United States · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Memphis scores 74/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Memphis is a city where travelers should exercise normal security precautions, with a notable risk of street crime. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
United States · Assessed 29 July 2026
74
/ 100
Safer than ~78% 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
ModerateMemphis has a homicide rate higher than the US average, indicating a moderate risk of violent crime, including robbery, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur in crowded tourist areas, public transport, and busy streets.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed
63/100
Recent studies and news reports suggest a perception of Memphis as one of the less safe large U.S. cities, though official government advisories remain at a low level.
Memphis is a city where travelers should exercise normal security precautions, with a notable risk of street crime.
While official advisories are low-risk, Memphis faces challenges with crime rates that are higher than the US average, particularly regarding homicides. Recent news indicates ongoing discussions and efforts around crime reduction, but also highlights concerns about the effectiveness of certain task forces and rankings that place Memphis among less safe large U.S. cities.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Memphis, United States, presents a mixed safety profile for travelers. While official government advisories from Canada and the UK recommend exercising normal security precautions, indicating no specific widespread threats against tourists, local crime statistics and recent reports suggest a need for heightened awareness. The city's homicide rate is higher than the national average, pointing to a moderate risk of violent crime, including robbery.
Recent news from July 2026 highlights studies ranking Memphis among the least-safe large U.S. cities, a sentiment echoed by other reports from April 2026. These concerns are juxtaposed with a September 2025 report from the Memphis Police Department indicating a significant drop in crime across major categories. Additionally, news from March 2026 discussed the impact of an 'anti-crime' task force, with some reports suggesting it has also been involved in immigration enforcement.
Travelers should be aware of potential street crime, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching, especially in crowded areas. Scams can include distraction theft. It is advisable to remain vigilant, avoid displaying valuables, and stick to well-lit, populated areas, particularly after dark. While official advisories are low, the local crime context warrants a cautious approach. Travelers should also be mindful of extreme heat during July, with highs around 39°C. Health advisories include global concerns for Polio, Dengue, and Measles.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 6 Memphis districts for visitors: 3 safer, 1 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the Memphis safety map.
South MemphisavoidThis area has historically experienced higher crime rates, and caution is advised.
North MemphisavoidSimilar to South Memphis, this area has higher crime statistics and should be approached with significant caution.
Downtown MemphiscautionWhile a hub for tourism and business, some areas can be less safe after dark; petty crime is a concern.
Midtown MemphissaferGenerally considered a safe and vibrant area with a mix of residential and commercial spaces.
East MemphissaferPredominantly residential and commercial, this area is generally considered safe with lower crime rates.
CordovasaferA suburban area with a lower crime rate, generally safe for visitors.
07 · After Dark
60% of people in United States say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2023).
Memphis has a homicide rate higher than the US average, indicating a moderate risk of violent crime, including robbery, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
After dark, be most careful around South Memphis, North Memphis, Downtown Memphis. 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 Memphis's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Memphis is a city where travelers should exercise normal security precautions, with a notable risk of street crime. While official advisories are low-risk, Memphis faces challenges with crime rates that are higher than the US average, particularly regarding homicides. Recent news indicates ongoing discussions and efforts around crime reduction, but also highlights concerns about the effectiveness of certain task forces and rankings that place Memphis among less safe large U.S. cities. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Field research flags South Memphis, North Memphis as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Memphis ranks #9 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 74/100. 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: memphis.json (CC BY 4.0).