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 is true that nowadays, to choose a hotel in a big city and not have unpleasant surprises, we prefer to inquire beforehand about the neighborhoods 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.
But in 2024, on the Numbeo ranking of the most criminal cities in North America, Las Vegas at the top of the table. With its crime index of 55.16, Las Vegas is the 30th most crime-ridden city in North America out of the 126 cities ranked.
But everything is relative because if we compare the crime indices to the world level, Las Vegas is average. It is rated much less criminal than cities like Cancun, Rio de Janeiro, Athens, Nice ou Marseille en France.
Las Vegas dangerous for tourists?
NO, but on condition that you remain careful. In fact, Las Vegas is not a dangerous city for tourists as are Mexico City, Cape Town ou Rio de Janeiro. But, as in all tourist towns, there is petty crime (pickpockets, scams and snatching).
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 areas to avoid and the best areas of 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 there that the city of Las Vegas developed. It was the most touristic place before the Strip became popular. Even today, there are many hotels there.
In this area (from the Stratosphere), tourists should be careful at night. It is recommended that they especially avoid walking beyond the street Fremont street experience and nearby streets. If you have to go at night, it will be better to take a taxi rather than taking the bus to Downtown Las Vegas.
Area to avoid in Las Vegas – Huntridge
South of Orleans Square, this district of Las Vegas is known for its Park: Huntridge Park. Locals consider it a landmark for drug addicts and delinquents. It should be noted, however, that the police forces are increasingly present there.
Dangerous neighborhoods in North Las Vegas
North las vegas is a huge neighborhood that has become a city within a city. With a population of over 240, inequalities are significant and so is the crime rate. However, all North las vegas is not dangerous. There are only a few places where gangs and drug trafficking have taken hold.
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 activities, shows and visit the hotels all as incredible as each other, you have to stay on Las Vegas Strip.
The Strip, this is the name given to las vegas boulevard which is the immense avenue which, over 6 km, brings together the most famous 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 situations 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 a long stay in Las Vegas. See location of this area
The north of the district summerlin is indeed a safe, residential and affluent area of Las Vegas. There are many shopping centers, boutiques, restaurants, golf and other recreational areas. In addition, it is very close to Red Rock Canyon.
About fifteen kilometers from the Strip, it is probably the best area for a long, quiet stay. See Recommended hotel 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: