Iran Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Iran
Iran recorded 2.4 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2014, a rate that is low by global standards. That places Iran #105 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Asia average of 2.0 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 18% over the past decade (from 2.9 in 2009). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Iran at Level 4 of 4: Do Not Travel.
Homicide Rate
2.4 /100k
Safety Rank
#91 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 4 of 4
Data Year
2014
Homicide Rate Trend (2009-2014)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 18% over the past decade (from 2.9 in 2009). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Iran Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Iran, the homicide rate for men is 7.4× higher than the rate for women — 4.1 vs 0.6 per 100,000 (2014).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
Iran 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
123(2024)
Military Spending
2.0% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Iran:
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Do Not Travel to Iran due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens, and wrongful detention . Read the entire Travel Advisory. Advisory summary Do not travel to Iran for any reason. U.S. citizens in Iran should leave immediately. There is no U.S. Embassy in Iran. Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas . U.S. citizens in Iran face serious dangers including terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest, and wrongful detention . Some U.S.
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.
Iran Population & Demographics
Population of 91,567,738, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iran safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Iran at Level 4 of 4 (Do Not Travel). The homicide rate of 2.4 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Iran?
Iran has an intentional homicide rate of 2.4 per 100,000 people (2014, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #105 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Iran?
Iran is currently at Level 4: Do Not Travel. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Iran compare to other countries?
Iran's homicide rate of 2.4 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and above the Asia average of 2.0.