Australia has long been known as one of the safest countries in the world, and that reputation continues in 2025. Recent crime reports and safety indexes show that many cities across the country maintain very low crime rates. From quiet suburban streets to the busy cities, Australians continue to enjoy a high level of safety that compares well with many other countries around the world.

Which State In Australia Has The Lowest Crime Rate?

Victoria is widely considered the safest state in Australia. According to data from Red Suburbs, it records the lowest level of violent crime and the third-lowest level of property crime among all states. Overall crime levels remain low, and most incidents tend to involve minor offences such as pickpocketing or small burglaries rather than serious crimes.

Which State Has The Highest Crime Rate?

Western Australia currently records the highest crime rate among the ranked Australian states. According to Red Suburbs data, WA was placed 6th. The most commonly reported offences in the state include theft, assault and related offences, as well as property damage.

Is Australia Safe?

Australia is considered one of the safest countries in the world. In the Global Peace Index (GPI), Australia is ranked 27th for safety, compared to 16th place in 2021. It sits just behind Sweden in the rankings.

The most common types of crime in Australia include theft, assault and related offences, and property damage.

10 Safest Suburbs To Live In Australia

The top 10 safest suburbs to live in are:

1. Point Cook, VIC
2. Glen Waverley, VIC
3. Castle Hill, NSW
4. Baulkham Hills, NSW
5. Mount Waverley, VIC
6. Rowville, VIC
7. Ryde, NSW
8. Buderim, QLD
9. Doncaster East, VIC

10 Least Safest Suburbs To Live In Australia

The top 10 least safest suburbs to live in are:

1. Adelaide, SA
2. Sydney, NSW
3. Perth (WA), WA
4. Brisbane City, QLD
5. South Hedland, WA
6. Fortitude Valley, QLD
7. Mandurah, WA
8. Cannington, WA
9. Port Augusta, SA
10. Midland, WA

What To Do In An Emergency

Australia has strong emergency services that are ready to help when something serious happens. It is important to know how to contact them.

If you are anywhere in Australia and there is a life-threatening emergency, call 000 (triple zero). The call is free, even from a mobile phone. When you call, an operator will answer and ask which service you need:

• Police
• Fire
• Ambulance

If you are not sure which service you need, simply explain what is happening and the operator will help you.

If you do not speak English, tell the operator which language you speak. They can connect you with a translator who will help during the call.

You should only call 000 if:

• someone is seriously injured or needs urgent medical help
• your life or property is in danger
• you have just seen a serious accident or crime.

Non-life-threatening situation

If you are not in immediate danger but need to report a non-urgent crime, such as theft from your home or car, you can contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444. This line is designed for situations that require police attention but are not life-threatening emergencies.

There are also several important support services in Australia that are helpful to keep saved in your phone:

• State Emergency Service (SES) – 132 500: The SES provides assistance during severe weather events, including floods, storms, and cyclones.
• Poisons Information Line – 13 11 26: This service offers expert advice about poisons, including bites and stings, toxic plants or mushrooms, and medicine or drug exposure.
• Healthdirect – 1800 022 222: A 24/7 health advice line where you can speak with qualified health professionals for medical guidance and support.

Conclusion

For both Australians and visitors, Australia continues to be known as a safe place to live and travel. While the country is considered one of the safest in the world, some cities still have higher crime rates than others. Serious crimes have generally decreased, but smaller offences such as break-ins and property damage still occur.

If you want to learn more about the safest places in Australia, you can check official crime data websites like Red Suburbs. These platforms provide detailed insights into crime levels across different cities, states, and suburbs.

FAQ

Which Is Safer, Sydney Or Melbourne?

According to recent reports, Sydney is considered safer than Melbourne because it has a higher safety index and a lower overall crime rate.

Which Is The Safest Place In Australia To Live From Natural Disasters?

Canberra is considered one of the safest places in Australia when it comes to natural disasters.

Australia On A World Comparison

Australia’s cities compare well with many cities around the world. In the Global Peace Index (GPI), Australia is ranked 27th for safety, compared to 16th place in 2021, placing it just behind Sweden in the rankings.

