Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Las Vegas
Go Back To Previous PageOnce known as America’s party city, Las Vegas is rapidly emerging as a destination for families and individuals seeking a more affordable cost of living and more excellent living space. Despite the city’s ongoing growth, some areas remain hotspots for criminal activity, where unsuspecting tourists can often become victims. To help you stay safe, we have compiled a list of the twelve most problematic neighborhoods in Las Vegas to avoid. Let’s go over the most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Las Vegas!
1. West Las Vegas
West Las Vegas is the most dangerous neighborhood in Las Vegas. It attracts many tourists near the Strip, making it a hotspot for predatory criminal activity. The area has approximately
20,000 people, and its crime rate is 508% above the national average.
Both violent and property crimes are prevalent here, with robberies, muggings, and assaults happening frequently. Additionally, theft and scams pose significant problems, often leaving unsuspecting tourists as crime victims.
2. Rancho Charleston
Rancho Charleston is a neighborhood west of downtown Las Vegas that many tourists and residents prefer to avoid. With a population of approximately 28,787, Rancho Charleston has a crime rate 504% higher than the national average.
In 2022, there were a total of 14,159 criminal incidents recorded in Rancho Charleston, with many cases involving robbery, assault, and homicide. Drug trafficking and addiction significantly contribute to the high crime rate in the area.
3. Buffalo
Buffalo is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Las Vegas. Located just a few miles west of downtown, it benefits from a central location with easy access to the city’s top attractions, shopping centers, restaurants, and casinos. The northern part of the community is traversed by I-11, which provides convenient access to other city areas. However, despite its favorable location, Buffalo has a high crime rate.
The total crime rate in the area is 13,016 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it 279% more dangerous than the rest of Las Vegas and 460% more dangerous than the average city in the United States. The violent crime rate is 400% higher than that of the entire country, while property crime is 471% higher. In Buffalo, your chances of becoming a victim of a crime are approximately 1 in 8.
4. Charleston Heights
Charleston Heights is known as one of the most dangerous areas in Las Vegas because of its high crime rate. The neighborhood attracts many visitors with its casinos, arcades, concert halls, and psychic shops.
However, the total crime rate in Charleston Heights is 251% higher than the national average, and it experiences a notably high rate of violent crime. Reports indicate that gang activity occurs in certain parts of the area, leading to associated violent crimes and drug-related issues. Additionally, theft and robbery are frequent, often targeting unsuspecting tourists.
5. Twin Lakes
One of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Las Vegas is Twin Lakes. Twin Lakes is near Wildfire Ranch and the Neon Museum in the northwestern part of the city. The total crime rate in Twin Lakes is 241% higher than the national average, with incidents of homicide, robbery, mugging, and theft being widespread.
The area has a gang presence that is involved in narcotics trafficking. Additionally, Twin Lakes faces a wildlife issue, with coyotes frequently wandering into residential areas.
6. Michael Way
Michael Way is situated in northwestern Las Vegas and has a reputation for being a troubled area. With a population of approximately 51,496, the neighborhood experiences a total crime rate that is 232% higher than the national average, making it one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Las Vegas.
Michael Way is known for high levels of drug activity, prostitution, and various forms of violent and property crime. Residents face a 1 in 12 chance of becoming a victim of crime.
7. East Las Vegas
East Las Vegas is just outside the Strip and has long-standing issues with criminal activity. With a population of 34,490, this area experiences a crime rate of 187% higher than the national average. Both residents and tourists often fall victim to theft, vehicle theft, muggings, and scams, which are prevalent in the region.
Additionally, homicides, shootings, and prostitution are typical in East Las Vegas. The issues of homelessness and vagrancy are also increasing in this area.
8. Desert Shores
Desert Shores is a neighborhood in northwestern Las Vegas that has become a hotspot for property crime. The area’s total crime rate is 150% above the national average, with incidents of homicide, assault, and theft being common.
Although Desert Shores is in the suburbs, far from the Strip, it still experiences a significant amount of transient activity and homelessness.
9. Downtown East
Downtown East is known as one of the most crime-ridden areas in Las Vegas. Although primarily a residential neighborhood, it still attracts tourists, particularly around attractions like Fremont Street. The area experiences a significant amount of transient activity, which increases the risk of tourists becoming victims of violent or property crimes.
A large portion of criminal activity in Downtown East consists of property theft, including burglary, larceny, and vehicle theft.
10. Huntridge
Huntridge is a dangerous neighborhood in Las Vegas, located south of East Charleston Boulevard, about 5 miles from the Vegas Strip. Once an exclusive community in the 1950s and 60s, it is now characterized by historic homes suffering from urban decay. The area is home to Huntridge Circle Park, a noted hotspot for crime that attracts vagrants and homeless individuals during the day.
The total crime rate in Huntridge is 4,591 reported crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 34% higher than the overall crime rate in Las Vegas and 98% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate in Huntridge is also 98% higher than the national average, resulting in odds of 1 in 22 of being a victim of a crime in the community.
11. Sunrise Manor
Sunrise Manor is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Las Vegas. Located on the far east side of the city near Lake Mead, Sunrise Manor has a population of approximately 19,066. The crime rate in this area is 88% higher than the national average, with common offenses including theft, homicide, vehicle theft, and burglary.
Additionally, a significant amount of transient and drug activity has been reported. Many residents have expressed concerns about noise from nearby helicopter tours that operate over the mountains and Lake Mead.
12. Cultural Corridor
The Cultural Corridor is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Las Vegas, featuring the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, helicopter tours, and a variety of other activities. However, the area’s total crime rate is 85% higher than the national average, making it one of the more dangerous neighborhoods in Las Vegas.
Property crime is a significant issue, with burglaries, car thefts, and other thefts common. Tourists must remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, particularly at night, and secure their personal belongings.
Georges has been working in Wall Street for the last 16 years trading derivatives with hedge funds. He has been an active real estate investor for over a decade. Georges graduated from HEC Business School in Paris and holds a master in Finance from ESADE Barcelona.
