Last updatedOct 19, 2026 · 7:49 PM (UTC)
Is the United States Safe?
No destination is simply safe or unsafe. Risks vary by city, neighborhood, and circumstance - and conditions can change quickly. The key is understanding those risks and knowing how to navigate them.
Overview
Travelers to the U.S. face low-security risks, mainly stemming from the risk of petty crime and disruptive protests in urban areas.
The risk of natural hazards for travelers in the United States varies significantly depending on the region and time of year; common natural hazards include hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires.
The threat of terrorism is present, though robust security measures reduce the likelihood of a successful mass-casualty attack.
United States
Safety by City
Safety conditions vary across the United States. Explore city-level scores and neighborhood intelligence for popular destinations.
Neighborhood Safety in the United States
Safety varies considerably within cities. Below are example neighborhoods from destinations covered by Outroad. Scores reflect assessed areas, not every neighborhood.
Higher Safety Scores
Neighborhoods with relatively higher Safety Scores.
Lower Safety Scores
Neighborhoods with relatively lower Safety Scores or specific concerns.
Risk Profile
Explore the key risks and considerations for traveling in the United States.
- Petty theft such as bag-snatching is the primary crime risk, especially in tourist areas of New York City (including Times Square), Downtown Los Angeles, and Chicago's Millennium Park.
- Arbitrary violence against tourists is rare; most violent crime is inter-gang related. Violent crime is more prevalent in outlying neighborhoods of cities such as Baltimore, Detroit, and St. Louis.
- Rental cars that appear tourist-driven have been targeted for theft in certain cities. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles and use secure parking facilities.
- Cybercrime is a growing issue. Travelers using public Wi-Fi networks in airports, hotels, and cafes are particularly vulnerable. To mitigate risk, keep devices and apps updated with the latest software, avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi, and consider the use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
- Public transportation is generally safe, though it can be crowded in cities like New York and Washington D.C.
- Official taxis are marked and safe to hail on the street, and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft are reliable and widely used.
- Avoid using public transportation (e.g., buses) late at night in higher-crime neighborhoods, particularly in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles.
- Rental cars should be parked in well-lit, secure areas without any valuables readily visible. Always use a navigation app to avoid wandering into high-crime areas inadvertently.
- Protests and demonstrations related to racial justice, immigration or political developments regularly occur, especially in major urban centers. Protest activity is generally peaceful but can result in travel disruptions.
- Cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Chicago have seen incidents of unrest in recent years. Although travelers are unlikely to be affected, it is recommended to bypass all gatherings.
- The U.S. has experienced incidents of terrorism, both from foreign and domestic actors. Large scale attacks remain rare as a result of robust counterterrorism measures. The most likely targets, such as public events, transportation hubs, and government facilities, maintain strict security measures.
- Potential threats stem largely from domestic terrorism, including far-right or far-left extremists, rather than foreign terror organizations. Such groups have carried out attacks against places of worship, government facilities, and within public spaces.
- The hurricane season runs from June to November, mainly affecting the southeastern US, including Florida and the Gulf Coast. Travelers should monitor the National Weather Service and stay abreast of weather related alerts during this period.
- Heavy rains, snowmelt, and storms can lead to flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and near rivers. The Midwest and southeastern US are particularly vulnerable to flooding during severe storms.
- Earthquakes are most common in California, Washington, and Oregon states. Residents and travelers in these areas should be prepared for potential seismic activity, though most is mild.
- Wildfires frequently affect the southwestern US, particularly California. Follow local evacuation orders during wildfire season, which peaks from August to November.
Explore the United States on the Map
Compare city and neighborhood safety scores, explore recent incidents, and better understand your destination.
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