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United States · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Key West scores 83/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes. Key West remains one of the safer destinations in Florida for visitors, with low violent crime and strong police presence. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
United States · Assessed 13 October 2026
83
/ 100
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 2026-10-07T10:48:24Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for United States: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-10-10T19:41:02.6992267-04:00
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
LowArmed robbery is uncommon; most reports involve opportunistic theft from unattended belongings in public parks or beaches.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing occurs occasionally in crowded areas like Mallory Square during sunset celebrations and along Duval Street.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
82/100
Recent visitor reports highlight feeling safe during daytime walks and organized tours, with some noting increased caution at night in less frequented streets.
Yes. Key West remains one of the safer destinations in Florida for visitors, with low violent crime and strong police presence.
Official data shows Key West benefits from strong governance and low terrorism risk, though homicide rates are slightly above the U.S. average. Recent reports indicate no significant crime spikes targeting tourists, with most incidents involving localized disturbances or non-violent offenses. Visitor sentiment remains generally positive due to visible safety measures and community awareness.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Key West continues to see steady tourist activity with no recent spikes in violent crime targeting visitors. The August 2026 arrest of an individual for threatening the Navy base was swiftly addressed by local and federal authorities, indicating an effective response to potential threats. While isolated disturbances like the September incident at an Islamorada resort occur, they remain infrequent and typically involve non-visitor parties. Petty theft, particularly unattended items on beaches or in vehicles, remains the most common concern for travelers.
Pickpocketing risk rises in crowded evening zones such as Mallory Square during nightly sunset gatherings and along Duval Street after dark, though incidents are rarely violent. Visitors are advised to use crossbody bags and avoid displaying phones or wallets openly in these areas. For water activities, always verify operator licenses and agree on pricing beforehand to prevent overcharging scams, which have been reported near popular snorkeling and jet ski rental spots.
Overall, the city maintains a welcoming atmosphere with visible police patrols in tourist zones and strong cooperation between local authorities and federal agencies. Staying in well-traveled areas, securing belongings, and using reputable services contribute significantly to a safe experience. While no destination is risk-free, Key West’s safety profile supports confident travel with standard precautions.
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06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Key West districts for visitors: 4 safer, 3 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Key West safety map.
Stock IslandavoidIndustrial area with limited visitor infrastructure; higher reports of theft and vandalism; not recommended for tourists.
Bahama VillagecautionHistoric neighborhood with cultural appeal; exercise caution after dark due to occasional petty theft reports.
The MeadowscautionQuieter residential zone; isolated incidents of property crime suggest staying alert, especially at night.
Smathers BeachcautionBusy public beach; safe during day but risk of opportunistic theft increases after dark; avoid leaving valuables unattended.
Old Town (Historic Seaport)saferWell-patrolled tourist core with low violent crime; watch for petty theft in crowds.
New TownsaferResidential area with steady foot traffic and minimal reported incidents; safe day and night.
Truman AnnexsaferUpscale, gated community with private security; very low crime risk for visitors.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State ParksaferPopular beach and park with regular patrols; safe for daytime visits; avoid isolated areas after dusk.
07 · After Dark
60% of people in United States say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2023).
Armed robbery is uncommon; most reports involve opportunistic theft from unattended belongings in public parks or beaches.
After dark, be most careful around Stock Island, Bahama Village, The Meadows, Smathers Beach. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Yes. Key West remains one of the safer destinations in Florida for visitors, with low violent crime and strong police presence. Official data shows Key West benefits from strong governance and low terrorism risk, though homicide rates are slightly above the U.S. average. Recent reports indicate no significant crime spikes targeting tourists, with most incidents involving localized disturbances or non-violent offenses. Visitor sentiment remains generally positive due to visible safety measures and community awareness. (Assessed 13 October 2026.)
Safety is not one number, and this Key West report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Field research flags Stock Island as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Key West ranks #5 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 83/100. See the United States safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight (and U.S. reports lean more on the latest field research); the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
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Raw data: key-west.json (CC BY 4.0).
