Is Key West safe?
Safe, low-violence island town. Drunk-related trouble on Duval Street late at night, sunburn and storms are the main issues.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- 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 Key West at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Bike theft, petty theft from beach bags and cars, and intoxicated disputes around Duval Street bars late at night. |
| At night | Old Town is busy and well lit until late. Walk in groups after midnight or take a rideshare or pedicab. |
| Solo women | Generally comfortable for solo women. Expect drunken attention on Duval late at night; watch drinks and use a rideshare home. |
| Other risks | Hurricane season Jun–Nov; evacuation orders close the only road; Strong sun and heat; reef-safe sunscreen is required; Cyclists and scooters on narrow streets |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Overpriced bar tabs and 'free' drink promoters on Duval Street
- Unlocked bikes stolen within minutes; lock every time
Take care
- Duval Street after midnight: crowded, drunk and occasionally rowdy
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 Key West compares in United States
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Sedona | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Scottsdale | 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 Key West safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable for solo women. Expect drunken attention on Duval late at night; watch drinks and use a rideshare home.
Is Key West safe at night?
Old Town is busy and well lit until late. Walk in groups after midnight or take a rideshare or pedicab.
What is the crime rate in Key West?
Bike theft, petty theft from beach bags and cars, and intoxicated disputes around Duval Street bars late at night. Nationally, United States records 5.8 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Key West?
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911.
More about Key West
Going to Key West solo?
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Sources
- City of Key West
- Florida Keys & Key West tourism
- Key West International Airport
- 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.