Is Cody Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Cody, Wyoming, sits just 52 miles from Yellowstone National Park’s East Entrance, making it a prime gateway for visitors exploring the nation’s first national park.

Plus, the east entrance is one of the least crowded.

Long before its establishment, the area was home to Native American tribes, including the Crow and Shoshone, who lived in harmony with the region’s rugged beauty and abundant wildlife.

Founded in 1896 by legendary entertainer Buffalo Bill Cody, the town was envisioned as a hub of hospitality and adventure, drawing from its rich frontier history.

Buffalo Bill’s influence looms large here.

His vision of the Old West inspired the town’s layout and its enduring charm.

Visitors can experience this legacy at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a world-class museum complex showcasing the region’s art, history, and natural wonders.

Cody also boasts ties to literature, with Ernest Hemingway famously spending time in the region, finding inspiration for his writing.

Artist Jackson Pollock was born in Cody.

What sets Cody apart, even in a state renowned for its historic towns, is its blend of Old West nostalgia and modern-day hospitality.

The town is a haven for tourists, offering an array of activities like nightly rodeos, scenic river rafting, and authentic Western dining.

Its downtown brims with boutique shops, galleries, and historic saloons, ensuring a vibrant experience for visitors.

It’s a lot more pomp and circumstance than you might find in some other Wyoming Old West towns, but that’s part of the appeal.

Whether you’re passing through on your way to Yellowstone or seeking a destination in its own right, Cody promises a warm welcome and a taste of the authentic West, served with flair and friendliness.

Warnings & Dangers in Cody

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The risk in Cody is low, and the city is one of the most attraction-filled across the state. That's even before you head to Yellowstone or the National Forest!

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Public transportation in Cody is limited, with no city bus system or extensive transit options. However, local taxi services, rideshare apps, and regional shuttle services like the Cody Trolley Tour provide transportation. Renting a car is often the best way to get around, especially for exploring Yellowstone and surrounding areas. Look for tours through outfitters that will take you into the park or forest, too.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

About 1-2 pickpockets or purse snatchings happen each year, looking back at three years of data. Considering how busy Cody can get, that's still a low risk.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Cody faces minimal natural disaster risks compared to other regions, but the surrounding mountains can get a heaping dose of winter. Wildfires can occur any time of year, but most likely during dry summers or fall. Strong winds are common year-round. Flooding is a minor concern near rivers during heavy snowmelt.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Cody has seen one robbery since 2020, and that was in a private home. The risk of getting mugged is low, but keep it that way by not walking around at night alone or carrying valuables with you.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

The risk is low in this tourist town, but vigilance is still important because no place in the US is safe from random acts of violence. You'll definitely find the windy weather to be more of a nuisance than suspicious situations.

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. While many scams recently have focused on residents, you can avoid potential fraud by only using outfitters associated with the National Park Service or Forest Service. Plus, you can get any company for a business license, a Better Business Bureau profile, or registration with the Chamber of Commerce.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women don't face additional risks compared to men, but that assumes women are skilled in wilderness, wildlife, and water safety. The town is kid-friendly if you're a mom traveling along with the family. Solo travelers will enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Cody, as well.

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. I reviewed the CCR for Cody in 2023, and all standards were met or exceeded. We'll talk a little later about how to check water quality in the nearby lakes and rivers.

Safest Places to Visit in Cody

The Cody Chamber of Commerce and Park County Travel Council both have websites with plenty of information about things to do here.

Download the digital guide for free without having to provide personal information on the CodyYellowstone.com site.

We’ll start in Cody, where there is so much to do you might find you need a few more days to explore.

Downtown is an eccentric and exaggerated look at Old West life.

Guided tours or self-guided options can be booked or downloaded through the tourism office.

One of the best shows is Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Spectacular Musical – it’s a must-see for first-time visitors.

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West includes five museums dedicated to Western art, natural history, Native American culture, and Buffalo Bill’s legacy.

Tickets get you access for two days, but consider the Exclusive Ticket experience, where you get customized tours and a VIP experience.

