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

2.7 /5

Based on 5 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

2.7 /5

Based on 5 local experiences

Crime index

2.5 /5

Based on 5 local experiences

Kansas City is safe but there are definitely places you should avoid going to. I typically feel comfortable going around the suburbs of Kansas City but the city itself can be different. I recommend getting to know the city and area more before completely traveling alone.

Posted: October 2, 2024

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I have lived here all my life in the suburbs and feel fairly safe in the suburbs and city area. Like with all cities, be more careful about your surroundings downtown. Some areas are better than others, but I haven’t had any issues myself in any area.

Posted: September 16, 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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Christina

About Me

Hi! My name is Tina I'm local to Kansas City and love traveling around. I'm an event Photographer/Videographer and love 3D Printing. If you ever have any questions or just want more info on the best places to go feel free to message me ☺️