The post What Is The Safest State In Australia [2025] appeared first on RedSuburbs.

I was born and raised in Melbourne and lived there for my first 22 years before moving to sunny Queensland.

One thing most people will tell you about Australia’s second-largest city is that the weather can change quickly. It’s not always “four seasons in one day,” but Melbourne weather can still surprise you during the week.

Because the weather is often unpredictable, Melbourne is great for indoor activities. The city is known for some of Australia’s best cafes, bars, restaurants, live music, theatre, art galleries, and shopping.

That said, Melbourne also has plenty to enjoy outdoors. It is considered Australia’s sporting capital and has many parks and gardens, as well as beaches along Port Phillip Bay.

According to Red Suburbs, Melbourne has about 20.80 violent crimes per 1,000 people, compared to Perth, which has 85.86 violent crimes per 1,000 people.

Melbourne Is Generally A Safe City For Travelers And Tourists

Melbourne is generally a very safe city for solo visitors. Even though about five million people live there, the level of violent crime is relatively low. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 48.

Like in any big city, it’s still important to be careful. Keep an eye on your belongings and stay alert when walking in quiet or poorly lit areas at night. In Australia, the emergency number to call for help is 000.

If you are travelling by train, look for safety zones at suburban stations. These areas have clear yellow ground markings, bright lighting, emergency help buttons, and CCTV cameras. You can also find emergency assist buttons inside train carriages and on trams.

Some visitors worry about Australia’s dangerous wildlife, but you can relax. It is extremely unlikely you will encounter any of these animals in a busy city like Melbourne.

Melbourne’s Safest Suburbs

The five safest suburbs in Melbourne are:

1. Kensington
2. Port Melbourne
3. South Yarra
4. North Melbourne
5. Parkville

Melbourne’s Most Dangerous Suburbs

The five most dangerous suburbs in Melbourne are:

1. Melbourne
2. South Wharf
3. East Melbourne
4. Docklands
5. Carlton

Emergency Services

Emergency services are available to support all Melbourne residents and visitors. These services are staffed by trained professionals.

In an emergency, call 000 to request:

• Police
• Fire
• Ambulance

This is a free call and can be made from any mobile phone, even without credit. Once connected, the operator will remain on the line and provide assistance until help arrives.

If you require assistance in another language, you may ask the operator to arrange a translator.

How Does The News Makes Melbourne Feel Less Safe

No city is perfect. While I often joke that Melbourne’s weather should be considered a crime for occasionally ruining plans, the city does face challenges, just like any other major city around the world.

This raises an important question: why can news coverage sometimes make Melbourne feel less safe than it actually is?

During my time at university I took on an extra curricular course (a subject in journalism), I learned about the well-known industry saying: “if it bleeds, it leads.”

It sadly reflects the reality that news outlets tend to prioritise dramatic or unusual incidents because they attract greater public interest.

This is not to suggest that the media intentionally creates fear. However, there is often a fine line between reporting factual events and unintentionally increasing public concern. Routine, uneventful days rarely make headlines, so media coverage naturally focuses on incidents that are out of the ordinary.

Importantly, these events feel shocking precisely because they are rare and unexpected. For the vast majority of Melbourne’s five million plus residents, everyday life continues as normal.

If you would like to explore detailed crime statistics, you are welcome to visit Red Suburbs.

The post Is Melbourne Safe [2025] appeared first on RedSuburbs.

But not all violent crimes are the same. According to the Australian Institute of Criminology most of them happen between people who already know each other and are typically part of domestic violence.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that help is available. If you are in danger, call 000 right away.

When looking at crime numbers, it’s important to know that some violent crimes happen more than once to the same person. In Australia, 1 in 5 people have been hurt or abused by a partner, and in 2023, 58 women lost their lives because of domestic violence.

People living in regional and remote areas

People who live in the countryside or far from big cities are more likely to experience domestic violence.

In these areas, people tend to drink more alcohol and have easier access to guns, which can make partner violence more common.

