Is Casper Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Casper, Wyoming, the second-largest city in the state, has a unique, layered history and a lot of local pride.

The area originally belonged to Indigenous tribes like the Shoshone, Arapaho, and Lakota, who hunted and lived off the land here.

As settlers moved west in the 1800s, they followed trails like the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails, which passed right through present-day Casper.

The town eventually took its name from Fort Caspar, a military post named in honor of a young lieutenant, Caspar Collins, who died in an 1865 battle.

If you notice a difference in spelling between Casper and Casper, that’s due to a typographical error made when the post office was established.

Casper is nicknamed “The Oil City,” a nod to its oil-rich past and still-celebrated industry, highlighted each year at the Wyoming Oil & Gas Fair.

You’ll see a mix of history and modern life when you visit places like the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center or Fort Caspar Museum, which both dive into pioneer history.

The outdoors is where Casper really shines.

With Casper Mountain just south of the city and the North Platte River flowing nearby, you can ski, hike, fish, or kayak all within minutes of downtown.

Warnings & Dangers in Casper

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Casper and plenty of things to do for all ages. Activities lean toward the outdoors, but you can also find indoor museums and cultural options.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Casper’s public transit, operated by the Casper Area Transportation Coalition (CATC), provides affordable bus services across the city. The fixed-route system, known as The Bus, connects key destinations, including downtown, shopping areas, and medical centers. Taxis and rideshares are available, but a rental car offers the most flexibility, especially in exploring public lands and parks.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Only about two pickpockets or purse snatchings are reported each year, giving this a low risk. However, you should still use caution and limit how much you carry without skipping essentials like water, snacks, and layers of clothing for outdoor activities.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Casper has a low risk of large-scale natural disasters but faces some regional hazards. Wildfires can occur during dry, windy summers and fall, especially in nearby grasslands and forests. Winter brings heavy snow and ice, leading to potential travel disruptions. Occasional flooding is possible, particularly along rivers during the spring thaw.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Just three highway robberies have happened in the past five years, giving this a low risk. It's wise to stay in well-lit areas at night and don't visit neighborhoods where you don't know anyone, just to be safe.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is a low risk, given how remote this area is and the lack of hard targets. It's still important to be vigilant and report suspicious activity to the local police.

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. I found a Facebook page, @Casperbadbuisness, where you can see recent reports of fraudulent activity or scams.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Nothing in the crime data or recent headlines suggests women face a greater risk than men but use standard safety precautions to keep the risk low.

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. After reviewing the 2023 report, I can tell you that Casper's water is fully compliant with all requirements.

Safest Places to Visit in Casper

The region’s tourism website is VisitCasper.com.

You can download the Vacation Guide without having to give personal information or fill out the form to have a copy mailed to you.

For statewide information, Travel Wyoming is the name of the tourism website.

Downtown Casper doubles as a historic district, and you can download a walking tour map to explore at your own pace.

Look to David Street Place for seasonal events and festivals.

The Nicolaysen Art Museum, often called “The NIC,” is a hub for contemporary art in Casper, featuring rotating exhibits by regional and national artists.

At the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, visitors experience Wyoming’s pioneer history firsthand.

The museum brings to life the Native American culture that preceded the journeys of pioneers along the Oregon, California, Mormon, and Pony Express trails.

BLM trail guides can lead you on a Pioneer Trail Trek.

Located on a historic military post site, the Fort Caspar Museum also explores frontier life at a historic military post from the 1840s, strategically positioned along the North Platte River.

The Werner Wildlife Museum, run by Casper College, displays mounted wildlife from Wyoming and beyond, featuring both big game animals and exotic species.

You can also choose to take a prehistoric wildlife tour at the Tate Geological Museum, with dinosaur fossils and unique minerals found across the Cowboy State on display.

At the Science Zone, families can enjoy an interactive, hands-on experience exploring exhibits on biology, geology, and technology.

With themed areas for kids to discover, this museum offers a fun and educational highlight within Casper’s museum scene.

Rotary Park sits at the base of Casper Mountain, and a waterfall and wooded oasis are waiting for you.

The base of Garden Creek Falls is near the entrance to the park, and the Bridle Trail threads through the woods for almost five miles.

Bring your camera. You’ll want photos here.

Heading up Casper Mountain, year-round activities from hiking to a summer solstice festival to snowshoeing await.

Check with the Casper Mountain Trails Center for maps and more information.

Winter guests must check out Hogadon Basin Ski Area, located just 20 minutes from downtown.

Summer mountain guests should head to the Crimson Dawn museum, which tells the story of Casper’s genesis.

Muddy Mountain Environmental Education Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, offers an escape into pristine wilderness with trails through forests and meadows.

It’s a prime spot for hiking, wildlife watching, and connecting with Wyoming’s rugged beauty.

Edness K. Wilkins State Park, along the North Platte River, is a favorite for water activities and family outings.

Known for its cottonwood trees and peaceful picnic areas, the park also offers fishing, kayaking, and trails for walking or biking.

Places to Avoid in Casper

Casper doesn’t have bad parts of the town or dangerous neighborhoods.

The biggest thing to avoid is going into private property, even if it looks like a wide open space.

I learned this lesson the hard way while walking with my dogs on a lone country road surrounded by ranches.

One of my dogs caught a scent and walked about 50 feet beyond a fence into an empty grassy field.

I was greeted by an angry landowner shouting at me to get my dog off his property.

From then on, I kept my dogs on leashes.

As well-trained as my dogs are, it was no match for the unique scents in the Wyoming foothills.

Also, the speed limits on some interstates in Wyoming are 80 miles per hour.

Please check the wind forecasts before you aim to go that fast.

I could barely get my SUV to go above 65 miles per hour against the wind in eastern Wyoming.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Casper

So... How Safe Is Casper Really?

Wyoming ranks among the 10 safest states in the U.S., and Casper might not rank among the safest cities within the state, but it’s definitely not the most dangerous.

In 2023, the crime rate was 26% lower than the national average.

The Casper Police Department skipped reporting data for 2021 and 2022 while adjusting to the new NIBRS reporting system, so we don’t have strong comparisons from year to year.

However, there isn’t a historical issue of high crime or significant safety concerns here.

Theft would be your biggest risk, with a rate 44% higher than the national average.

However, 41% of that was related to shoplifting.

Car break-ins or accessory thefts numbered 362 – almost one for every day of the year.

One thing to keep an eye on before your trip is the increase in violent crime among juveniles that surged in 2024.

Police said in a statement, “2024 has tested our community in many ways.

The most obvious has been the [four] homicides in our community, including two juvenile deaths.”

Less than one in three violent crimes in 2023 involved strangers, which further lowers the risk for a visitor.

Given how much crime rates can change year over year, it’s important to do due diligence before visiting.

Both Casper PD and the Natrona County Sheriff’s Office are transparent about crime rates and safety updates.

How Does Casper 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

Casper, Wyoming, experiences a four-season climate with hot, dry summers reaching into the 80s and 90s°F and cold winters dipping below freezing, often bringing snow. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and occasional wind. Casper’s high elevation and arid air make for low humidity and clear skies year-round.

Airports

Casper is primarily served by Casper-Natrona County International Airport (CPR), located just 8 miles from downtown. The closest major airport is Denver International, but that's about 280 miles south and can be a treacherous drive in winter.

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.

Casper Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Wyoming - Safety by City