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Some U.S. states may feel like vacation goldmines, until you check the crime stats. In 2025, a handful of places showed unusually high crime rates that affect not just locals but tourists too. It’s not always about danger lurking in alleyways—more often, it’s stolen luggage, car break-ins, or feeling uneasy after dark in certain downtowns. Here are nine states where travelers should keep their guard up.
1. New Mexico
New Mexico tops most lists for violent and property crime. Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and even Taos have seen jumps in reports involving tourists—car thefts, hotel burglaries, and muggings near downtown. In 2025, the violent crime rate was 749 per 100,000; property crime was over 2,800. The state’s beauty isn’t in question, but safety in tourist hubs definitely is.
2. Louisiana
New Orleans attracts millions, but petty crime thrives on crowds. Tourists regularly report phone snatching, bag theft, and scams in the French Quarter. In 2025, Louisiana’s violent crime rate was over 629 per 100,000. Police presence has increased, but crime targeting out-of-towners is still an issue, especially after dark.
3. Alaska
You wouldn’t expect it, but Alaska ranks high for violent crime. Cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks report assaults, car theft, and substance-related incidents that occasionally involve tourists. Rural areas feel safe, but the urban crime stats drag the state into the top tier. In 2025, violent crime was 758 per 100,000 people.
4. Arkansas
Arkansas blends charming nature with some of the nation’s worst urban crime rates. Little Rock is the hotspot—known for violent crimes, thefts, and carjackings. Visitors have reported issues even near popular attractions. The 2025 violent crime rate stood at 708 per 100,000.
5. Missouri
St. Louis still struggles with its image. Violent crime and theft are persistent, especially in touristy zones like Downtown West and near the Gateway Arch. Car break-ins and random altercations have made headlines. The state’s overall violent crime rate in 2025 was above 530 per 100,000.
6. South Carolina
Tourist-friendly cities like Charleston and Myrtle Beach have seen a rise in theft, vehicle break-ins, and public disturbances. While violent crime isn’t extreme, property crime continues to surge in 2025, with many tourists impacted during peak seasons and festivals.
7. Tennessee
Nashville and Memphis are major music destinations—but also crime magnets. Memphis especially sees high rates of assaults and theft in areas tourists frequent. In 2025, Tennessee’s violent crime rate hovered around 672 per 100,000. Some nightlife zones are particularly sketchy late at night.
8. Nevada
Las Vegas is flashy—and so are the crime numbers. While most of it is nonviolent, theft is rampant. Tourists fall for street scams, credit card skimming, and robbery. In 2025, property crime stayed high around the Strip. Casinos are well-secured inside, but parking lots and side streets are another story.
9. California
Not dangerous overall, but certain parts—especially in Los Angeles and San Francisco—report high rates of theft, especially from parked vehicles. Homelessness and drug issues spill into tourist zones. California’s size masks how uneven the risk is: Venice Beach is a very different story from Napa.