United States · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, New Orleans scores 73/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — New Orleans is safe for visitors who stay alert and avoid high‑risk areas. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
United States · Assessed 28 July 2026
73
/ 100
Safer than ~77% 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
ModerateArmed robbery of visitors is uncommon but can occur in isolated nighttime incidents, mainly in the outskirts of the city
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing and bag‑snatching are frequent in the French Quarter, Bourbon Street and on streetcars, especially during festivals and large crowds
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
63/100
Recent traveler reports indicate visitors generally feel comfortable during daylight and in well‑patrolled districts, though some express concern about petty theft after dark
Yes — New Orleans is safe for visitors who stay alert and avoid high‑risk areas.
Crime scores show moderate risk overall, with pickpocketing and bag‑snatching common in tourist zones and violent crime at historic lows, while recent data confirm declining homicide rates and strong police presence.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Safety Briefing
New Orleans is considered safe for travelers who stay vigilant. The multi‑database profile rates the city’s overall safety at 72 / 100, with crime scoring moderate (62) and violent‑crime risk low enough that the homicide rate (5.8 per 100 k) is comparable to many U.S. cities but well below global averages. Recent police and National Guard reports (July 2026) confirm that violent crime, including homicides, is at its lowest level in decades, and the city is on track for its smallest murder count in modern history.
The live research dossier shows that petty theft remains the primary concern for visitors. Pickpocketing and bag‑snatching are frequent in the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and on streetcars, especially during festivals, concerts, and late‑night hours. A July 2026 incident on Canal Street—an armed robbery after a man threatened a store clerk—illustrates that while such violent events are rare, they can happen in isolated nighttime settings, particularly on the city’s periphery. Scams targeting tourists include overcharging at bars and restaurants in the French Quarter and fraudulent charity appeals after major events.
Overall, recent traveler sentiment (score 68) reflects a mostly positive sense of security during daylight and in well‑patrolled neighborhoods, though caution is advised after dark. To stay safe, keep bags zipped and worn across the body, use reputable rideshares or licensed taxis at night, and limit cash on hand. Avoid poorly lit side streets outside the main tourist corridors, and remain aware of your surroundings in crowded venues. By following these practical steps, visitors can enjoy New Orleans’ culture and cuisine while minimizing the modest risks that do exist.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 New Orleans districts for visitors: 2 safer, 4 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the New Orleans safety map.
St. Claudeavoidelevated gang activity and recent shootings reported
Lower Ninth Wardavoidhigher rates of violent crime and limited police presence
French Quartercautionhigh foot traffic, frequent petty theft and scams, especially after dark
Mid-Citycautionmixed residential and commercial, occasional burglaries reported
Bywatercautionartistic vibe but limited lighting, occasional petty theft
Uptowncautionbusy streets, watch for pickpocketing in crowded areas
Warehouse Districtsaferwell-lit, low crime, popular with tourists and locals
Garden Districtsaferquiet residential area, low incidence of crime
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 of visitors is uncommon but can occur in isolated nighttime incidents, mainly in the outskirts of the city
After dark, be most careful around St. Claude, Lower Ninth Ward, French Quarter, Mid-City. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Yes — New Orleans is safe for visitors who stay alert and avoid high‑risk areas. Crime scores show moderate risk overall, with pickpocketing and bag‑snatching common in tourist zones and violent crime at historic lows, while recent data confirm declining homicide rates and strong police presence. (Assessed 28 July 2026.)
Safety is not one number, and this New Orleans 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 St. Claude, Lower Ninth Ward as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
New Orleans ranks #9 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 73/100. 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.
Browse the United States safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: new-orleans.json (CC BY 4.0).
