Is Laramie Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Laramie, Wyoming, is a quirky little gem with deep roots and a story or two that’ll make you want to pack your bags.

Long before it became a town, the area was home to Indigenous peoples who thrived on its open plains and mountain valleys.

Fast forward to the 19th century, and things got a bit… rowdy.

Laramie sprang to life as a Union Pacific Railroad town, named after Jacques La Ramee, a French-Canadian trapper who disappeared under mysterious (and probably wild) circumstances.

Some say he met his end at the hands of rival traders or in a skirmish with the locals.

Either way, the legend stuck.

The Wild West vibes didn’t stop there.

Laramie earned a reputation as a rough-and-tumble outpost with saloons and lawlessness aplenty.

It’s also where Wyoming’s famous “Equality State” nickname took shape—Laramie gave the world its first woman to cast a vote in a general election.

So, while outlaws like Butch Cassidy passed through, it’s also a town where progressiveness got an early start.

Today, Laramie is a charming mix of historical grit and modern-day fun.

You’ll find colorful downtown murals, outdoor adventures in the Snowy Range, and one of the West’s best art museums at the University of Wyoming.

Whether you’re here for the stories, the scenery, or just a craft beer, Laramie will make you feel right at home—even if you’re just visiting.

Come for the history, stay for the vibes.

Just be prepared for a lot of wind.

Warnings & Dangers in Laramie

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The risk is low in Laramie, with crime rates well below the national and state average. Plus, you have a variety of options to consider for recreation and entertainment.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Laramie’s public transportation includes the Gem City Grand, a free bus service connecting key areas like downtown, the University of Wyoming, and shopping hubs. Limited routes operate Monday through Saturday. Taxis, rideshares, and bike-friendly streets supplement transit options. For broader travel, regional bus services link Laramie to nearby cities.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Just four pickpockets were reported in the past five years, giving this a low risk. However, the risk is never low enough to let your guard down.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Laramie faces occasional natural risks like blizzards and high winds, especially in winter. Tornadoes are rare but not impossible. Wildfires can occur in surrounding areas during dry summers. Staying informed through local alerts and being prepared for sudden weather changes are key to ensuring safety in this rugged region.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Over the past five years, just one mugging has been reported in Laramie, giving another low risk. There have been a total of just six other robberies since 2019.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Laramie, a small city in Wyoming, has an extremely low risk of terrorism. Its remote location and tight-knit community make it an unlikely target. Vigilance is still recommended, and you should report any 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. Read the "How to Prevent and Detect Scams" section of the police department's website to get the best advice.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Laramie is considered a safe destination for women travelers. The crime rate is low, and the community is welcoming. Basic precautions, like being aware of your surroundings and securing belongings, apply as they do anywhere. With proper planning, women can confidently explore Laramie’s attractions and natural beauty.

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 2023 report from Laramie shows full compliance and no violations.

Safest Places to Visit in Laramie

VisitLaramie.org is the tourism website for Laramie and the surrounding communities.

The site is set up so you can build an itinerary when you see attractions or restaurants that pique your interest.

The official visitor guide is on the tourism site and can be viewed without having to provide personal information.

Downtown Laramie has a laid-back vibe with plenty to explore.

Wander through historic streets, check out local shops, and snap photos of colorful murals.

You’ll find great places to eat, cozy coffee spots, and a friendly, small-town feel that makes it easy to enjoy your visit.

To learn more about downtown Laramie, visit laramiemainstreet.org.

The site offers shopping guides, maps, and a list of annual events to consider.

Be sure to seek out the Hidden Figures Alley for a dose of unique Wyoming history.

The University of Wyoming Art Museum is a must-visit for art lovers.

It showcases regional and international works, with rotating exhibits and a focus on engaging the community.

For geology and paleontology fans, the Geological Museum at the University of Wyoming features fossils, including a full dinosaur skeleton, and exhibits explaining Wyoming’s rich natural history.

Then, explore the University of Wyoming Anthropology Museum for human history across this region.

On the south and west sides of the university, grab a historical architecture tour map to see some of the gems throughout the city.

Styles range from Victorian to Queen Anne to Tudor.

At the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site, you can tour the preserved prison where notorious outlaw Butch Cassidy was held.

It’s a fascinating step back into Wyoming’s Wild West days.

The Laramie Plains Museum, located in the historic Ivinson Mansion, offers a glimpse into the city’s Victorian past.

The beautifully restored home is filled with period furnishings and local artifacts.

To head to the great outdoors, drive an hour or so west to Medicine Bow National Forest.

Activities vary between seasons, from numerous trails suitable for hiking and mountain biking to ski slopes and snowshoeing options.

I would highly recommend making a trip to the forest include some stargazing, as this part of Wyoming has some of the darkest skies in the nation.

The Laramie River Greenbelt offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding within the city limits.

Nearby, Curt Gowdy State Park boasts three reservoirs ideal for boating and fishing.

Places to Avoid in Laramie

You won’t have to worry about bad parts of town or dangerous neighborhoods in Laramie.

It’s a safe place to visit.

What you need to know is that Wyoming is the windiest state in the nation, and Laramie is one of the three windiest cities in the state.

I live in nearby Nebraska, which is also windy, and the wind can get downright infuriating.

At a minimum, it will blow hats off heads and tangle loose hair, but it can be downright dangerous.

Gusts can reach strength, which makes driving challenging and causes loose objects to fly around.

Keep in mind that these winds don’t always happen with storms.

It can be a beautiful sunny day with blowing wind sending dust into your eyes.

I recommend bringing a COVID mask or a scarf to cover your face if you are exposed to the wind for long periods.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Laramie

So... How Safe Is Laramie Really?

The violent crime rate in Laramie is 75% lower than the national average and at least half the state average.

In addition, 80% of all violent crimes happened between people who know each other in 2023.

About 80% happened in private homes, further lowering the risk of a random act of violence in public.

Thefts were down 15% in 2023 compared to 2022 and still came in about 10% lower than the national average.

Nearly 36% of those thefts were shoplifting.

“I can say confidently that we have a very safe community.

We have one of the lowest crime rates in the nation, and ultimately, what we see most is quality of life crimes,” Laramie Police Chief Brian Browne said in April 2024.

“You will see some vandalism and some burglary crimes of opportunity.

(There are) a lot of juvenile issues, which is typical for a city our size.

We deal with underage drinking pretty aggressively.

We work closely with our crime prevention partners to make sure that we have appropriate resources for those situations.”

You can read the annual report from the Laramie Police Department to get a summary of crime and calls for service, but looking at the 2023 report, the only crime category that increased was drug offenses.

While smart personal safety steps and common sense prevail, there’s little reason to worry about safety beyond the basics in Laramie.

How Does Laramie 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

Laramie experiences a mix of weather throughout the year. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Summers bring mild warmth, rarely exceeding 80°F. Spring and fall are cooler, with occasional wind and rain. The weather can change quickly, so layering up is a smart choice.

Airports

The Laramie Regional Airport offers limited commercial flights. For more options, Cheyenne Regional Airport is about 50 miles east, while Denver International Airport, 150 miles south, provides extensive domestic and international connections. Both serve as convenient gateways to Laramie, depending on your travel needs and flight availability.

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.

Laramie Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Wyoming - Safety by City