Curious about the worst suburbs in Brisbane?
When it comes to creating your lifestyle, security should be your top priority rather than just rent and costs of living. After all, in a safe neighbourhood, you can have peace of mind, whether you’re leaving the house to do a little shopping or for vacation.
Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland, and thanks to the facilities, there are many good places to live in Brisbane. However, like all the cities, there are some great spots and some less popular spots.
But name the Brisbane suburbs with the highest crime rates, we’d like to highlight that this article aims to provide an analysis based on specific criteria the highest crime rates, based on recent data and metrics from sources such as aucrimerate.com (ranked over 100 where the higher the score, the more dangerous the suburb). Every suburb possesses its unique charm and potential and we do not intend to undervalue any community or region.
Additional Reading: Are you a Sydneysider? Explore the Worst Suburbs in Sydney instead!
General Crime Rates in Brisbane:
- According to the Queensland Police Service (QPS), the crime rate for Brisbane for the year ending June 2022 was 7,850 incidents per 100,000 population, marking a 12% increase from the previous year.
- As of the last available data, Brisbane City was noted to have considerably higher crime rates than the average across most suburbs in Australia, being safer than only 1% of all Australian suburbs and 2% of Queensland suburbs.
Increases in Brisbane Crime Rates:
- Assault: Assaults, both physical and threatening, saw a 15.23% increase compared to 2022. This translates to 5190 recorded assaults in 2023 compared to 4482 in 2022.
- Theft: Thefts, including robbery and burglary, also went up by 13.8%, with 1757 incidents recorded in 2023 compared to 1544 in 2022.
Decreases in Brisbane Crime Rates:
- Drugs: Drug offences, encompassing possession and trafficking, surprisingly showed a 30.33% decrease. This translates to 633 recorded drug offences in 2023 compared to 725 in 2022.
- Overall crime rate: Despite the increases in assaults and thefts, the overall crime rate in Brisbane actually decreased by 0.78% compared to 2022.
Worst suburbs in Brisbane city
If you are only worried about break-ins, avoiding suburbs full of holiday homes is better as they are an easy target. Between the years of 2018 and 2019, there were more than 11,000 break-ins in Brisbane.
Queensland might not have the most dangerous city in Australia, but you should still stay vigilant. When deciding on where to live, you should also be informed of the safest suburbs in Brisbane.
1. Fortitude Valley
Crime Rank: 96/100
Fortitude Valley has the highest crime rate in Brisbane, with over 4000 offences in 2022. The worst part is that most crimes are committed in broad daylight during the same period, and despite a lot of efforts from authorities, these crime rates have only gotten worse during the past few years.
If you want to live in this area to save rent, avoid carrying anything expensive while walking or carry a licensed weapon.
Discover more properties for sale in Fortitude Valley.
2. Brisbane City
Crime Rank: 96/100
Despite being the bustling heart of Queensland’s capital, Brisbane City has faced challenges related to crime. The central business district, given its high density and transient population, has seen elevated levels of theft, property crimes, and anti-social behaviors.
Specifically, for the year ending 2023, Brisbane City saw a 5% increase in total criminal offenses compared with the previous year, with unlawful entry offenses increasing by 11% from 2022 to 2023.
However, it’s essential to note that significant police visibility and numerous safety initiatives have been implemented, aiming to improve the security and perception of the city center.
3. Archerfield
Crime Rank: 71/100
Given the substantial number of warehouses and businesses, Archerfield, like other industrial suburbs, has reported incidents of break-ins, thefts, and property vandalism.
These types of crimes often tend to be opportunistic in nature, targeting commercial properties that may not have sufficient security measures in place.
4. Karawatha
Crime Rank: 57/100
While predominantly a green reserve, Karawatha does face some crime concerns. These are mainly centered around environmental crimes and occasional trespassing or property-related offenses.
The vast natural space, while a boon for nature lovers, can sometimes provide cover for nefarious activities.
5. Rocklea
Crime Rank: 54/100
Known for its large markets and industrial zones, Rocklea’s crime rates have shown an inclination towards property crimes, particularly break-ins and theft.
This might be attributed to its mix of residential areas with commercial zones, where opportunistic crimes can flourish.
6. Willawong
Crime Rank: 50/100
With a significant part of its area dedicated to waste management and transfer stations, Willawong has seen an uptick in illegal dumping.
