Is Stateline Safe for Travel RIGHT NOW? (2024 Safety Rating)

Safety Index:

* Based on Research & Crime Data

Stateline, Nevada, is part of the South Shore region of Lake Tahoe.

It’s right on the California state line, with South Lake Tahoe, California, across the street.

This is one of the most popular areas of Tahoe for those who want active nightlife and casino fun while still being close to the outdoor amenities of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Stateline is also close to the gondola that takes guests up to Heavenly Mountain Resort, a stunning space with scenic views of the lake, a popular ski resort, and other outdoor activities.

Even just taking a gondola ride for the views is worth it.

Heavenly is also where Sonny Bono died in a freak skiing accident.

Hiking trails sprawl in all directions in the mountains above and the streets are lined with shops and restaurants to explore.

You’ll also be closer to the impressive Emerald Bay.

If you’re looking for a hiking path off the beaten path, check out nearby Fallen Leaf Lake.

Most first-time visitors wonder if South Shore is better than North Shore, and the truth is, they each bring something unique to the table.

It’s worth exploring all communities, but Stateline on the South Shore is the place to be if you want easy, walkable, and exciting opportunities.

For those seeking more of an escape from the crowds (if there is such a thing at Tahoe), consider Incline Village or Kings Beach.

Warnings & Dangers in Stateline

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk here, but if there's a "party" side of Lake Tahoe, this is it. While Douglas County provides law enforcement on the Nevada side, there's no specific crime data just for Stateline. However, across the county, crime rates are below average.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Tahoe Truck Transit (TART) offers bus routes around the lake, and Tahoe Transportation has a route through Douglas County. Taxis and rideshares are available but won't be able to help you avoid traffic backups. Rental cars are widely available.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Data shows the risk is low, with just nine reported in the past five years, but the risk is there. Crowds are very large in this area and packed onto gated sidewalks, so you should keep your belongings close and secure.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Winter weather is a blessing and a curse here, as winter storms can close down roads and limit visibility. Temperatures can get bitterly cold, too. Wildfires are a year-round risk and don't mess with evacuation orders. Get out as soon as you can if you happen to be there during a fire. Flooding can happen in spring when the snow melts and floods nearby roads. The weather here can be beautiful or dangerous, so treat it with a medium risk just to stay weather aware.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Statistically, this is also a low risk. Again, the potential exists. Don't walk alone at night and always stay with friends when you're at a nightclub. Avoid showing off expensive belongings or waving around cash from a jackpot. You can always ask for a free security escort to your room or car.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is a low risk, but the report of an "active shooter" did happen in early 2023. The vast response shows how prepared law enforcement is here. However, the incident turned out to be domestic, but it did happen in the middle of a casino. Always stay vigilant and report suspicious activity.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Phone scams impact residents, but rental scams have been reported here. Never book a rental without speaking to the property owner, asking for proof of a rental permit, and taking other steps to prove the person is real. Don't wire money to reserve a home. If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women should know the area has a low risk, but with the robust nightlife here, you still need to stay aware of your surroundings. Don't accept drinks from strangers, and always stick with friends. If you can avoid hiking or going skiing alone, please do so. The more people on a hiking trail, the less likely a bear will be to bother anyone.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

Douglas County has several Water Quality Reports to review for each section of the county. One of the most common phrases you'll hear in this area is "Keep Tahoe Blue," and that is as much to protect water quality as anything else. There's a low risk, but always check social media sites to make sure there aren't immediate issues that wouldn't reflect in an annual report.

Safest Places to Visit in Stateline

VisitLakeTahoe.com is the best place to start for researching South Lake Tahoe, but there are several websites that cover this region.

You should never buy a ticket through a website that isn’t connected to the tourism bureau or the direct vendor, just to be safe.

Stateline is a dense area with many towering casino resorts on both sides of the street.

Stateline Road is the line between the two states, but you’ll also notice that the casinos end on that same road, as gambling isn’t allowed in this part of California.

The main casino resorts here are:

Harrah’s
Harvey’s
Hard Rock
Bally’s

If you don’t want to be around gambling, consider Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel, Marriott’s Timber Lodge, or other South Lake Tahoe, California, places to stay.

You will find an overwhelming number of inns, cabins, home rentals, and campsites here.

Zephyr Cove is the popular beach destination on the South Shore.

I’ve been many times, and it’s truly a great experience, even when it’s crowded.

Parking can be a pain, and once you’ve paid the entrance fee, you could drive around for a long time.

