Sweden Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Sweden
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated May 18, 2026
Sweden recorded 1.1 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is low by global standards. That places Sweden #141 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 (0.9 per 100,000 in 2013, 1.1 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Sweden at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
1.1 /100k
Safety Rank
#55 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 (0.9 per 100,000 in 2013, 1.1 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Sweden Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Sweden, the homicide rate for men is 2.6× higher than the rate for women — 1.7 vs 0.6 per 100,000 (2023).
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 Sweden:
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Exercise increased caution in Sweden due to terrorism . Advisory summary There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Sweden. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Sweden
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated July 26, 2023).
Terrorism
: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) Sweden has been subject to terrorist incidents in the past and the potential for a future terrorist incident remains.
Crime
Sweden has a low crime rate, and most crimes involve the theft of personal property from vehicles, residences, and public areas. While armed violence against the public continues to be a rare occurrence, violent crimes, such as homicides and sexual assaults, can occur. The majority of violent crimes occur in Sweden’s larger cities, such as Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmo. Organized crime groups have also committed armed acts against each other. Pickpocketing and petty theft are common in and around major tourist attractions, especially Stockholm’s Old Town (“Gamla Stan”) as well as at restaurants, coffee shops, amusement parks, museums, bars, airports, and on public transportation. Hotel breakfast rooms and lobbies attract well-dressed, professional thieves who blend in with guests and target purses and briefcases left unguarded by tourists and business travelers.
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. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
International Financial Scams
: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information. Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Sweden. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include: romance/online dating money transfers bank overpayments online relationships that evolve into requests for emergency financial assistance
Victims of Crime
: U.S. citizen victims of crime, including sexual assault, should first contact local police authorities by dialing 112. Crime victims may contact the U.S. Embassy at +46 (8) 785-5300 after they have contacted local authorities. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting all crimes. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . 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 Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion Provide a list of local attorneys Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
Domestic Violence
: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
: The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .
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.
Sweden Population & Demographics
Population of 10,569,709, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sweden safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Sweden at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 1.1 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Sweden?
Sweden has an intentional homicide rate of 1.1 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #141 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Sweden?
Sweden 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 Sweden compare to other countries?
Sweden's homicide rate of 1.1 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Europe average of 1.6.