United States · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Kansas City scores 70/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Kansas City is moderately safe for travelers, requiring awareness of specific risks. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
United States · Assessed 29 July 2026
70
/ 100
Safer than ~72% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
No advisory against travel
“This travel advice also covers American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and United States Virgin Islands. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe.”
Updated 2026-07-23T16:13:06Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for United States: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
ModerateWorry about being mugged or robbed is elevated, with violent crime seen as a significant local problem in certain neighborhoods.
Pickpocketing
ModerateWhile not explicitly detailed, general urban caution and awareness of pickpocket hotspots in tourist areas are advised.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed to Negative
58/100
Traveler sentiment indicates a low feeling of safety when walking alone at night (32/100), and a moderate concern about being mugged or robbed (51/100).
Kansas City is moderately safe for travelers, requiring awareness of specific risks.
While official advisories are low, local crime statistics and traveler sentiment indicate a need for caution, particularly regarding violent and property crime in certain areas. Popular tourist districts are generally safer, but vigilance is advised, especially after dark.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Kansas City presents a mixed safety profile for travelers. While official government advisories suggest exercising normal security precautions, a deeper look at local conditions and traveler sentiment reveals a need for heightened awareness. The city grapples with crime rates that are higher than the national average, particularly concerning violent and property crime in specific neighborhoods.
On the ground, traveler sentiment reflects these concerns, with a notable feeling of insecurity when walking alone at night and moderate worry about muggings and robberies. However, popular tourist areas such as the Country Club Plaza, the Power & Light District, and the Crossroads Arts District are generally considered safer due to good security presence and higher foot traffic. These areas, along with suburban districts, are recommended for visitors seeking a more secure environment.
Recent reports indicate ongoing crime concerns, such as an FBI search for a suspect in an armed bank robbery in July 2026 and discussions about Kansas City's gun violence problem in June 2026, particularly in the context of the World Cup. While some reports suggest a drop in violent crime in May 2026, the overall crime rate remains a factor for visitors to consider. Travelers should also be aware of potential scams, including those related to taxis, streets, accommodation, and restaurants.
To ensure a safe visit, travelers are advised to remain vigilant, especially after dark, and to stick to well-lit, populated tourist zones. It is crucial to use reputable transportation services and to safeguard personal belongings. Visitors should exercise particular caution in less familiar neighborhoods, especially those east of Troost Avenue, which are identified as having higher crime rates. Staying informed about local events and weather conditions will also contribute to a more secure travel experience.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 7 Kansas City districts for visitors: 3 safer, 3 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Kansas City safety map.
Areas east of Troost AvenueavoidThese areas have significantly higher violent and property crime rates.
Downtown Kansas City (KCMO)cautionStandard urban caution advised, especially late at night; higher crime rates than national average.
18th & Vine Historic DistrictcautionWhile historically significant, general urban vigilance is advised, particularly after dark.
WestportcautionWhile a popular area, caution is advised, especially at night.
Country Club PlazasaferUpscale shopping and dining district with excellent security and heavy foot traffic.
Power & Light DistrictsaferDowntown entertainment district with good security presence during events and peak hours.
Crossroads Arts DistrictsaferTrendy area with galleries and restaurants, generally safe during the day and early evening.
07 · After Dark
60% of people in United States say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2023).
Worry about being mugged or robbed is elevated, with violent crime seen as a significant local problem in certain neighborhoods.
After dark, be most careful around Areas east of Troost Avenue, Downtown Kansas City (KCMO), 18th & Vine Historic District, Westport. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Kansas City's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Kansas City is moderately safe for travelers, requiring awareness of specific risks. While official advisories are low, local crime statistics and traveler sentiment indicate a need for caution, particularly regarding violent and property crime in certain areas. Popular tourist districts are generally safer, but vigilance is advised, especially after dark. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Field research flags Areas east of Troost Avenue as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Kansas City ranks #9 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 70/100. See the United States safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the United States safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: kansas-city.json (CC BY 4.0).