Get there early or walk to the park.

Other beaches near Stateline/South Lake Tahoe include:

Nevada Beach
Regan Beach
El Dorado Beach
Cave Rock State Park
Lakeside Beach

Before booking a room or rental, ask if the price comes with a beach pass to private beach areas, which can help avoid the bigger crowds.

One of the best reasons to stay on South Shore is the easy access to Heavenly Resort, right off the main road.

The gondola takes guests up the mountain, and it’s available throughout the year.

I’m terrified of heights, but I cannot tell you how worth it this gondola ride is once you see the sweeping views of Lake Tahoe that truly makes you feel “Heavenly.”

NOTE: Kirkwood and Sierra-At-Tahoe are two other ski resorts listed as being in South Lake Tahoe, but they are each 30 minutes to 90 minutes away.

Heavenly Mountain Resort also has a gravity-powered alpine rollercoaster.

Please be aware that closed-toed shoes are required, and nobody under 16 can be “driving” the vehicle, but there are two seat options for those with smaller kids.

You can also consider ziplining and rock climbing here, but there are “keep your feet on the ground” activities for kids and adults, like panning for gold.

Hikers should review the Tahoe Rim Trail Association options in the area, as the hiking is superb on the South Shore.

Since the full Tahoe Rim Trail runs more than 160 miles, it’s not feasible to complete this in one trip.

Most resorts have spas offering unique services in luxury settings.

Resorts also host comedy shows, concerts, and festivals throughout the year.

I saw Maroon 5 at Harrah’s Outdoor Amphitheater, and the backdrop of the sun setting over Lake Tahoe was just stunning.

Places to Avoid in Stateline

Stateline is a small city but built high and mighty with dense crowds just about any time of the year.

The sidewalk is designed, so people can’t run across the roads.

That said, even at crosswalks, there might be cars that don’t stop.

If you’re walking, make sure you make eye contact with drivers before you walk.

If you’re driving, always give the right of way to pedestrians in a crosswalk.

There are no pedestrian walkways over the roads like you see in Las Vegas.

There aren’t dangerous parts of town here, but you need relentless attention to locking your car door and keeping an eye on your belongings as you walk.

This is especially important in any casino.

If you are a victim of a purse or wallet theft, go immediately to casino security because cameras are everywhere, watching for illegal activity.

Even if you don’t know when you lost your wallet or purse, it helps to have the casino retrace your steps.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Stateline

Stateline gets law enforcement from Douglas County, Nevada. South Lake Tahoe is a California city just across the border, and it has its own police department. You should follow both on social media, as you’ll definitely be going across that state line many times during your adventure here.
The fastest way to get to Stateline is through Carson City and over Spooner Summit, but take the route that goes through Incline Village if you want to ride the eastern edge of the lake for scenic views. There is a Lake Tahoe Loop that goes for 72 miles around the lake and nearby communities.
I cannot emphasize enough how congested traffic can get here. It once took me an hour to go the three miles from Stateline to Zephyr Cove. If you’re fit enough, walking is sometimes preferable.
It might look like there are a lot of hotel options here, but when there’s a busy weekend like the American Century Celebrity Golf Tournament, hotels will sell out quickly. Incline Village is 30 minutes north, and it’s the closest village with a lot of hotels nearby.
Winter visitors should know that during big winter storms, chains might be required on all vehicles driving to Tahoe. If you don’t know how to install them, there will be workers there to help for a fee. Some roads can be closed during big storms, so check Nevada 511 and CalTrans to get updated road information.
Learn about bear safety in Lake Tahoe, as these animals are often seen in public. Bearproof containers and proper trash disposal are imperative. Bears that become too acclimated to human interaction risk being put down.
Douglas County has a strictly enforced law that drivers going the speed limit or lower need to stay in the right lane. The mountain inclines can be tough on cars, and some people enjoy the ride and take their time. Don’t get in the way of people who are speeding (that’s another issue for law enforcement). Even if someone is tailgating you, don’t give into road rage or be stubborn. Just get into the right lane and let others pass.
Skiing can be an option well into summer if there was a robust winter, so always check the ski resort schedule before you go. Don’t assume that a July trip won’t include skiing. Don’t assume it will be available, either. I actually spent the day at a Lake Tahoe ski resort pool while my friend skied in what was dubbed the “Endless El Niño Winter.”
Stateline is at 6,200 feet above sea level, which is going to impact those of you who don’t live at high elevations. Give yourself a day or two to acclimate before hiking the higher trails. It can literally feel like there’s not enough air for you to breathe, which can lead to panic attacks or heart failure.
The water of Lake Tahoe is cold year-round. All of that water is from melted snow and doesn’t get enough time to warm up more than 63°(F), even on a hot summer day. I’ve never been able to go more than knee-deep in Lake Tahoe because it’s so cold. Keep an eye on kids for hypothermia signs. A wetsuit will go a long way to enjoying the water without risking the health impacts of extended exposure to cold water.

