Miss Universe 1981 was the 30th anniversary of the Miss Universe pageant, held at the Minskoff Theatre in New York City, New York, United States, on 20 July 1981. At the conclusion of the event, Irene Sáez of Venezuela was crowned by Shawn Weatherly of the United States. There were 77 contestants competing for the crown, but Miss Mauritius got homesick and withdrew. The pageant originally was scheduled to be held in Guatemala City, Guatemala. However, for financial and political reasons, Miss Universe was moved to New York City.

Seventy-six contestants competed for the title.