United States · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Sacramento scores 80/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Sacramento is safe for visitors with standard urban precautions, though property crime runs 51% above the national average; secure your vehicle and stay alert in crowded areas. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
United States · Assessed 29 July 2026
80
/ 100
Safer than ~86% 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
LowHomicide rate is 5.8/100k, matching the U.S. national average. Mugging and armed robbery are not elevated concerns; property crime is the main risk.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching occur especially in Old Sacramento, Downtown, and around large events or festivals—stay alert in crowds.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Cautiously positive
78/100
60% of residents report feeling safe walking alone at night, indicating moderate comfort with day-to-day safety. Travelers are unlikely to encounter violent crime but should remain aware of property crime risks.
Yes — Sacramento is safe for visitors with standard urban precautions, though property crime runs 51% above the national average; secure your vehicle and stay alert in crowded areas.
Sacramento scores 78/100 on the composite safety index, safer than ~84% of countries. Violent crime (homicide rate 5.8/100k) is at the U.S. national average—the real concern is property crime (vehicle theft, burglary, 51% above national norms). Neighborhoods vary in safety, and pickpocketing poses a medium risk in crowded tourist areas.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Sacramento is safe for travelers, with a composite safety score of 78/100 and safer than ~84% of countries worldwide. Violent crime (homicide rate 5.8/100k) is at the U.S. national average—mugging and armed robbery are not elevated risks. The real concern is property crime, which runs 51% above national norms; auto theft, vehicle burglary, and residential break-ins are the primary worry for both residents and visitors.
The current situation (July 2026) shows no major violent incidents targeting visitors. Crime in Sacramento is predominantly economic (theft, burglary) rather than personal violence. Pickpocketing poses a medium risk in crowded tourist areas like Old Sacramento and Downtown—stay alert and use the buddy system after dark. The Sacramento Bee reported E. coli in local waterways (July 2026), so verify swimming conditions before entering Lake Natoma or other natural water bodies. The UK and Canadian governments rate the U.S. as safe for travel with normal security precautions; no travel warnings exist for Sacramento.
Environmental hazards pose a greater immediate risk than crime. July temperatures exceed 43°C (109°F)—carry water, use high-SPF sunscreen, and plan indoor activities (museums, Capitol, dining) during peak afternoon heat. A wildfire alert sits ~365 km away at GREEN status (no threat). Healthcare infrastructure is solid (27 hospital beds per 10k population, at national average), and public transportation is reliable.
Stay safe with basic urban precautions: never leave valuables visible in vehicles (auto theft is the #1 property crime), stay aware in crowds, and choose well-established accommodations. Standard urban vigilance will serve you well for a secure, pleasant visit to California's capital.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Sacramento districts for visitors: 2 safer, 3 needing caution and 3 best avoided. See them plotted on the Sacramento safety map.
Del Paso HeightsavoidHigher concentration of violent crime; avoid especially after dark
Granite Regional ParkavoidAmong Sacramento's highest-crime neighborhoods; not recommended for visitors
Packard BellavoidAmong Sacramento's highest-crime neighborhoods; not recommended for visitors
Midtown SacramentocautionMixed-use entertainment district; stay alert at night, watch for pickpockets in crowds
Downtown SacramentocautionTourist hub with good police presence; moderate pickpocket risk and vehicle theft concerns
Old SacramentocautionHistoric tourist district popular for attractions; elevated pickpocketing risk in crowds
NatomassaferUpscale residential area with low crime; excellent amenities and well-maintained infrastructure
Land ParksaferSafe residential neighborhood with good infrastructure and low crime rates
07 · After Dark
60% of people in United States say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2023).
Homicide rate is 5.8/100k, matching the U.S. national average. Mugging and armed robbery are not elevated concerns; property crime is the main risk.
After dark, be most careful around Del Paso Heights, Granite Regional Park, Packard Bell, Midtown Sacramento. 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 Sacramento's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Yes — Sacramento is safe for visitors with standard urban precautions, though property crime runs 51% above the national average; secure your vehicle and stay alert in crowded areas. Sacramento scores 78/100 on the composite safety index, safer than ~84% of countries. Violent crime (homicide rate 5.8/100k) is at the U.S. national average—the real concern is property crime (vehicle theft, burglary, 51% above national norms). Neighborhoods vary in safety, and pickpocketing poses a medium risk in crowded tourist areas. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Field research flags Del Paso Heights, Granite Regional Park, Packard Bell as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Sacramento ranks #9 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 80/100. 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: sacramento.json (CC BY 4.0).
