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

Travel and Meet new People

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

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 355 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.3/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Boston, Solo travel

I had a great time in Boston, USA. I spent about a week there before I moved on and on and visited some relatives nearby. Boston was still pretty snowy. The greenaway was nice with public art but not well shovelled. I really liked the free viewing point " Observation Deck at Independence Wharf". The parks and public transport were quite nice too. The galleries had a free entry evening at the time and lovely art. The park by the galleries "Fan Pier Park", the waterfront by MIT Richard J. Resch Boathouse and Revere Beach had great views but the wind was a bit too cold at times in March when I visited. I would recommend. The HI Boston Hostel was convenient and pleasant. I also stayed in a hotel by Revere beach which was really nice and relaxing. "Las Delicias Colombianas" restaurant I think is the one where I got my sizzling steak at which was great.

Posted: February 2, 2025Experienced: March, 2022
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Hawaii, Solo travel

Always felt safe on all islands. Eaxh island had such a different vibe! Especially loved how accessible Oahu was with public transport. Still recommend renting a car to find the most beautiful spots! Maui was probably my favourite island, sunset over the clouds in the National Park, the Nature on the road to Hana and the hikes were amazing!

Posted: February 2, 2025Experienced: July, 2022
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

United States, Group travel

I spent 10 days in the United States with my class. It was an amazing experience! I visited Buffalo during 1 week and New York for 3 days. Everything was impressive: the skyline, the monuments, museums, statues, but also the food and all the activities I did there. For example I ran in Central Park, which was absolutely something I could do again! I loved visiting museums like the Museum of Modern Art or the 9/11 memorial. NY and Buffalo felt overall pretty safe for me, because I was in a group.

Posted: January 30, 2025
favorite_border 3
mode_comment 0
Valeria

Valeria

Germany

Las Vegas, Group travel

My first time in the US was visiting Las Vegas while doing the work and travel program in a smaller city called Laughlin. It was really an amazing experience that I carry dear to myself. I got to meet so many amazing people and places, had lots of fun and growth 😌❤️

Posted: January 22, 2025Experienced: February, 2023
favorite_border 5
mode_comment 0

Philadelphia, Solo travel

I rented an Airbnb for a day, and it went well! I walked to the store with the Airbnb host and we chatted and got groceries, and the area felt safe. People were mostly friendly, and the grocery store I went to was very bougie but the food was meh. Philly cheesesteak is overrated as I learned.

Posted: January 22, 2025Experienced: April, 2023
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Seattle, Couple travel

Walking and public transportation largely were very comfortable experiences. Late night walking for food/drinks with partner felt like the right call. Weeklong trip went without incident. Looking forward to the next visit.

Posted: January 11, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Is United States safe for women?

Safety index

4 /5

Based on 1098 local experiences

Crime index

2.4 /5

Based on 1098 local experiences

Bar Harbor

Small tourist town, very safe. Everyone I know leaves their bikes around town unlocked, very few instances of stealing. I sleep with all doors unlocked, and some people actually leave their car keys in the ignition when they go shopping!! I haven’t felt unsafe at bars etc but I haven’t been out much.

Posted: February 21, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

New York

I'm from NYC. I've never asked myself this question while living here. My motto is to be careful of your surroundings at all times no matter which city you're living in or traveling to. Be aware and don't forget to enjoy yourself.

Posted: February 21, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Safety in United States