Is Afton Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Afton, Wyoming, is the kind of place that feels like stepping into a Western movie—with a few surprises thrown in.

The city is in a far western section of the state known as the Star Valley.

This scenic mountain valley is famous for its lush meadows, dramatic peaks, and small-town charm.

Stretching about 45 miles along the border with Idaho, Afton is tucked between the Salt River Range to the east and the Caribou Range to the west.

Afton was originally home to the Shoshone and Bannock tribes, who knew a good spot when they saw one.

The lush valley, fed by the Salt River, was a paradise for wildlife and a prime hunting ground long before settlers arrived.

The town itself got its name in a poetic twist—pioneers christened it after a river mentioned in a Robert Burns poem, though it’s unclear if any of them had actually read the poem.

Afton might sound refined, but its history is pure Wild West.

Like many Wyoming towns, it saw its share of hard-working ranchers, wandering trappers, and a fair bit of frontier shenanigans.

One local legend tells of an old moonshiner who used the area’s abundant caves to hide his operation.

Today, Afton is known for its outdoorsy charm and quirky attractions.

It’s home to the world’s largest elk antler arch, which is both impressive and a little eccentric, just like the town.

Add to that world-class fly-fishing, stunning hikes, and friendly locals, and Afton becomes a must-visit stop on your Wyoming adventure.

Come for the elk arch; stay for the stories and the serenity.

Did we mention it’s also just 90 minutes south of Grand Teton National Park, with Yellowstone just another short drive north?

Warnings & Dangers in Afton

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The risk of crime is low in Afton, and the other risks largely depend on how prepared you are for the weather, wilderness risks, and wildlife encounters. However, it's truly a special outdoor region for those who appreciate the remoteness.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Public transportation in Afton is virtually nonexistent. The Start Bus System in Jackson only goes as far south as Etna. It’s a good idea to plan a rental car if you’re visiting. The area’s scenic drives and wide-open spaces make having your own transportation a plus.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

As a remote region without a lot of crowds, the risk of being pickpocketed is low. However, there's a greater risk a bear will steal your stuff if you don't use scent-proof containers.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Afton is relatively safe from large-scale natural disasters but faces occasional risks like wildfires during dry summers and avalanches in snowy winters. Earthquakes are possible but rare. The weather can cause disruptions to outdoor activities or cause safety challenges when a snowstorm or thunderstorm is moving in, so stay weather aware.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

This is another low-risk category that includes threats from wildlife far surpassing the risk of other humans. It's as important to know personal safety steps as well as wilderness survival skills.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Afton, a small town in western Wyoming, has an extremely low terrorism risk. Its remote location and close-knit community make it an unlikely target. Visitors can relax and enjoy their time here without worrying about major security concerns, focusing instead on the area’s natural beauty and charm.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Check local police department and sheriff’s office social media sites for the latest scams. That will help keep the risk low. In keeping with the wildlife theme, don't give in to animal scammers who look "so hungry." Feeding wildlife is illegal in some cases and dangerous for you and them in all cases.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Afton is a safe destination for women travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming community. Basic precautions, like being aware of your surroundings and locking up valuables, are advised but not urgent. Women can confidently explore Afton’s natural beauty and small-town charm without significant safety concerns.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. The latest report available is from 2022 when all requirements were met or exceeded.

Safest Places to Visit in Afton

The website “Visit Afton WY” is the guide for this region of Lincoln County and the city of Afton.

To learn more about downtown Afton, then check out the Afton Main Street Alliance on Facebook or Instagram @aftonmainstreet.

Be sure to get a photo of the World’s Largest Elkhorn Arch as you enter downtown.

Downtown has a mix of locally owned and operated shops and restaurants.

It’s also walkable, with just two blocks to explore.

Star Valley Historical Society oversees several museums and historical spots in Afton, Auburn, and Etna.

Most locations are only open in the summer and/or during the Lincoln County Fair.

Golfers of all experience levels will love Valli Vu Golf Course, which golfer Johnny Miller designed.

The golf Hall of Famer spent a lot of time in this region when he wasn’t racking up accolades on the course, and this was a gift to the community.

In winter, some golf course routes turn into cross-country skiing zones or sledding hills.

The Intermittent Spring is one of the must-see spots in Afton. As one of the world’s rare periodic springs, water flows cyclically every 15–20 minutes.

Visitors can access it via a short, scenic 1.5-mile hike from the Swift Creek Trailhead.

Afton, Wyoming, is surrounded by the Bridger-Teton National Forest, offering over 3.4 million acres of pristine wilderness with diverse landscapes ranging from dense forests to alpine meadows.

It’s a haven for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, with stunning spots such as Greys River and Salt River Range nearby.

Activities and access to the various areas in the wilderness change by the season.

Please review the tourism site and national forest website for more information.

However, you should know that anything you enjoy doing outdoors is possible here in southwest Wyoming.

You’ll quickly find out why the Mormon settlers called it the “Star of All Valleys,” which is now shortened to just Star Valley.

Places to Avoid in Afton

Afton doesn’t have bad parts of town, but there are dangerous parts of the wilderness.

You largely control the decision about places to avoid in the forest, preserves, lakes, or river valleys.

Risks include wildfires, wildlife, winter weather, avalanches, severe weather, exposure, and lack of water.

For those without wilderness training, it’s advisable to avoid the Cedar Basin Trail near Afton.

This trail is steep and unpaved, making it suitable only for experienced hikers.

Additionally, the Star Ridge trail is known for its steep ascent, which can be challenging for those not accustomed to such conditions.

It’s also important to be cautious on the Swift Creek Trail, as it features steep slopes near the canyon sides and areas with loose rocks.

One wrong step could lead to a rescue effort with very few communication options to call for help.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Afton

So... How Safe Is Afton Really?

It doesn’t look like crime data is reported to the FBI by the Afton Police Department.

The last time we had reliable crime data information was in 2021.

However, looking back as far as 2015, Afton historically has a low crime rate.

Just a handful of violent crimes were reported each year.

In Lincoln County, just 14 violent crimes happened in 2023, and only one of those involved a stranger.

Even theft numbers were low, with an average of 20 per year, and a good chunk of those were shoplifting.

Across Lincoln County, over the past five years, about 50 thefts have happened each year.

About 90% of those were “other,” which can be theft from campsites, construction sites, or yards.

In fact, it’s hard to even find headlines from Afton since there’s so little crime of note.

One of the only reports I could dig up involved an alleged drunk woman stealing drugs and a blowtorch while biting one man and trying to seduce another.

By far, the biggest risks in Afton and Lincoln County are wilderness, weather, and wildlife.

Learning the risks and safety steps will go a long way toward helping you enjoy your time in this beautiful section of Wyoming.

How Does Afton Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You can also download the CBP One mobile app for help on the go. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee. Credit cards, not debit cards, offer the best fraud protection.

Weather

Afton sees classic mountain weather, with cold, snowy winters and mild summers. Winter temperatures often dip below freezing, while summer rarely exceeds the mid-80s. Spring and fall can be unpredictable, with rain or snow possible. Layering is key, and the scenery makes it all worthwhile year-round.

Airports

The closest commercial airport to Afton is Jackson Hole Airport, about 70 miles away. It offers regional and national flights, making it a convenient choice. Idaho Falls Regional Airport, roughly 100 miles away, provides another option for broader flight availability. Both require a scenic drive through beautiful landscapes.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.

Afton Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Wyoming - Safety by City