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10 Most dangerous suburbs in Sydney [2023 data]
Based on State Police Crime statistics from Red Suburbs – Crime Map of Australia for 2023, the most dangerous areas in Sydney have been identified. Curious if any high-risk suburbs are near your neighbourhood? Keep in mind that safety levels vary significantly across different parts of Sydney. Overall, the Northern Quarter is considered the safest area. Explore the list of Sydney’s most dangerous suburbs below!

Methodology
For this research we took single most dangerous suburb from each LGA in Sydney Metro Area. This may mean that if some LGA has large number of dangerous suburbs, some of them maybe omitted. At the same time this approach, prevent overly focusing on a single LGA and paints a more diverse risk picture. We may change our methodology in future years to increase accuracy and value of data.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Suburbs in Sydney
1. Miller
Miller takes the top spot as Sydney’s suburb with the highest crime rate, reporting 139 violent crimes in 2023. With a population of 3,374, the area experiences a staggering 219.32 violent crimes per 1,000 residents. The statistics include 23 incidents of burglary/break-ins, 107 cases of assault, 9 instances of arson, and 1 homicide, painting a troubling picture of safety concerns.
Detailed crime statistics for Miller
2. Tuggerah
With a population of just 925, Tuggerah ranks as the second-most crime-affected suburb in Sydney. In 2023, it recorded 77 violent crimes, equating to 83.24 crimes per 1,000 residents. The offenses included 64 cases of assault, 6 incidents of burglary/break-ins and 2 cases of arson, marking it as a suburb requiring attention to public safety.
Detailed crime statistics for Tuggerah
3. Eastern Creek
Eastern Creek also features on the list, with 44 violent crimes recorded in 2023. This equates to 50.34 crimes per 1,000 residents. Among these were 39 assaults, 10 incidents of burglary/break-ins, and 2 cases of arson, reflecting the challenges faced by this suburb.
Detailed crime statistics for Eastern Creek

4. La Perouse
La Perouse reported 18 violent offenses in 2023, making it one of the lower-ranked areas on this list but still notable. Among these crimes were 11 assaults and 1 case of burglary/break-ins, indicating that safety remains a concern for its residents.
Detailed crime statistics for La Perouse
5. Penrith
Penrith stands out with a significant number of reported crimes, totaling 658 violent offenses in 2023. These included 541 assaults, 298 burglary/break-ins, 1 homicide, and 33 cases of arson.
Detailed crime statistics for Penrith
6. Sydney Olympic Park
Sydney Olympic Park, with a population of 4,848, reported 173 violent crimes in 2023, highlighting growing safety concerns in the area. Among these, 140 were assaults, posing a notable issue for the community. The suburb also recorded 33 burglary/break-ins and 2 cases of arson, further emphasising the challenges faced by residents.
Detailed crime statistics for Sydney Olympic Park
7. Windsor
Windsor, a suburb with a population of 4,848, reported a total of 68 violent offenses, making it a noteworthy area on the crime map. Among these were 53 assaults, highlighting a significant safety concern for residents. The area also experienced 16 cases of burglary/break-ins and 3 instances of arson, adding to the list of criminal activity that has impacted the community.
Detailed crime statistics for Windsor

8. Campbelltown
Campbelltown, home to 16,577 residents, stands out with 509 recorded violent offenses in 2023. Among these, a staggering 411 were assaults, highlighting the suburb’s challenges with safety.
Adding to the statistics, Campbelltown also saw 86 cases of burglary/break-ins, a single homicide, and 7 incidents of arson, painting a concerning picture of crime in the area.
Detailed crime statistics for Campbelltown
9. Katoomba
Katoomba has earned its place among Sydney’s top 10 most dangerous urban areas, with 194 violent offenses reported in 2023. This suburb, home to 8,268 residents, saw 147 cases of assault, 23 incidents of burglary/break-ins, and 9 instances of arson. Katoomba faces significant challenges in maintaining public safety, which raises concerns for both locals and visitors.
Detailed crime statistics for Katoomba
10. Villawood
Situated approximately 27 kilometers west of Sydney, Villawood recorded 157 violent crimes in 2023, cementing its place on the last spot on the list. Among these offenses were 123 assaults, 42 cases of burglary/break-ins, and 3 instances of arson. Villawood’s crime statistics highlight the need for continued efforts to improve safety and reduce criminal activity in the area.
Detailed crime statistics for Villawood

Name | violent crimes # | violent crimes per 1000 |
Miller | 139 | 219.32 |
Tuggerah | 77 | 83.24 |
Eastern Creek | 44 | 50.34 |
La Perouse | 18 | 49.18 |
Penrith | 658 | 36.62 |
Sydney Olympic Park | 173 | 35.68 |
Windsor | 68 | 35.51 |
Campbelltown | 509 | 30.71 |
Katoomba | 194 | 23.46 |
Villawood | 157 | 22.27 |
Sydney Safety Tips: How To Stay Safe and avoid Trouble
- Be mindful of your belongings: In crowded places like public transport, restaurants, and shopping centres, stay vigilant about your belongings, particularly valuables such as backpacks, wallets, and mobile phones.
- Limit carrying cash: Opt to pay with bank cards and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. If carrying cash is necessary, distribute it across different locations for added security.
- Travel with companions: Whenever possible, travel with friends or companions, especially at night. Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar or isolated areas.
- Select safe transportation options: For nighttime travel, prioritise using public transport or ride-hailing services like Uber or taxis instead of walking. On public transport, try to sit near the driver or other passengers.
- Steer clear of high-risk areas: While Sydney is generally safe, some remote or outlying areas may pose a higher risk at night. It’s best to avoid these regions.
- Avoid empty train or bus carriages: When traveling at night, choose carriages or sections with more passengers or sit closer to the driver for added safety.

Finding Safe Suburbs in Sydney
You can find more details about crime in Sydney and compare suburbs between each other using Red Suburbs – Crime Map of Australia.