They face the same causes of violence as people in cities, but some studies show they may have stricter beliefs about gender roles.

They might also be less likely to talk about family violence or ask for help.

It can be harder to get support in rural and remote areas because services are farther away. There may not be many safe places to go in an emergency, and some people struggle to find jobs or money if they rely on their partner.

What causes violence?

There are four main causes to violence.

1. Rigid gender stereotyping and dominant forms of masculinity

Gender stereotyping is when people believe that men and women should act in certain ways, like saying men are always strong and in charge, while women should be quiet and follow others.

This can lead to violence because people might be punished for not acting the way others expect. It also makes some think that men should have more power than women in relationships and in society.

For example a young boy might be punished by his father for playing with a doll instead of a car.

2. Peer relations and cultures of masculinity that emphasise aggression, dominance and control

Friendships between people can be a good source of support and comfort. But if these friendships encourage things like being aggressive, controlling others, or bragging about sex, they can lead to more violence.

3. Condoning of violence

When people accept or ignore violence against others, it happens more often. This can happen in different ways, like making excuses for it—saying things like “boys will be boys”—or blaming the victim by saying, “they shouldn’t have dressed like that.”

4. Men’s control of decision-making and limits to women’s independence in public and private life

Domestic violence happens more often to women and in relationships where men make all the decisions, think they ‘own’ their partners, or believe women must act a certain way. In society, when women have less freedom and power, it can make people think they are less important or don’t deserve respect, which can lead to more violence against them.

Encouraging Results

Most Australians understand that violence against others isn’t just physical harm. It can include many different actions meant to scare or control people and almost all Australians (98%) say they would step in if they saw a person being hurt by their partner.

The number of women killed by violent men has dropped by 66% over the past 30 years and harmful beliefs that lead to violence are also decreasing.

Taking Action

No one can deny that Australia has made progress, but there is still a lot of work to do. No single person or group can stop violence alone. Everyone needs to work together to fix the causes of violence in all parts of society.

There is more and more proof that different strategies can help prevent violence and stop it from happening again. Some of these include public awareness campaigns, teaching kids and families about respect, school programs, community support, rules about how violence is shown in the media, ways to reduce alcohol misuse, and strong laws and punishments for violent behavior.

If you need help or want to learn more about domestic violence, check out these resources.

• Hannahs House
• 1800RESPECT
• Lifeline

If you are in immediate danger please call 000.

The post Unequal Distribution Of Violence appeared first on RedSuburbs.

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

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.

The post 10 Most dangerous suburbs in Sydney [2023 data] appeared first on RedSuburbs.

Brisbane CBD – Crime Rank 100

Population: 9460
Total Crimes: 8391

Largest by population the Brisbane CBD area is also highest in crime. Yearly cases of theft, disorderly & offensive conduct and drug offences are in thousands. With high activity and cultural life in the area high crime comes as well.

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Fortitude Valley – Crime Rank 93

Population: 6978
Total Crimes: 5275

This is only suburb in our top 5 that has disorderly & offensive conduct higher than theft. This is most probably related to famous night life of Fortitude Valley. Sadly night life also creates crimes, often in intoxicated state.

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South Brisbane – Crime Rank 52

Population: 3226
Total Crimes: 1141

South Brisbane area while still have Theft as prime category of crime also has particularly large share of drug related offences. Break and entry category also has larger share. This area while providing large number of cultural and entertainment events obviously has it’s share of problems.

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Bowen Hills – Crime Rank 52

Population: 7196
Total Crimes: 2345

With similar picture to others in our top 5 of Brisbane crime suburbs, it has differences. Most important to notice significantly larger share of assaults and related offences in Bowen Hills. This can be a red flag for renting in the area and signal that is it not family friendly.

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Woolloongabba – Crime Rank 48

Population: 5631
Total Crimes: 1575

The primary highlight for Woolloongabba crime is very large share of break and enter crimes #3 and other property damage crimes #4. This can be a red flag for property ownership in that suburb.

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