Canada Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Canada
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated June 11, 2025
Canada recorded 2.0 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is low by global standards. That places Canada #117 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Americas average of 20.8 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (1.4 per 100,000 in 2013, 2.0 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Canada at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
2.0 /100k
Safety Rank
#79 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (1.4 per 100,000 in 2013, 2.0 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Canada Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Canada, the homicide rate for men is 2.8× higher than the rate for women — 2.9 vs 1.0 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Canada:
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise normal precautions in Canada. Advisory summary: Canada is generally a safe destination for travelers. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Canada. U.S. citizens should always exercise caution when traveling abroad. Use these general tips to stay safe: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Canada. Prepare a plan for emergency situations.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Canada
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated August 11, 2025).
Emergency phone number
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.
Crime
Petty theft sometimes occurs. Thieves often target parked cars in big cities or tourist spots. Avoid leaving items in your car or trunk to prevent “smash and grab” thefts. Car thefts are increasing in some cities. Avoid parking on the street or in unmonitored parking lots. Consider a remote monitoring service or wheel locks. If your car is stolen, contact the police and do not attempt to locate the car yourself. Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver have strict parking laws. They may fine you for unlocked doors or visible valuables. Pickpockets may target you in busy tourist areas. Stay alert and protect your belongings.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on politically significant holidays and during international events. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Past demonstrations have rarely been violent in Canada. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
Scams
Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information.
Technology Usage Abroad
Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network (VPN) and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.
Tourism safety
The tourism industry is generally regulated. Rules with regards to general practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs. Trained staff are usually there to help with organized activities. Appropriate medical treatment is widely available for injuries. If someone gets hurt, they can usually get medical help anywhere in the country In smaller cities, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and assist. The Arctic territories are remote, and responders may be delayed due to isolation and harsh conditions. Plan for delays if you are traveling to these areas. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Canada Population & Demographics
Population of 41,288,599, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canada safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Canada at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The homicide rate of 2.0 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Canada?
Canada has an intentional homicide rate of 2.0 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #117 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Canada?
Canada is currently at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Canada compare to other countries?
Canada's homicide rate of 2.0 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Americas average of 20.8.