The highest crime rate in Australia highlights concerning trends that demand the attention of both authorities and the public.
With certain areas witnessing a surge in criminal activity, understanding the drivers behind these statistics is more crucial than ever.
The latest 2025 crime data from Numbeo and other sources reveal significant shifts in crime rates across Australian cities. This article explores the most affected regions, the key issues driving crime, and the measures being taken to improve safety.
Crime Index Comparison of Selected Australian Cities
Crime rates in Australia vary significantly by region. The following table presents the latest 2025 Numbeo Crime Index for selected cities, comparing them with previous years to highlight trends.
| City | Crime Index 2025 | 2024 Comparison | Key Crime Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alice Springs | 65–72 (High) | Down from 72.1 in 2024 | Assaults, property crime, alcohol-fueled violence |
| Rockhampton | 67 (High) | Stable | Domestic violence, drug-related crime, break-ins |
| Townsville | 61–62 (High) | Up from mid-50s | Youth crime, property theft, vehicle break-ins |
| Cairns | 62–63 (High) | Up from 61.4 | Drug offenses, theft, vehicle-related crimes |
| Darwin | 61–62 (High) | Slightly up | Alcohol-related violence, property crime |
| Geelong | 59–60 (Moderate-High) | Increased | Assaults, drug-related crimes, property theft |
| Toowoomba | 59 (Moderate-High) | Increased | Domestic violence, youth crime, property crime |
| Wollongong | 49 (Moderate) | Stable | Drug offenses, property crimes |
| Newcastle | 48 (Moderate) | Slightly increased | Drug-related offenses, vehicle theft |
| Gold Coast | 46–47 (Moderate) | Increased | Nightlife-related crime, property crime |
Alice Springs: Australia’s Most Dangerous City?
- Crime Index 2025: ~65–72 (High)
- Key Issues: High rates of violent crime, alcohol-fueled assaults, and property damage
- Trends: Improved slightly from 72.1 in 2024, thanks to increased police presence and new community programs
- Response: Government interventions, stricter alcohol regulations, and increased community engagement are in place to curb crime.
As of 2025, Alice Springs has become known as the city with the most dangerous city in Australia.
Rockhampton: Crime Hotspot in Queensland
- Crime Index 2025: 67
- Key Issues: Domestic violence, break-ins, drug abuse
- Trends: Crime remains persistently high, with over 2,500 reported assaults in 2023.
- Response: Police targeting drug-related crime, investment in youth crime prevention programs.
Townsville: Youth Crime Concerns Continue
- Crime Index 2025: 61–62
- Key Issues: Youth crime wave, vehicle theft, break-ins
- Trends: Perception of crime is rising, although official youth crime rates declined statewide by 6.7% in 2024.
- Response: Local action plan with increased policing, community-led initiatives to reduce youth delinquency.
Cairns: Tourist Haven with Rising Crime Rates
- Crime Index 2025: 62–63
- Key Issues: Drug offenses, vehicle theft, property crimes
- Trends: Gradual increase in crime over the last 5 years.
- Response: New policing strategies, stronger community safety programs.
Darwin: A Persistent Crime Challenge
- Crime Index 2025: 61–62
- Key Issues: Alcohol-related assaults, domestic violence, property crime
- Trends: Crime rate remains stable, although alcohol bans have slightly reduced incidents.
- Response: Focus on public safety, youth intervention programs, and targeted policing.
Geelong: Victoria’s Crime Hub
- Crime Index 2025: 59–60
- Key Issues: Drug use, property crime, gang activity
- Trends: Crime has increased, fueled by rising methamphetamine (ice) use.
- Response: Increased police patrols, rehabilitation and job programs for at-risk communities.
Toowoomba: The Garden City’s Crime Rise
- Crime Index 2025: 59
- Key Issues: Domestic violence, break-ins, youth crime
- Trends: Crime rates have risen over the past three years.
- Response: Enhanced law enforcement, neighborhood watch initiatives.
Wollongong: Beaches and Burglaries
- Crime Index 2025: 49
- Key Issues: Drug-related crime, property damage
- Trends: Crime remains stable, but public concern is growing.
- Response: Community safety programs, police task force targeting drug issues.
Newcastle: Historical Charm, Modern Crime
- Crime Index 2025: 48
- Key Issues: Drug offenses, theft, break-ins
- Trends: Crime is rising slowly but remains moderate.
- Response: Increased local policing, community crime prevention programs.
Gold Coast: Crime in a Tourist Hotspot
- Crime Index 2025: 46–47
- Key Issues: Property theft, nightlife-related crimes
- Trends: Increased slightly, though major crimes remain low.
