Thinking of traveling to the United States and wondering if Las Vegas is a dangerous place, if there are areas to avoid in Las Vegas?
It's true that nowadays, to choose your hotel in a big city and avoid unpleasant surprises, you prefer to find out beforehand which areas to avoid.
That's the purpose of this Las Vegas neighborhood guide with its map that will help you spot dangerous neighborhoods and the best areas to stay in Las Vegas.
Is Las Vegas a dangerous city in 2024?
Las Vegas isn't all about the casinos, the glitz and the shows. Indeed, it is not only the Strip, it is also a huge and very large city where 1,9 million inhabitants live.
However, this city which had already suffered the full brunt of the 2008 crisis, became a ghost town during the confinements linked to COVID19. This is perhaps what explains the increase in insecurity that the city has known for 15 years and which is strongly relayed in the American press.
But currently, in 2024, is Las Vegas still a dangerous city?
To find out if Las Vegas is a dangerous city, you have to compare it with other cities globally and nationally.
In 2024, according to Numbeo's ranking of the most crime-ridden cities in North America , Las Vegas was near the top. With a crime index of 55.16, Las Vegas was the 30th most crime-ridden city in North America out of 126 ranked cities.
But everything is relative, because if we compare crime indices globally , Las Vegas is about average. It is ranked much less crime-ridden than cities like Cancun , Rio de Janeiro , Athens , Nice , or Marseille in France.
Las Vegas dangerous for tourists?
No, but only if you remain cautious. In fact, Las Vegas isn't as dangerous for tourists as Mexico City , Cape Town , or Rio de Janeiro . But, as in all tourist cities, there is petty crime (pickpocketing, scams, and snatch thefts).
On the other hand, there are also some neighborhoods to avoid when choosing your accommodation or going there at night. Note, however, that these districts are located far from the famous Strip, the main area frequented by tourists.
To put it simply, tourists are recommended not to stray from tourist areas where they are safe.
Las Vegas neighborhood map
To better locate the neighborhoods to avoid and the best neighborhoods in Las Vegas, here is a map that can be enlarged: https://goo.gl/maps/jf2iPRP9bkMDes1R6
What are the dangerous neighborhoods in Las Vegas?
Although it is generally a safe destination for tourists, like any major city, some neighborhoods and areas require some caution.
Las Vegas neighborhoods that have a reputation for being dangerous because they have higher crime rates than other parts of the city (unranked and non-exhaustive list) are:
- Certain areas of Downtown
- Huntridge
- The huge area of North Las Vegas
- west las vegas
- East Las Vegas and Whitney neighborhoods
- Area around Nellis Boulevard
Let's take a closer look at where exactly these neighborhoods to avoid are located:
Downtown – Areas to avoid at night
Located north of the Strip (Las Vegas Boulevard), Downtown Las Vegas is the historic district of old Las Vegas. It was from here that the city of Las Vegas developed. It was the most touristy area before the Strip became popular. Even today, it still boasts numerous hotels.
In this area ( starting from the Stratosphere ), tourists should be cautious at night. They are strongly advised to avoid walking beyond the Fremont Street Experience and the surrounding streets. If you must go there at night, it is best to take a taxi rather than the bus to Downtown Las Vegas.
Area to avoid in Las Vegas – Huntridge
South of Orleans Square, this Las Vegas neighborhood is known for its park: Huntridge Park . Locals consider it a haven for drug addicts and criminals. It should be noted, however, that the police presence there is increasingly noticeable.
Dangerous neighborhoods in North Las Vegas
North Las Vegas is a vast borough that has become a city within a city. With a population of over 240,000, inequality is significant, as is the crime rate. However, not all of North Las Vegas is dangerous. There are only a few areas where gangs and drug trafficking have taken root.
West Las Vegas – Area to avoid in Las Vegas
Close to the Strip, this poor area of Las Vegas has been hit hard by the recession. Its crime rate is well above the national average.
Areas to avoid in Las Vegas: East Las Vegas and Whitney
East Las Vegas neighborhood east of the Strip and Whitney city further south-east are also, according to media reports, places to avoid for tourists.
Another neighborhood that has a reputation for being dangerous is located in the northeast of Las Vegas: This is the area around Nellis Boulevard.
Best neighborhoods in Las Vegas
It's hard to name the best areas of Las Vegas because it depends on your type of stay and individual tastes.
So I will simply present you the best neighborhoods (in my opinion):
- for a festive or tourist stay,
- and for a long stay (professional travel, internship, seasonal rental).
Best area to visit in Las Vegas
To enjoy the casinos, the many entertainments, shows and to visit the hotels, each one as incredible as the next, you have to stay on the Las Vegas Strip.
The Strip is the name given to Las Vegas Boulevard , the immense avenue that, over 6 km, is home to the most renowned hotels in Las Vegas, such as:
- Caesars Palace
- Bellagio
- The Venetian Palazzo
- Flamingo
- The Mirage
- MGM
- Bally's
- Imperial Palace
- Paris
See their prices and locations on: Las Vegas Strip
If you are looking to stay in one of the nicest hotels located on the Strip, here is the one that is reputed to be the beautiful and most luxurious in Las Vegas:
If, like me, you have a somewhat tight budget, this is a very good hotel, well located on the Strip and with excellent value for money (especially out of season).
Its location is simply ideal for tourists (right next to the magnificent Paris hotel).
Best neighborhood to live in Las Vegas
Summerlin is the ideal neighborhood to live in or for an extended stay in Las Vegas. See location of this area
The northern part of the Summerlin neighborhood is indeed a safe, residential, and affluent area of Las Vegas. It boasts numerous shopping centers, boutiques, restaurants, golf courses, and other recreational facilities. Furthermore, it is very close to Red Rock Canyon.
Located about fifteen kilometers from the Strip, this is probably the best neighborhood for a long, peaceful stay. See Hotel recommendations in Summerlin
What to visit in Las Vegas?
For those looking for the convenience and security of organized excursions, here are some ideas for activities or visits in Las Vegas:
- Circumference of Las Vegas by sightseeing bus
- Overview of Las Vegas by helicopter
- Las Vegas Night Tour
Las Vegas attracts tourists for its casinos and hotels with crazy settings. But you should know that from Las Vegas, there are nice excursions: