Is Kansas City Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Kansas City is generally considered a safe destination for solo female travelers. Most areas favored by tourists, such as the Country Club Plaza, Crown Center, and downtown, are typically bustling and well-patrolled. However, like any urban area, it's still essential to be aware of your surroundings, especially during the evening and night times. Attention should be paid while using public transport at late hours. So, while the city overall offers a sizable degree of safety, caution should always be a companion while traveling alone.

Safety rating

3.7 /5

Based on 3 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

2.9 /5

Based on 7 experiences from local women

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How safe is Kansas City?

Safety at night:Moderate

Kansas City, like many other major cities, varies in safety depending on the area. Generally, downtown areas and tourist hotspots are well-lit and frequently patrolled, making them safer for night-time exploration. However, it's always recommended to be aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated areas, and try to use well-traveled routes. Taxis or ride-shares are good options if you are not feeling secure in a particular area.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Kansas City, including buses and the city's simple-to-navigate streetcar, is generally safe to use. It's used by a large number of locals and tourists alike, which indicates a good trust level in its safety measures. However, always remember to remain alert of your surroundings, especially if traveling late at night. Nearly all the routes are well-mapped and the staff are friendly and helpful. Just like in any city around the world, use your common sense when using public transit.

Street harassment:Moderate

Kansas City is generally viewed as a safe and friendly city for women to travel alone. However, like any other major city, there can be occasional instances of street harassment. It is advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. The public areas are typically very safe during day time, and most locals are friendly and welcoming. On the whole, street harassment is not a common experience. However, vigilance and basic precautionary measures are recommended.

Petty crimes:Moderate

In Kansas City, while precautions should always be taken, the risk for petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching is moderate. The more crowded and busy areas can present opportunities for such crimes, so it would be wise to be aware of your surroundings and take appropriate safety measures, such as not flashing valuable items in public and being careful with your personal belongings.

Is Kansas City worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.9 /5

based on 3 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

3.7/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5

Solo travel

I rented a car from St. Louis and drove across the state to Kansas City, which was only a 3 hour drive (for those of you that want to do the opposite!) I felt very safe where I stayed, which was an Air BnB right outside of the Power and Light District. It was an easy walk or electric scooter ride into the P&LD. I highly recommend hopping on the train (I’m pretty sure it’s free?) that takes you from one end of the city to the other to explore more, getting off on all the stops. When I was there, the KC Live Block had a live 21+ country concert (Hot Country Nights - every Thursday during the summer) and it was amazing. The following night was a PBR event so I was able to watch a live rodeo. I went to a KC Royals game which was about a 20 minute commute outside of the city but a wonderful experience. Noteworthy food was Jack Stack and County Road Ice House for some quality BBQ, Cafe Corazon for latte flights.

Posted: April 19, 2024

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Sara

United States

Solo travel

I feel safe in most areas of Kansas City. I do not feel safe on the Plaza due to the protesting and thug behavior. Raytown, Independence, Troost Avenue, KCK, Argentine are areas I would feel unsafe. Overland Park, Olathe, Leawood, Mission, Prairie Village, Shawnee, Waldo and Brookside are safe

Posted: February 4, 2024

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Sara

Germany

Solo travel

I spent a year abroad in Kansas City and stayed there for 5 months in 2021. In 2023, I went back for the summer and experienced even more things. Before that, I traveled with my family along the West Coast in a camper and saw everything I had always wanted to see in the western United States.

Posted: January 6, 2024

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Is Kansas City safe for women?

Safety index

2.9 /5

Based on 7 local experiences

Crime index

2.5 /5

Based on 7 local experiences

Ivy

Kansas City itself feels like any other big city, but in the metro area there are many many suburbs and neighborhoods that feel much safer than downtown KC Kansas or Missouri. I personally have never had a negative experience downtown, but I also don’t spend a lot of time out and about alone or after dark.

Posted: February 3, 2025

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Emma

I’ve lived and traveled all over and KC is one of the safest places I feel I’ve been in! Downtown is a little iffy sometimes with homeless like most cities though. However I’ve never felt any discomfort and have even had plenty of great conversations with homeless which I haven’t found in other cities! It’s a Midwest city so people are friendly and the it’s not over populated which I love! It’s not a crazy fun place like some of my other travels but I’ve found some great spots and adventures that have kept me living here and not wanting to move :)

Posted: December 28, 2024

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Meet locals in Kansas City

Angie

About Me

Hey there! I’m Angie and I arrived in Kansas City not long ago. I like many things and enjoy exploring more around the city!

Speaking

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Jimmi

About Me

Anthropologist with a passion for exploring the world—both past and present! 🏺✈️ I have a degree in Anthropology with a minor in Archaeology, and I love immersing myself in different cultures, histories, and local experiences. I’ve traveled to England, Portugal, and France and am always looking for my next adventure! I am interested in finding a host, I love meeting new people and sharing travel stories and of course I would be open to language sharing, giving local advice, among other things. When I’m not on the road or working, I’m reading, watching sci-fi & fantasy movies, trying new recipes, or planning my next getaway.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Kansas City

Sheryl

Kansas City

Can host for:

3 days

About me

My name is Sheryl, I have a beautiful home in a lovely walkable and safe area near the country club Plaza, and the core of our city. I am a commercial real estate broker, I have two daughters that are seniors in high school and we love to travel! We have used homeexchange.com a lot in the past five years!

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