New Zealand Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for New Zealand
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated April 29, 2026
New Zealand recorded 1.5 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2022, a rate that is low by global standards. That places New Zealand #130 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Oceania average of 5.9 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (0.9 per 100,000 in 2012, 1.5 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates New Zealand at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
1.5 /100k
Safety Rank
#66 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2022
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2022)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (0.9 per 100,000 in 2012, 1.5 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How New Zealand Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In New Zealand, the homicide rate for men is 1.6× higher than the rate for women — 1.8 vs 1.1 per 100,000 (2022).
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 New Zealand:
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Exercise normal precautions in New Zealand . New Zealand is generally a safe destination for travelers. Review our country information page for additional information on travel to New Zealand. If you decide to travel to New Zealand: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
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.
New Zealand Population & Demographics
Population of 5,287,500, growth trends, economy, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Zealand safe to visit?
The US State Department rates New Zealand at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The homicide rate of 1.5 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in New Zealand?
New Zealand has an intentional homicide rate of 1.5 per 100,000 people (2022, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #130 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for New Zealand?
New Zealand 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 New Zealand compare to other countries?
New Zealand's homicide rate of 1.5 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Oceania average of 5.9.