Is Columbus safe for solo female travelers?

Columbus, is considered relatively safe for solo female travelers. However, caution should always be exercised, particularly during the night or in less populated areas. The city has standard safety measures in place and incidents are usually concentrated in certain areas. As usual, common sense should prevail - avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, secure your belongings, and stay alert of your surroundings. Public transportation is deemed safe but have room for improvements.

Safety rating

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How safe is Columbus for solo female travelers?

How safe is Columbus for women?

Local safety index

3.6 /5

Based on 10 local experiences

Local crime index

2.1 /5

Based on 10 local experiences

Samantha

Samantha

Columbus is best and safest during daytime hours or with friends at nighttime hours. Be cautious in Downtown Columbus at night. Do not go to the Hilltop area at all. Other than that, North and East of Columbus are always pretty safe and fun.

Posted: December 25, 2025
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Maria

Maria

Vast majority of its safe, however, there are a few areas that are considered a bit sketchy. Most of the violent crime is between gangs and won't effect visitors or unrelated residents. I personally feel comfortable by myself at night, but if nervous, bringing a buddy downtown (uptown) with you at night is always a good call.

Posted: May 20, 2025
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I feel mostly safe, I don’t have a lot of anxiety over being around potentially unsafe people. However there’s definitely unsafe people in certain areas that I’m aware of. I would recommend the buddy system!

Posted: February 19, 2025
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JOJO

JOJO

While I can’t speak to the overall crime rate in Columbus as a whole, I can confidently say that the area where I live is very safe. It's a peaceful and quiet neighborhood, and I feel secure here. The community is friendly, and I’ve never had any concerns about safety. Of course, every city has its ups and downs, but my experience in this particular area has been nothing but positive. It’s a place where I feel at ease, and I enjoy the environment I’m in.

Posted: February 16, 2025
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Erika

Erika

Columbus is a very safe city nestled between Indianapolis, Bloomington, Cincinnati, and Louisville. The public transport is pretty much nonexistent because everyone drives. I wouldn’t walk around the east side late at night alone, but any other part is fine. I live on the north side and it’s very safe at any time.

Posted: December 29, 2024
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Safety map

The safety map shows areas in Columbus where women have reported feeling unsafe.

Safety in United States

Hospitality Exchange in Columbus

Blessing

Blessing

Columbus

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi I’m an Ohio State student who loves food more than life and I love to meet new people. I’m obsessed with Brutus (our school mascot) and I love to travel!

Speaking

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Bree

Bree

Columbus

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Hello! I’m Bree! I’m a software engineer from Columbus, Ohio, USA. I love traveling and meeting new people from all over the world. I have experience teaching the English language both in the USA and abroad. I’m also an aspiring polyglot! Outside of travel I love concerts, karaoke, and world history! 日本語はOK.

Speaking

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