So... How Safe Is Stateline Really?

Stateline is rowdier than any other part of the Lake Tahoe communities.

It has a bit of that Las Vegas party vibe while still offering the great amenities of the lake and ski resorts.

Since law enforcement comes from Douglas County, which spans a large section of the region and covers many cities, it’s not easy to nail down the exact crime data.

However, even across the county, crime rates are below the national average in all categories that would impact tourists.

If you’re being responsible, using common sense, and staying aware of your surroundings, the risk stays low.

A shooting inside a casino in early 2023 shook this community.

While originally called out as an active shooter, and the response was intense, it was a domestic issue between a couple and a man who had been hanging out at a bar for hours.

Somehow, the friendly conversation ended with the solo man being shot and killed at the bar.

This is a rare occurrence in this dense population center, but it’s a reminder that crime can happen anywhere, especially as America deals with a surge in gun violence.

Visitors are not questioned about or scanned for weapons as they enter casinos.

Being bear aware is important here because some bears are so common that residents have named them.

(Look up “Hank the Tank” if you don’t believe me!)

Is South Lake Tahoe and Stateline better than the North Shore of Lake Tahoe?

That’s for you to decide.

It depends on if you want a more lively epicenter or would rather relax in a more secluded and laid-back environment.

There isn’t a bad part of Lake Tahoe, and quite frankly, every inch you can is worth exploring.

How Does Stateline Compare?

City	Safety Index
Stateline	76
Orlando	64
Las Vegas	62
San Francisco	61
Philadelphia	60
Houston	59
Atlanta	58
Manama (Bahrain)	54
Tianjin (China)	67
Brussels (Belgium)	60
Shanghai (China)	66
Belize City (Belize)	37
La Paz (Bolivia)	52

Useful Information

Visas

International visitors need a passport with either a visa or visa waiver, depending on the country of origin. Tourism visas take the longest, so don't delay your application.

Currency

You can only use the U.S. Dollar here. Casinos will require you to either put cash in a slot machine or exchange cash for chips at the table game or casino cage. Casinos will charge extra at ATMs. Exchange currency before you arrive for the lowest rates.

Weather

Each season is robust, but you'll need a sweatshirt or jacket throughout the year, especially at night. Winters are snowy and require all the accessories for walking and exploring in a winter wonderland. The ski resorts have all the rentals you need for gear, so don't bring your skis unless it's very important to have your own gear.

Airports

Reno Tahoe International Airport is an hour away, assuming no traffic and clear road conditions. Use Nevada 511 to check the route delays or road closures before you go.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is imperative when visiting a place with so much wild weather and wildfire risks. You might want to consider adventure insurance since most tours and resorts will require you to release them of all liability and costs incurred during accidents.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance

Stateline Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan 1° C

Feb 1° C

Mar 4° C

Apr 6° C

May 10° C

Jun 14° C

Jul 18° C

Aug 18° C

Sep 14° C

Oct 9° C

Nov 4° C

Dec 0° C

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °C	6	6	9	13	17	22	26	26	21	16	10	5
Low °C	-5	-5	-2	-1	2	6	9	9	6	2	-2	-5
High °F	43	43	48	55	63	72	79	79	70	61	50	41
Low °F	23	23	28	30	36	43	48	48	43	36	28	23

Nevada - Safety by City

City	Safety Index
Baker	74
Battle Mountain	79
Beatty	76
Blue Diamond	76
Boulder City	74
Burning Man in Black Rock City	70
Caliente	82
Carson City	77
Elko	72
Fallon	77
Fernley	77
Henderson	68
Incline Village	78
Jackpot	72
Las Vegas	62
Laughlin	75
Lovelock	76
Minden	82
Moapa Valley	78
Mount Charleston	77
North Las Vegas	54
Pahrump	74
Rachel	78
Reno	70
Searchlight	76
Sparks	77
Stateline	76
Tonopah	81
Virginia City	79
West Wendover	72
Winnemucca	73

Is Stateline Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Nevada : Safety by City