Is Las Vegas safe to visit? A comprehensive safety guide
Most people might know Las Vegas as Sin City or the Entertainment Capital of the World, home to over 150 casinos, at least 150,000 hotel rooms, and more than half of the twenty largest hotels in the world. But behind the glitz and glamour is a city that began with a 1905 land auction and transformed into a world-class destination, welcoming over 41 million visitors each year.
Las Vegas is the economic center and largest city of Nevada, with roughly 645,000 inhabitants. It’s a place of magnificent architecture, a rich food scene, and million-lightbulb signs, making it the brightest spot on Earth. Although it’s a favored tourist spot year-round, its high seasons are from March to May and between September to November, when festivities abound, and the weather is most pleasant.
Visiting Las Vegas will surely be a fantastic experience if you plan well. Part of your preparation should be protecting your belongings using the Bounce luggage storage platform in Las Vegas. It allows you to explore the city without any burden while sightseeing and enjoying everything Las Vegas has to offer.
Is Las Vegas safe to visit right now?
Fear not—Las Vegas is a safe tourist destination with no travel restrictions or advisories. Las Vegas has a noticeably lower crime rate than the average crime rate of other communities of similar popular sizes, based on Neighborhood Scouts Las Vegas crime stats.
Therefore, visitors can enjoy top-notch entertainment in “America’s Playground” without significant safety risks. Casinos have tight security, and you’ll find illuminations and security cameras everywhere, especially on the famous Las Vegas Strip, allowing you to visit Las Vegas with confidence. Other popular areas like Fremont Street and Las Vegas Boulevard have a strong police presence.
As with any major tourist hotspot, extra caution should be taken when strolling the streets and going to busy public places, as pickpocketing and bag snatching are not uncommon.
While we'll do our best to educate you on Las Vegas safety, protecting yourself against danger and the security of your belongings are up to you. Do your homework and be familiar with your destination, especially if you’re heading off on your first international or out-of-town travel. You should also check out your government’s travel guidelines for the country or city you decide to visit, regardless of whether you’re an experienced traveler.
Top petty crimes and scams in Las Vegas affecting tourists
Below are a few Vegas tourist traps and scams you should be aware of to help you have an amazing time in Sin City.
Taxi scams
Police officers have started to crack down on taxi drivers taking unnecessarily long routes. If you’re traveling to or from McCarran International airport, make sure the cab driver does not take the tunnel route, which takes a long way to get to the Strip. This long-hauling tactic is a common taxi scam in Vegas targeting tourists.
Take some time to learn the fastest route to your destination, by using google or apple maps. You can also check out the Nevada Taxicab Authority website to calculate how much you should pay for your ride.
Welcome to Las Vegas sign photographers
No visit to Vegas is complete without snapping photos in front of the famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. The tricky part is that you need someone to take a picture of you. Around the sign you might notice individuals positioning themselves as the “official” photographer.
They’re not employees or commissioned by the city as photographers asking for tips. You aren’t obligated to employ their services, so don’t give any amount more than you’re comfortable giving, or skip their service and have someone else take a photo of you or your group.
Is Las Vegas safe to travel alone
Good news for solo travelers and female nomads! Traveling on your own in Las Vegas is a safe and exciting adventure worth taking. It’s easy to sightsee and discover Las Vegas by yourself, meet good people, and have a blast without feeling a threat to your safety.
The United States generally has a good safety rating on the Bounce Women Safety Travel Index, ranking 32nd on the list of the best travel safety destination for women. So if you remain vigilant and stay in well-lit areas, you’ll definitely have a great time in Las Vegas.
Safest neighborhoods in Las Vegas
For a trouble-free trip to America’s entertainment capital, here’s a list of the safest neighborhoods to stay in the city.
Sun City Summerlin
Many would agree that Sun City Summerlin is one of the safest neighborhoods in Las Vegas. In fact, its total crime rate is 39% lower than the national average, which is excellent for an active adult community. Residents of the neighborhood can also enjoy recreational activities with its golf courses, theatres, and fitness centers. There are many shops and restaurants in the area as well.
Sheep Mountains
One of the most family-friendly neighborhoods in Las Vegas is the Sheep Mountains, with a crime rate 46% lower than the city’s average. It’s famous for its semi-rural ambiance and stunning view of the mountains. It also has many parks in its vicinity, which are commonly visited for picnics, community yard sales, and walking pets. There are even several shopping and dining options.
Kyle Canyon
Another safe neighborhood in Las Vegas is Kyle Canyon, which has a 14% lower crime rate than other areas in the city. It’s located in Spring Mountains National Conservation Area’s high mountains and is famous for its hiking and trail camping sites. You’ll also be in awe of its stunning mountaintop views and excellent dining options.
Is Las Vegas public transportation safe?
Public transportation options in Las Vegas include the Las Vegas Monorail, taxis, rental cars, ride-shares, and buses. When traveling, plan your route ahead of time. Stay in well-lit areas if you’re going by train or bus, but at night, a taxi or ride with Uber or Lyft can be a safe alternative.
Important emergency numbers in Las Vegas
Keeping a list of emergency numbers with you can be your lifesaver. While we hope you don’t have to use them while visiting Las Vegas, it’s always best to save your embassy number on your phone.
- US Country Code: +1
- Las Vegas city code: 702
- Emergencies: 911
- Non-emergency: (702) 795-3111
- City of Las Vegas: (702) 229-0770
- City Marshals (non-emergency): (702) 229-6444
- Las Vegas Fire & Rescue: (702) 383-2888
Planning a safe Las Vegas adventure
Safety has increased in Nevada’s largest city as entertainment centers, famous attractions, and casinos tightened their security with more security cameras and advanced systems. It’s easy to organize a safe trip to Sin City by following Las Vegas safety tips and staying away from crime-ridden areas.
Get additional tips on How to Get Around Las Vegas or check out our guide on Where to Stay in Las Vegas: The Ultimate Guide to help you find the best spots in the city for you and your loved ones.