. I liked walking the boardwalks and having my dog and other people there were so nice it was nice meeting new people and enjoying the experience solo.

Posted: May 12, 2025
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Is United States safe for women?

Safety index

4 /5

Based on 1269 local experiences

Crime index

2.4 /5

Based on 1269 local experiences

Nicole

Nicole

Oak Harbor

Oak Harbor is a sleepy town, most places closing up around 9pm. The downtown area and state parks are great and welcoming, no Seattle freeze up here :) Bit of cultural diversity due to the military base in town. Not much of an LGBT presence in the area. Note: Over by the shopping centers (Walmart, Safeway) are quite a bit of unhoused people meandering about but they usually don’t cause trouble. Just not a spot to go after dark.

Posted: June 4, 2025
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Meet locals in United States

Amira

Amira

About Me

Lover of philosophy, exploring places near and far, water adventures and sports, magical everything, and diverse people.

Speaking

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Maiqi

Maiqi

About Me

22 year old girl from china living out her dreams in NYC! i’ve lived in italy and traveled to 27 countries and counting (4 as solo trips!) 💝

Speaking

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Stay with locals in United States

Amira

Amira

Mount Shasta

Can host for:

4 days

About me

Lover of philosophy, exploring places near and far, water adventures and sports, magical everything, and diverse people.

Speaking

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Ash

Ash

Chestertown

Can host for:

3 days

About me

hey hi hello! fully 420 friendly traveling model who would love to explore with others, host others if they come to my bayside town, make great connections and so much more! i have audhd by the way — just makes me a little silly & not like others, lol! but it makes me a great planner, and i can always ease awkward tension with a joke or a lively question. i am also queer, so if you’re okay with that or are also, we most definitely will get along! i get along with most people, even if they don’t align with my same beliefs, so i am also open to debate as well, unless it’s about basic human rights, as those are not to debate, it is a necessity. anywho, hit me up, let’s do something, go somewhere, have a blast!!! 🐣 ♪( ´θ`)ノALSO: i speak japanese & can also read it if you are here for lang exchange! i am terrible at kanji, as i haven’t had lessons in many years and forget so many.. thus i would need help with kanji! i am also currently learning korean. (i am on my second year of learning kor, but i know quite a lot already due to cultural immersion i have done!) if you’d like to language exchange, please just let me know, i would LOVE to chat with you!

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Upcoming visitors to United States

Elise

Elise

About Me

Hey! I’m a French au pair living in the US since last September. I’m leaving in 3 months, so I’m looking to explore and make the most of my time here before heading back home! I’m a foodie who loves cooking, discovering cute spots, and snapping pics along the way. Totally addicted to TikTok (oops 😅), but trying to unplug a bit and focus on real, meaningful connections. I speak French & English, and I really value good communication – being honest and clear just makes everything easier and more fun! I can be a little shy at first, but once I feel comfy, I’m all in. Let’s travel, chat, and maybe share a few laughs (and snacks)! 💕✈️📸

Speaking

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Dhruvi

Dhruvi

About Me

Introvert with a suitcase 🧳 | Will hike for views & dance for joy (but only once I’m comfy 😄) | Currently manifesting: spontaneous road trips, mountain sunrises, and travel besties who don’t mind detours for cute cafes ☕️💫 PS. Currently learning the two-step dance 💃👢

Speaking

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Safety in United States