The United States, with its vast territory and cultural diversity, offers a multitude of tourist destinations. However, safety conditions vary considerably from one region to another, and the situation has changed considerably in recent years.
If you've decided to take a vacation in the United States, and safety is a key criterion for you, the editors of VEST PARIS will guide you in your choice of fifteen destinations.
We have based our analysis primarily on official data from US federal agencies concerning crime in 2023 and 2024.
The safest states according to official figures
Le Maine
Located in the Northeastern United States, Maine is often cited as one of the safest states in the United States. In 2020, it recorded a crime rate of just 1,120 crimes per 100,000 inhabitants, more than four times lower than the national average. Travelers can discover picturesque coastal landscapes, national parks like Acadia and charming cities like Portland (not to be confused with Portland, Oregon).
Vermont
Right next door to Maine, Vermont is also renowned for its safety. With its verdant mountains, picturesque villages and outdoor activities, it offers a peaceful getaway for tourists. The low crime rate makes it an ideal destination for families and nature lovers.
South Dakota
Located in the north of the country and known for Mount Rushmore and its vast plains, South Dakota also boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the country. Visitors can explore historic sites, national parks and enjoy a serene atmosphere.
Montana
Montana is a sparsely populated state, renowned for its wide open spaces, majestic mountains and national parks such as Yellowstone and Glacier National Park. It's the perfect destination for those looking for a vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
It's one of thesafest states in the US, with extremely low crime rates, especially in rural areas. The only major concern is nature-related risks, such as bear encounters or unpredictable weather conditions. Cities such as Bozeman and Missoula are vibrant, attracting more and more tourists and new residents, leading to a slight increase in petty crime.
San Diego, a safe and pleasant coastal city
San Diego is often considered one of the best cities in the USA for quality of life. Located in Southern California, it boasts an ideal year-round climate, a relaxed lifestyle and great cultural diversity.
Safety in San Diego
San Diego is much safer than Los Angeles, with relatively low crime rates. Neighborhoods like La Jolla, Coronado and Pacific Beach are particularly popular with tourists and expatriates.
However, certain areas such as East San Diego and parts of Downtown can present risks of petty theft and muggings, especially at night.
Mexico next door
If Mexico's reputation weren't so bad, we'd suggest you take a trip there, but then, on the other side of the border is Tijuana ... and we'd advise you not to go there if you don't want to find yourself in the middle of a cartel war.
San Francisco, the security collapse
San Francisco is famous for its rolling hills, Golden Gate Bridge and eclectic neighborhoods. Recently, however, the city has seen an increase in crime, including robberies and burglaries.
Since the start of the pandemic, major American cities have seen an increase in homicides, and San Francisco has not been spared from this crime wave. The metropolis has also seen a sharp rise in "petty crime", even though local authorities have recently stepped up their efforts to combat these problems. In view of this, visitors should remain vigilant, especially in neighborhoods such as the Tenderloin.
San Francisco is also facing a deadly fentanyl crisis. Fentanyl is wreaking havoc in the USA, and particularly in California, where it is causing a major public health crisis. Local authorities have put measures in place to combat this "epidemic", but visitors should be aware of the associated risks and avoid areas where drug use is widespread.
New York, less and less reassuring
New York, our favorite destination, offers a multitude of attractions, from Broadway theaters to Central Park, shopping galore, unforgettable thrills and more...
While the city has felt totally safe for the past 30 years, it has recently experienced a resurgence in crime. A shooting in the New York subway in April 2024 put the issues of safety and crime back in the headlines.
The rise in crime and murders in particular is part of a trend recorded since the start of the pandemic. Tourists are therefore encouraged to exercise caution, especially in less frequented areas and late at night.
Los Angeles, between glamour and caution
Los Angeles is an iconic U.S. city, known for its stunning beaches, film studios and Californian lifestyle. Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and Malibu attract millions of visitors every year in search of glamour and sunshine.
However, as in any major metropolis, safety is an issue not to be overlooked. While neighborhoods such as Beverly Hills, Pasadena and Manhattan Beach remain safe and popular with tourists, certain areas of Downtown L.A., Skid Row and South Central should be avoided, especially at night.
In 2024, crime in some parts of the city rose slightly, particularly theft and burglary, especially of cars and personal property.
Our safety advice: Never leave valuables visible in your car, and avoid venturing alone into isolated neighborhoods after dark.
Austin, booming but facing security challenges
Austin, the capital of Texas, is a fast-growing city, attracting many tourists and expatriates thanks to its music scene, gastronomy and pleasant climate. It's also considered one of the safest cities in the U.S., at least compared to other major American metropolises.
However, with Austin's rapid growth comes new challenges. Some neighborhoods, such as East Austin, have seen an increase in crime, due to the rising cost of living and economic inequality. Burglary and pickpocketing rose slightly in 2024, particularly in tourist areas.
Florida, between paradise and heightened vigilance
Florida is one of the most popular destinations in the USA, with cities like Miami, Orlando and Tampa attracting millions of visitors every year. Between its heavenly beaches, theme parks and lively nightlife, Florida seems like a dream location.
However, safety varies from city to city:
Miami saw a slight increase in burglaries and pickpocketing in 2024, particularly in neighborhoods such as Downtown and certain tourist areas. Orlando, on the other hand, remains relatively safe thanks to an increased police presence around Disney and Universal Studios. Tampa and Naples are among the safest cities in the state.
Safety tips: Beware of pickpockets in Miami Beach and avoid leaving valuables in your car.
Washington D.C., between prestige and growing insecurity
Washington D.C., the capital of the United States, is a fascinating city brimming with historic monuments, free museums and government institutions. It's an ideal destination for lovers of history and politics.
However, while the areas around the National Mall and Georgetown are safe, other neighborhoods such as Anacostia and parts of the Northeast recorded an increase in crime in 2024. Robberies, assaults and burglaries increased slightly, particularly near subway stations at the end of the day.
Our safety tips: Stay vigilant on public transport and avoid certain areas that are poorly frequented at night.
Las Vegas and Nevada, entertainment paradise with areas to avoid
Las Vegas, located in the middle of the Nevada desert, is world-famous for its casinos, luxury hotels and extravagant nightlife. Every year, millions of tourists flock here to try their luck and enjoy the world-famous shows.
Safety in Las Vegas
On the whole, the Strip, where the majority of hotel-casinos are located, is a very well-monitored and secure area, thanks to a strong police presence and omnipresent video surveillance. However, pickpocketing, scams and credit card fraud are commonplace, especially in tourist areas.
Neighborhoods to avoid include parts of Downtown outside Fremont Street, as well as areas north of the city. It is also advisable to be vigilant on transport applications and to avoid showing too much cash or valuables.
Beyond Vegas: Nevada
The rest of Nevada is much safer than Las Vegas. Rural areas and national parks, such as Mort Valley or Red Rock Canyon, are safe and spectacular places to visit.
Reno, nicknamed "Little Las Vegas", is a quieter alternative, but also has some problems with addiction and homelessness.
Boston, a historic city with heightened security
Boston is one of the oldest and most iconic cities in the United States. With its rich history, prestigious universities such as Harvard and MIT, and pleasant East Coast setting, Boston attracts many international tourists and students.
Safety in Boston
Boston is one of the safest cities in the USA, with relatively low crime rates compared to other major metropolises. Central neighborhoods like Beacon Hill, Back Bay and Cambridge are particularly safe and well-maintained.
However, some areas such as Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan have higher crime rates, although the situation has improved significantly in recent years.
Our safety tips: Avoid the neighborhoods farthest from downtown at night, but Boston remains a safe city overall.
Chicago, the bad reputation
Chicago is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene, world-renowned museums and impressive architecture. However, some areas of the city have high crime rates.
In 2023, Chicago recorded a significant rise in violent crime, with 22,569 reported cases of assault. Vehicle thefts reached a ten-year peak with 30,501 incidents.
Tourists are therefore advised to find out which neighborhoods to avoid, and to take precautions when traveling.
Final safety ranking of destinations
Our safest destinations :
- Vermont and Montana - Low crime, but beware of natural hazards.
- Boston, Maine and South Dakota - Metropolis and secure states.
- San Diego - Very pleasant to live in, with little crime.
- Austin, Texas - A booming city, but still relatively safe.
Our medium-security destinations :
- Washington D.C. - Historically safe areas, but be vigilant in certain neighborhoods.
- Los Angeles - Tourist destination, but localized crime.
- Florida (Miami, Orlando, Tampa) - Safe in tourist areas, but be careful in Miami.
- Las Vegas - Safe on the Strip, but risk of theft and scams.
Our least safe destinations in 2025 :
- Chicago - Lots of cultural dynamism, but crime on the rise.
- San Francisco - Rising theft and security crisis.
- New York - A sharp rise in crime in recent years.