Is Jackson Hole safe?
Very safe from crime. Wildlife, mountain weather and altitude are the real risks, with long drives to hospitals from remote trailheads.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 5/5, very safe.
- Homicide rate in United States: 5.8 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in United States: 12.7 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911.
Safety in Jackson Hole at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Crime | Low crime; occasional car break-ins at trailheads, bike theft, and rare bar fights. Violent crime against visitors is very uncommon. |
| At night | Town Square is calm and safe after dark. Bars close early (about 2 am). Wildlife on roads is the main hazard after dark. |
| Solo women | Very comfortable for solo women. Tell someone your hiking plan, carry bear spray and avoid remote trails at dusk. |
| Other risks | Grizzly and black bears on trails; Avalanche risk Dec–Apr; Altitude of 1,900 m and sudden weather changes |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Fake rental listings on Craigslist and Facebook asking for deposits
- Unlicensed guides taking upfront payment for wildlife tours
Take care
- Trails in bear country: carry bear spray and hike in groups
- Avalanche terrain outside ski area boundaries without training
- Wildlife on roads at dawn and dusk: elk, bison, moose
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drinking age is 21 everywhere; bars and shops check ID, so carry your passport.
- Open alcohol containers in public and in cars are illegal in most places.
- Cannabis is legal in some states but federally illegal; never carry it across borders or onto federal land.
How Jackson Hole compares in United States
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Sedona | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Jackson Hole | 5/5 · Very safe |
| New York City | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Las Vegas | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Orlando | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Honolulu | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Boston | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Diego | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Maui | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Nashville | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Austin | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Miami Beach | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Key West | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Denver | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Portland | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Antonio | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Charleston | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Savannah | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Fort Lauderdale | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Kauai | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Big Island | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Los Angeles | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Miami | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| San Francisco | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Washington, D.C. | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Chicago | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| New Orleans | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Seattle | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Philadelphia | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Atlanta | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Jackson Hole safe for solo female travelers?
Very comfortable for solo women. Tell someone your hiking plan, carry bear spray and avoid remote trails at dusk.
Is Jackson Hole safe at night?
Town Square is calm and safe after dark. Bars close early (about 2 am). Wildlife on roads is the main hazard after dark.
What is the crime rate in Jackson Hole?
Low crime; occasional car break-ins at trailheads, bike theft, and rare bar fights. Violent crime against visitors is very uncommon. Nationally, United States records 5.8 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Jackson Hole?
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911.
More about Jackson Hole
Going to Jackson Hole solo?
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Sources
- START Bus
- Jackson Hole Airport
- National Park Service: Grand Teton
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.