Old Trail Town is a recreated frontier town featuring authentic historical buildings and artifacts, giving a glimpse into Cody’s pioneer days.

The cabins where the Hole-In-The-Wall gang stayed are on site.

Keep in mind this is an open-air museum that closes in winter.

Dubbed the “Rodeo Capital of the World,” Cody offers nightly rodeos during the summer (June through early September), showcasing classic Western action.

One of the coolest parts is the chance to get a photo with a bull!

Learn about the engineering marvel of the Buffalo Bill Dam and enjoy breathtaking views of the Shoshone River canyon.

The tour is free, with a walkway over the dam and a movie explaining the history.

The Heart Mountain Interpretive Center tells the story of a Japanese American internment camp located nearby during World War II.

This is one attraction open year-round.

Shoshone National Forest and Yellowstone National Park offer so many outdoor activities that it’s hard to summarize all of them.

However, don’t overlook other tours or options like experiencing a dude ranch or going on a scenic flight over the mountains.

I absolutely love this area – one of my favorite places in America, and I’m also a road trip fan.

I want to share some information about the options that lead into, out of, and around Cody.

• Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (Wyoming Highway 296): This 46-mile drive begins approximately 17 miles north of Cody off State Highway 120. It traces the historical path of Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce tribe during their 1877 flight, winding through the Absaroka Mountains and offering panoramic views of Sunlight Basin and Dead Indian Pass.
• Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway (U.S. Highways 14/16/20): Starting just west of Cody, this byway follows the North Fork of the Shoshone River through the Wapiti Valley, leading to the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The route showcases stunning rock formations and abundant wildlife within the Shoshone National Forest.
• Beartooth Highway (U.S. Highway 212): Accessible via the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, the Beartooth Highway is often described as one of America’s most beautiful drives. It traverses alpine tundra and offers sweeping views of snow-capped peaks and pristine lakes, eventually leading to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone.
• Bighorn Canyon Loop: This drive takes you through the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, offering views of towering canyon walls and the Bighorn River. The loop can be accessed from Cody and provides a mix of geological wonders and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

For your safety, many of these scenic drives are closed in winter.

Places to Avoid in Cody

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

Feel free to explore all the public areas at your leisure, using standard personal safety tactics.

If you plan to visit Yellowstone National Park, you should know that the east entrance, which is closest to Cody, closes from November through April, usually opening in early May.

Of course, those dates are dependent on how bad or good the winter weather is.

During winter, Yellowstone National Park’s East Entrance is accessible exclusively by guided snowmobile and snowcoach tours.

Yellowstone’s only vehicle roads in winter are between Gardiner and Cooke City, Montana, neither of which is easily reachable from Cody.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Cody

So... How Safe Is Cody Really?

The crime rate in Cody is low, but considering that crime rates don’t include visitors in the equation, it’s even lower than the data presents.

In fact, we’re going to discuss raw numbers instead of crime rates.

Between 2021 and 2023, there were anywhere from 15 to 21 violent crimes.

During that time, just four strangers were victims of violent crime.

Theft rates are also low, and even lower when considering that most aren’t the type of petty theft that would impact tourists.

For example, in 2023, about one car break-in happened each month, on average.

I read through recent headlines to see if there’s anything concerning that I should tell you about.

The one thing that stood out was a couple of incidents involving road rage or fighting over parking spots.

Don’t engage in this type of aggressive behavior.

It’s not worth risking injury or death just to argue over something so petty.

Follow all the traffic laws, be the nicer person, and move on if someone is showing signs of anger about driving, parking, or any other behavior behind the wheel.

How Does Cody 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 to 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

Cody experiences semi-arid conditions, with summers reaching highs around 85°F and winters dipping to lows near 15°F. The town sees about 30 inches of snowfall annually, primarily in the colder months. Spring and fall bring mild temperatures, creating comfortable conditions for outdoor activities year-round.

Airports

Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) in Cody serves as the nearest commercial airport, offering year-round flights connecting to Denver International Airport. It's a convenient option for accessing northwest Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park. The airport provides rental cars, free parking, and a welcoming terminal for regional travelers.

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.

Cody Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Wyoming - Safety by City