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Is Tenderloin safe? 🇺🇸
United States · Safety report last updated
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Tenderloin 🇺🇸
United States · Assessed 4 November 2026
49
/ 100
What drives this score
Crime43/100CautionCrime index 49.2 / 100
Sentiment34/100ElevatedVery Negative
Advisories85Good
Stability72Good
Health78Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
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 2026-10-30T16:55:54Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for United States: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-11-02T12:39:42.5763342-05:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Caution
Mugging & robbery risk
High risk
34
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
High risk
58
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
20 / 100 (Very Negative)
20
City SignalCity Web Research
Robbery / mugging
HighWhile specific robbery rates for Tenderloin are not detailed, the general crime profile of the area suggests a high risk of mugging and opportunistic theft.
Pickpocketing
HighCrowded areas and the general atmosphere of the Tenderloin present a high risk for pickpocketing and bag-snatching.
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Elevated
Traveller sentiment score
Very Negative
34/100
Reported feel20Very Negative
Robbery risk34High risk
Pickpocket risk58High risk
Traveler reports and local news indicate a strong sentiment that the Tenderloin is unsafe and should be avoided, with descriptions of dangerous conditions day and night.
Tenderloin, San Francisco is not recommended for travelers due to significant safety concerns.
The Tenderloin district faces persistent issues with crime, open drug markets, and homelessness, making it a high-risk area for visitors. While some local initiatives aim for improvement, current conditions strongly suggest avoidance for personal safety.
Recent developments
- Jun 2026News reports indicate ongoing discussions and initiatives like 'Safe Zone' in the Tenderloin, alongside the return of events like Sunday Streets.— Mission Local
- Jun 2026Reports highlight the presence of Honduran drug gangs operating on the streets of San Francisco, with a focus on areas like the Tenderloin.— City Journal
- Apr 2026Local news explored how residents perceive reported progress in addressing drug and homelessness issues in the Tenderloin.— ABC7 Bay Area
- Feb 2022The Mayor declared a state of emergency in San Francisco's Tenderloin district due to escalating issues.— NPR
Common scams
- Aggressive requests for money from individuals experiencing homelessness
- Potential for petty theft in crowded areas
Full briefing
The Tenderloin district in San Francisco is widely considered unsafe for travelers. Reports consistently highlight significant issues with open drug markets, widespread homelessness, and high crime rates, leading many sources to advise complete avoidance of the area.
Recent news from June 2026 indicates ongoing efforts to improve safety, such as 'Safe Zone' initiatives and the return of community events like Sunday Streets. However, these efforts appear to be overshadowed by persistent problems, including reports of drug gangs operating in the district as recently as June 2026. Local residents' perceptions of progress on drug and homelessness issues were explored in April 2026, suggesting that these challenges remain prominent.
Given the persistent safety concerns, including a high risk of robbery and pickpocketing, travelers are strongly advised to avoid the Tenderloin. If transit through the area is absolutely unavoidable, it is recommended to remain in a vehicle and not stop. Always remain vigilant, keep valuables out of sight, and maintain a cautious distance from individuals exhibiting erratic behavior.
Was this Tenderloin, United States report helpful?
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 7 Tenderloin districts for visitors: 3 safer, 3 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Tenderloin safety map.
TenderloinavoidHigh crime rates, open drug markets, and dangerous conditions make this neighborhood unsafe for visitors.
Civic CentercautionAdjacent to Tenderloin, this area can experience spillover issues and is best avoided at night.
Mid-MarketcautionWhile seeing some revitalization, this area borders the Tenderloin and requires vigilance, especially after dark.
South of Market (SoMa)cautionGenerally safer, but parts can be affected by issues from neighboring Tenderloin and Civic Center; be aware of surroundings.
Union SquaresaferA major tourist hub, generally safe with increased police presence, but be mindful of pickpockets.
Nob HillsaferAn affluent and generally safe residential area with good views.
ChinatownsaferA vibrant and generally safe tourist area, though can be crowded, increasing pickpocket risk.
07 · After Dark
Is Tenderloin safe at night?
60% of people in United States say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2023).
While specific robbery rates for Tenderloin are not detailed, the general crime profile of the area suggests a high risk of mugging and opportunistic theft.
After dark, be most careful around Tenderloin, Civic Center, Mid-Market, South of Market (SoMa). Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Tenderloin safety FAQ (2026)
Is Tenderloin safe right now (2026)?
Tenderloin, San Francisco is not recommended for travelers due to significant safety concerns. The Tenderloin district faces persistent issues with crime, open drug markets, and homelessness, making it a high-risk area for visitors. While some local initiatives aim for improvement, current conditions strongly suggest avoidance for personal safety. (Assessed 4 November 2026.)
Is Tenderloin safe for women, families and solo travelers?
Safety is not one number, and this Tenderloin 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.
Which areas of Tenderloin should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Tenderloin as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Tenderloin (2026)?
- Aggressive requests for money from individuals experiencing homelessness
- Potential for petty theft in crowded areas
How does Tenderloin compare with other places in United States (2026)?
Tenderloin ranks #9 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 49/100. See the United States safety overview for the full list.
How is this tenderloin safety score calculated (2026)?
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: tenderloin.json (CC BY 4.0).