France Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for France
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated May 28, 2025
France recorded 1.3 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is low by global standards. That places France #133 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Europe average of 1.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (1.2 per 100,000 in 2013, 1.3 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates France at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
1.3 /100k
Safety Rank
#63 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (1.2 per 100,000 in 2013, 1.3 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How France Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In France, the homicide rate for men is 2.6× higher than the rate for women — 1.9 vs 0.8 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
France has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
4(2018)
Military Spending
2.0% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for France:
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution in France due to terrorism and civil unrest . Advisory Summary: Pickpocketing and phone thefts are common, especially in crowded places. Terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in France and may attack with little to no warning. There are also regular, peaceful protests and strikes in Paris and other cities throughout France. Pickpocketing and phone thefts are frequent crimes.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
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.
France Population & Demographics
Population of 68,551,653, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is France safe to visit?
The US State Department rates France at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 1.3 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in France?
France has an intentional homicide rate of 1.3 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #133 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for France?
France is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in France compare to other countries?
France's homicide rate of 1.3 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Europe average of 1.6.