Russia Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Russia
Russia recorded 6.8 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2021, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places Russia #54 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 rates have fallen 40% over the past decade (from 11.2 in 2011). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Russia at Level 4 of 4: Do Not Travel.
Homicide Rate
6.8 /100k
Safety Rank
#142 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 4 of 4
Data Year
2021
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2021)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 40% over the past decade (from 11.2 in 2011). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Russia Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Russia, the homicide rate for men is 3.6× higher than the rate for women — 9.9 vs 2.8 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
Russia 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
7,670(2024)
Military Spending
7.0% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Russia:
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Advisory summary Do not travel to Russia due to: Danger associated with the continuing war between Russia and Ukraine. The risk of harassment or wrongful detention by Russian security officials. The arbitrary enforcement of local laws. The possibility of terrorism. U.S. citizens in Russia should leave immediately The U.S. government has limited ability to help U.S. citizens in Russia, especially outside of Moscow. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has reduced its staff.
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.
Russia Population & Demographics
Population of 143,533,851, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
China
0.5 /100k
Level 2
Ukraine
3.8 /100k
Level 4
Poland
0.8 /100k
Level 1
North Korea
—
Level 4
Kazakhstan
2.5 /100k
Level 1
Azerbaijan
2.2 /100k
Level 3
Belarus
2.4 /100k
Level 4
Finland
1.0 /100k
Level 1
Norway
0.7 /100k
Level 1
Georgia
2.0 /100k
Level 1
Mongolia
5.9 /100k
Level 1
Lithuania
2.6 /100k
Level 1
Latvia
2.5 /100k
Level 1
Estonia
1.5 /100k
Level 1
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Russia safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Russia at Level 4 of 4 (Do Not Travel). The homicide rate of 6.8 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Russia?
Russia has an intentional homicide rate of 6.8 per 100,000 people (2021, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #54 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Russia?
Russia 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 Russia compare to other countries?
Russia's homicide rate of 6.8 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Europe average of 1.6.