- Response: Enhanced CCTV monitoring, police action against organized crime.
City-Specific Challenges
| City | Key Challenge | Government Initiatives |
|---|---|---|
| Alice Springs | Alcohol abuse, domestic violence | Alcohol restrictions, community engagement, support services |
| Rockhampton | Drug-related offenses | Disrupting drug supply, support & education programs |
| Cairns | Theft, drug offenses | CCTV cameras, police patrols, community watch programs |
| Darwin | Property crimes, alcohol-related violence | Stricter alcohol laws, increased police presence, rehabilitation programs |
| Geelong | Socio-economic divides | Community development, youth outreach, mental health services |
| Toowoomba | Drug abuse, property crimes | Anti-ice taskforce, addiction & rehabilitation services |
| Townsville | Property crimes, motor vehicle theft | Community engagement, improved lighting & CCTV |
| Wollongong | Home burglaries, personal thefts | Increased police patrols, targeted prevention initiatives, community awareness campaigns |
| Newcastle | Vandalism, break-ins | Community patrollers program, building neighborhood relationships |
| Gold Coast | Theft, motor vehicle theft | Proactive patrols, tourist education, improved car park security |
Final Thoughts: Australia’s Crime Data in 2025
The latest crime data highlights increased risks in regional cities compared to major metro areas. While Alice Springs, Rockhampton, and Townsville remain high-crime hotspots, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane maintain relatively low crime indices.
Government efforts to curb crime through policing, alcohol restrictions, and community programs are seeing mixed results.
While some cities like Alice Springs have improved slightly, others, like Cairns and Toowoomba, continue to see crime increases.
Crime prevention in Australia is an ongoing effort requiring collaboration between law enforcement, policymakers, and local communities. Long-term solutions will depend on addressing socioeconomic factors, substance abuse, and youth engagement to create safer environments for all Australians.
Suggested Reading: Our guide to the worst cities in Australia for crime might also give you some more perspective.
Understanding crime statistics is essential, but so is recognizing the strength, culture, and beauty that each of these cities offers. As Australia moves forward, it remains a country of diversity, growth, and potential.
Note: While the cities mentioned offer insights into crime dynamics, they are just one facet of what they truly represent. Each city, with its unique culture, history, and charm, is an integral part of Australia’s rich tapestry.
FAQs on Highest Crime Rate in Australia
Which Australian state has the highest crime rate?
The Northern Territory has the highest crime rate per capita in Australia. Between 2018 and 2022, NT recorded an average of 47.9 crimes per 1,000 people, significantly higher than other states.
How has the crime rate in Australia changed in the past five years?
Crime rates in Australia have fluctuated over the past five years. While certain crimes, such as property offenses, have declined, others, like cybercrime and domestic violence cases, have increased. The overall trend varies by state and city.
Which city in Australia has the highest crime rate?
Alice Springs has the highest crime rate in Australia, with a crime index of 70.35. This is well above the national average, making it the city with the most reported crimes.
Which city in Australia is the safest?
The safest city in Australia is Canberra, with a safety index of 72.2 and a low crime rate. It offers a secure environment, excellent public services, and top-ranked universities like the Australian National University.
How does Australia rank in global crime rates?
Australia ranks third highest in overall crime victimisation among 14 surveyed countries, behind the USA and Canada. The country also ranks highest for assaults, sexual offenses, burglary, and motor vehicle thefts among surveyed nations.
Which state in Australia has the highest number of prisoners?
The Northern Territory has the highest imprisonment rate in Australia, with 1,106.9 prisoners per 100,000 adults as of June 2023. This is significantly higher than any other state.
What is the poorest state in Australia?
Tasmania has the highest poverty rate in Australia at 12.7%, followed by South Australia (11.1%) and Queensland (9.9%). The ACT has the lowest poverty rate at 6.5%.
Resource Section
- NT Police, Fire & Emergency Services: The NT Police provides reliable crime data for various regions, contributing to the accuracy and trustworthiness of the content.
- Numbeo: Numbeo offers safety scores and crime statistics based on user-contributed data, enhancing the transparency and credibility of the crime rates presented in the content.
- Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS): The ABS is a reputable source for national crime statistics, providing authoritative data that adds credibility to the crime analysis presented in the content.
- Redsuburbs.com.au: Redsuburbs.com.au provides localized crime data, offering insights into specific crime types and occurrences in different Australian cities, bolstering the reliability of the crime statistics discussed in the content.
- NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research: The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research is a trusted authority on crime trends and patterns in New South Wales, contributing valuable insights to the discussion on crime rates in Newcastle and Wollongong.