Additionally, its semi-rural setting means sporadic reports of property crimes. Community vigilance and improved waste management practices are being eyed as potential deterrents.
7. Larapinta
Crime Rank: 50/100
Larapinta, being an industrial suburb, often witnesses crimes related to commercial properties. Break-ins and thefts from warehouses are not uncommon.
Business owners and stakeholders continually work together, alongside local law enforcement, to bolster security measures and surveillance.
8. Petrie Terrace
Crime Rank: 49/100
Nestled adjacent to Brisbane City, Petrie Terrace harbors a vibrant nightlife scene, which, while appealing to many, has also led to a higher incidence of alcohol-related disturbances and minor offenses.
Efforts are continuously made to maintain a balance between fostering a lively entertainment precinct and ensuring safety for both residents and visitors.
9. Wacol
Crime Rank: 48/100
Wacol, hosting several correctional facilities, often sees its crime statistics skewed due to internal incidents within these institutions.
However, when focusing on the broader community, issues such as vandalism and theft are occasionally reported, though community initiatives strive to foster a sense of unity and reduce these incidents.
10. Bowen Hills
Crime Rank: 40/100
Although the crime rank in Bowen Hill’s has dropped from 52 in 2021 to 40 in 2023, more than 7338 recorded offences have occurred in the past three years, including snatching, robberies, and break-ins.
Since all the places in this area are within walking distance, many people prefer walking. This makes them more prone to theft, so this is something to keep in mind when looking for homes in Bowen Hills.
Discover more properties for sale in Bowen Hills.
Frequently asked questions about the worst suburbs in Brisbane
Curious about other neighbourhoods? Check out our round up of the Brisbane suburbs affected by aircraft noise and how Air Services Australia plans to improve this.
Which Brisbane suburb is the safest?
Morningside, Cannon Hill, Seven Hills, Logan West, and all their nearby suburbs are considered the safest in Brisbane.
What are the most dangerous suburbs in Brisbane?
Generally speaking, South Brisbane, Woolloongabba, Spring Hill, and Upper Mount Gravatt are also considered the most dangerous suburbs.
Which suburbs to avoid in Brisbane?
The ten suburbs mentioned in the article are the ones you must avoid in Brisbane, like West End and Heatley.
What’s the most overvalued suburb in Brisbane?
According to sources, the most overvalued suburb in Brisbane is Booval. The median house price in Booval is $506,300, which is 30% higher than the suburb’s intrinsic value.
Other overvalued suburbs in Brisbane include Caboolture South, Brassall, Kippa-Ring, Bellbird Park, Bellara, Waterford West, Lawnton, and Mount Warren.
What are the most underrated suburbs of Brisbane?
Some of the underrated suburbs of Brisbane include:
Taringa: This inner-city suburb is located just six kilometers from the CBD and has a median house price of $750,000. It has a good mix of residential and commercial properties, as well as excellent transport links.
Bulimba: This riverside suburb is known for its charming cafes and restaurants, as well as its proximity to the Brisbane River. The median house price in Bulimba is $950,000.
Paddington: This inner-city suburb is home to a number of heritage-listed buildings and is known for its bohemian atmosphere. The median house price in Paddington is $1.2 million.
Newstead: This inner-city suburb is home to a number of tech companies and startups. The median house price in Newstead is $1.1 million.
Fortitude Valley: This inner-city suburb is known for its nightlife and entertainment precinct. The median house price in Fortitude Valley is $850,000.
Where do millionaires live in Brisbane?
According to a recent study by the Australian Financial Review, the most popular suburbs for millionaires in Brisbane are:
Ascot: This inner-city suburb is known for its affluence and has a median house price of $2.2 million.
Hamilton: This inner-city suburb is also known for its affluence and has a median house price of $1.9 million.
Milton: This inner-city suburb is home to a number of high-rise apartments and has a median house price of $1.7 million.
Hawthorne: This inner-city suburb is known for its waterfront location and has a median house price of $1.6 million.
New Farm: This inner-city suburb is home to a number of parks and gardens and has a median house price of $1.5 million.
These are some of the richest suburbs in Brisbane.
Where is the most disadvantaged area of Queensland?
According to the 2022 Index of Economic Wellbeing, the most disadvantaged area of Queensland is the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in the Far North. This community has the lowest median income, the highest unemployment rate, and the lowest life expectancy of any population group in Queensland.
