Melbourne, known for its vibrant culture and diverse suburbs, also raises questions about safety and crime rates, particularly “Which Melbourne suburb has the lowest crime rate?” This article dives into the safest suburbs to live in Melbourne, exploring their crime rates and what makes them stand out in terms of safety and community aspects.
We’ll look at recent data from Tekplex Solutions and the Crime Statistics Agency Victoria to identify these suburbs and understand the overall crime trends in the city.
We’ll not only list the top safest suburbs but also explore specific areas with notable crime rates. Let’s uncover the best places for a secure living in Melbourne.
Identifying the Safest Suburbs
Ferny Creek emerges as Melbourne’s safest suburb, boasting an offence rate of just 10.6 per 1000 people, as per a study by Tekplex Solutions utilizing recent crime statistics. It’s followed closely by St Andrews, with an offence rate of 10.9 per 1000 people, and a trio of suburbs – Merricks, Point Leo, Shoreham – each with a rate of 11.6 per 1000 people.
Let’s take a close look at these suburbs:
Ferny Creek: A Haven of Serenity
Ferny Creek isn’t just Melbourne’s safest suburb; it’s a sanctuary of calm and natural splendor. Nestled in the Dandenong Ranges, it offers lush greenery and abundant wildlife, contributing to its peaceful environment.
The suburb’s small population fosters a strong community bond, enhancing its safety. Ferny Creek is perfect for those seeking a retreat from urban life, without sacrificing connectivity to Melbourne’s CBD.
St Andrews: Where Tranquility Meets Community
St Andrews is more than a safe suburb; it’s a community where residents cherish tranquility and nature. Renowned for its vibrant market and close-knit community, it offers a unique blend of rural charm and artistic flair.
The area’s commitment to sustainability and local arts enriches the lifestyle here. Surrounded by natural reserves and wineries, St Andrews is ideal for nature lovers and those seeking a slower pace of life. For those wondering about which side of Melbourne is better to live, areas like St Andrews offer compelling reasons to consider the eastern suburbs.
Merricks, Point Leo, Shoreham: Coastal Charms and Community Spirit
This trio of suburbs offers a picturesque coastal lifestyle combined with the security of a tight-knit community. Known for their stunning beaches, vineyards, and artisanal offerings, these suburbs cater to those who appreciate a blend of seaside serenity and rural charm.
They are havens for families, offering safety, community activities, and an array of outdoor adventures. The unique combination of coastal beauty and village-like atmosphere makes these suburbs desirable for those seeking both safety and quality of life.
Key Statistics
| Suburb | Crime Rate (Incidents per 100,000 Population) | Year | Safer Than (% of Australia Suburbs) | Total Criminal Incidents (Year 2022) | Notable Crimes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferny Creek | 1517 | 2022 | 92% | 23 | Burglary, Theft |
| St Andrews | 1444 | 2022 | 74% | 17 | Theft from Motor Vehicle |
| Shoreham | 1173 | 2022 | 80% | 8 | Steal from Motor Vehicle, Property Damage |
These suburbs exemplify safety in smaller, close-knit communities. Further down the list, we find
- Wattle Glen,
- Warrandyte,
- North Warrandyte,
- Yarrambat,
- Panton Hill,
- The Patch,
- Beaconsfield,
- Upper Dewhurst,
- and Gembrook,
Each of these suburbs offers low crime rates and a secure environment for their residents.
Overall Crime Trends in Melbourne
Despite some suburbs showing remarkably low crime rates, the overall crime trend in Melbourne paints a mixed picture.
“According to the Crime Statistics Agency Victoria, the city’s crime rate for the year ending June 2022 was 6912 incidents per 100,000 population, a significant 29% decrease from the previous year. However, in the year ending March 2023, there was a 5.6% increase in criminal incidents, totalling 361,140.”
Offences recorded during this period also rose by 5.6%. Furthermore, there was a 10.5% increase in alleged offender incidents and an 8.7% increase in victim reports. Family incidents saw a slight rise of 2.5%.
These statistics indicate an upward trend in certain crime categories, contrasting the safety profile of some suburbs. Understanding these overall trends is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in Melbourne.
Understanding these overall trends is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in Melbourne, especially given the high rent in the city.
Specific Suburbs with Notable Crime Rates
While suburbs like Ferny Creek and St Andrews are celebrated for their safety, others experience higher crime rates. Melbourne’s central area had the highest criminal incident rate, with 14,638.2 incidents per 100,000 population, although this was a 6.3% decrease from the previous year.
Other areas with notable crime rates include Latrobe, Yarra, Mildura, and Port Phillip. These figures, reported by the Crime Statistics Agency Victoria, underline the stark contrasts in safety across Melbourne’s diverse landscape.
It’s essential for potential residents to consider these variations when choosing a suburb to call home.
Next Steps: Don’t stop here! Continue your journey by exploring our featured article on the best suburbs to live in Melbourne for a broader view of your options.
FAQs on ‘Which Melbourne Suburb Has the Lowest Crime Rate?’
What are the best and worst suburbs in Melbourne?
According to The Age, Cremorne and East Melbourne are the most advantaged suburbs in Victoria, while Dallas, Coolaroo, and Broadmeadows rank as the most disadvantaged in Melbourne.
Where is Melbourne ranked in terms of being a safe city?
Melbourne is ranked as the 8th safest city in the world, as per a 2021 report by The Economist Intelligence Unit, despite a rise in crime rates.
What is the most educated suburb in Melbourne?
Fitzroy North, Travancore, and Croydon are Melbourne’s top suburbs for access to education, ranking first, second, and third respectively in the Domain Liveable Melbourne study.
Is it safe to live in Melbourne?
Melbourne is one of the top 10 safest cities in the world according to the Economist Safe Cities Index 2019, scoring high in digital, health, infrastructure, and personal security with minimal natural disaster risks.
