Liberia Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Liberia
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated December 11, 2025
Liberia recorded 3.1 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2012, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places Liberia #95 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Africa average of 7.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have risen 13% over the past decade (from 2.7 in 2007). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Liberia at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
3.1 /100k
Safety Rank
#101 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2012
Homicide Rate Trend (2007-2012)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have risen 13% over the past decade (from 2.7 in 2007). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Liberia Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Liberia:
There was no change to the advisory level. The "health" risk indictor was added. Advisory summary was updated. Exercise increased caution in Liberia due to crime, unrest, and health. Advisory summary Crime Violent crime, such as armed robbery are common in urban areas, crowded markets, and public beaches. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious crimes. If traveling outside the capital city of Monrovia, try to finish your trip during daylight hours. It's safer to avoid travel at night due to safety and security concerns. Unrest Demonstrations occur regularly.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Liberia
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated August 01, 2023).
Crime
Crimes of opportunity, such as residential burglary or armed robbery (typically using a knife or machete) have affected U.S. citizens and are more common at night. Criminal activity has been reported in both urban and rural areas, including public beaches. The Liberia National Police have limited capacity to respond to crime events. The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Liberia is also 911. However, emergency services are not provided reliably or consistently. Also, there is no landline telephone service in Liberia, and cellular phone communication is subject to occasional disruptions in service. A call to 911 in Liberia may go unanswered, and you should employ other resources to obtain emergency assistance.
Corruption
Corruption is rampant. Poorly paid government officials and private company employees may ask for “fees” for doing their job, and travelers may be inconvenienced for not paying bribes. Requesting official signed receipts for the payment of any unexpected “fines” or “fees” can sometimes deter such improper behavior.
Demonstrations
occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. While infrequent, the police may use tear gas. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
Scams
Internet romance and financial scams occur in Liberia. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should seek medical assistance as needed and contact the U.S. Embassy as soon as possible. Report crimes to the local police in person or at 911 and contact the U.S. Embassy at + (231) 77-677-7000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. We can: help you find appropriate medical care assist you in reporting a crime to the police contact relatives or friends, with your written consent explain the local criminal justice process in general terms provide a list of local attorneys provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution help you find accommodation and arrange flights home replace a stolen or lost passport
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place. Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not available in-country. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance as many medical procedures are not available in Liberia. 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.
Liberia Population & Demographics
Population of 5,612,817, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Liberia safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Liberia at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). Cited risks include health. The homicide rate of 3.1 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Liberia?
Liberia has an intentional homicide rate of 3.1 per 100,000 people (2012, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #95 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Liberia?
Liberia 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 Liberia compare to other countries?
Liberia's homicide rate of 3.1 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Africa average of 7.6.