When considering the worst suburbs in Adelaide, safety and crime rates are critical factors. Adelaide, known for its vibrant culture and livability, is known to be a generally safe. Chances of being a victim of crime in most areas is relatively low.
Having said that, there are, of course, certain suburbs with higher crime rates. This guide highlights these areas, using recent crime data to inform potential residents or investors about suburbs facing security challenges.
We’ll be ranking these suburbs based on their crime rank and also sharing their median house or unit prices.
While we recognise that the term ‘worst’ is subjective, our aim is to make an objective assessment of Adelaide crime using data. Every suburb possesses its unique charm and potential and we do not intend to undervalue any community or region.
Adelaide’s High Crime Rates
While Adelaide is often considered one of Australia’s safer cities, certain suburbs show notably high crime rates. For those thinking about moving or investing, knowing the crime statistics of different areas can help in making informed decisions.
Below is an overview of the high crime rates in Adelaide, highlighting the types of incidents most commonly reported.
According to recent data, the Adelaide leads with one of the highest crime rates in the the country:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Crime Rank | 100/100 |
| Population | 18,202 |
| Total Crimes | 8,510 |
| Crime Rate | 467.53 per 1,000 people |
| Violent Crimes | 96.58 per 1,000 people |
| Property Crimes | 348.97 per 1,000 people |
| Crime Type | Number of Incidents |
|---|---|
| Theft | 4,816 |
| Assault and Related Offenses | 1,647 |
| Property Damage | 1,096 |
| Burglary/Break and Enter | 440 |
| Deception | 285 |
Adelaide shows a high concentration of property crimes, with theft as the most reported offense. These statistics suggest that residents and visitors should exercise caution, particularly with personal belongings and vehicle security.
Worst Suburbs in Adelaide
source of the images: redsuburbs
The suburbs south and north of Adelaide CBD have higher crime rates than others with a particularity for nighttime crime.
Hindley Street in Adelaide’s northern suburbs has also gained some exposure in recent times because of its crime rate.
To dive in further, here are the Adelaide suburbs with the higher-than-average crime rates.
| Suburb | Median House Price | Total Crimes |
|---|---|---|
| Adelaide CBD | $1,000,000 | 8,510 |
| Wingfield | $400,000 | 190 |
| Gepps Cross | $450,000 | 423 |
| Glenelg | $1,200,000 | 727 |
| Port Adelaide | $500,000 | 641 |
| Bolivar | $420,000 | 311 |
| Oaklands Park | $600,000 | 1,150 |
| Elizabeth | $300,000 | 1,530 |
Adelaide CBD
- Crime Rank: 100/100
- Total crimes: 7,330
- Top crime: theft
The Adelaide CBD is described as much quieter than expected for city living with some areas especially quiet like the east end close to Rundle Street and the south of the city featuring row cottages and town houses.
Adelaide is noted for its clean air, being one of the least polluted cities in Australia, with everything within walking distance in the CBD.
The pace of life is slower compared to cities like Sydney, making it a pleasant place for visitors and residents.
However, there have been reports of anti-social behavior including intoxication, large gatherings, street harassment, and shop theft, although the crime statistics have been generally steady over the past six years
Wingfield
- Crime Rank: 100/100
- Total crimes: 190
- Top crime: theft
Wingfield is majorly an industrial suburb with activities such as recycling, manufacturing, and freight forwarding.
A significant area is the Wingfield Waste & Recycling Centre which was formerly operated as a landfill dump but now serves as a waste and recycling transfer centre.
It is noted that theft is a common crime in Wingfield with a total of 98 theft crimes out of 190 crimes reported.
Gepps Cross
- Crime Rank: 100/100
- Total crimes: 423
- Top crime: theft
Gepps Cross is situated in the north of Adelaide and marks the transition from inner suburbs to the outer northern suburbs. It is recognised for its significant open spaces, even though it houses various facilities like a velodrome, hockey stadium, a Croatian soccer club, and karate training facilities.
Gepps Cross, along with Bolivar and Elizabeth, tops the list for the most crimes per 100 residents in Adelaide, with a notable increase in offences reported in the 2021-22 financial year.
Over the last 10 years, there has been a stark increase in offending in Gepps Cross, with an 89.8% rise reported, which is significant when compared to other suburbs in Greater Adelaide.
The crime rate in Gepps Cross is associated with socio-economic factors, as suburbs with higher crime rates tend to have lower weekly household incomes and higher unemployment rates.
Glenelg
- Crime Rank: 69/100
- Total crimes: 727
- Top crime: theft
Glenelg is known for its beach, attracting both tourists and locals alike, and offers a laid-back lifestyle. It’s a lively area with several hotels, dozens of restaurants, and a vibrant social scene, making it a desirable place for many people.
Theft is the most committed crime in Glenelg followed by assault and related offences.
Port Adelaide
- Crime Rank: 100/100
- Total crimes: 641
- Top crime: theft
Port Adelaide is considered a suburb with potential, although some locals feel it has been “waiting to pick up” for a long time. The area might lack some amenities compared to other suburbs, which are easily accessible within a short drive from Port Adelaide.
Theft is the most committed crime in Port Adelaide followed by assault and related offences and property damage.
Bolivar
- Crime Rank: 100/100
- Total crimes: 311
- Top crime: theft
Bolivar, an outer northern suburb of Adelaide, South Australia, was established in 1956 and named after the General Bolivar Hotel. The suburb has a rich history, with the Bolivar Post Office opening in 1905 and closing in 1930.
Bolivar seems to be a quiet suburb with a notable wastewater treatment facility, providing a significant service to the metropolitan area of Adelaide. The lack of some amenities might affect its liveability, particularly for families or individuals seeking a vibrant social scene or extensive local services.
Oaklands Park
- Crime Rank: 61/100
- Total crimes: 1150
- Top crime: theft
Oaklands Park, located in the southern part of Adelaide, South Australia, within the City of Marion, offers a blend of residential living and commercial activities.
In Oaklands Park, a notable increase of 6% (63 offences) in total criminal offences was observed for the year ending 2023 compared to the previous year. However, there were no criminal offences of burglary or theft reported in 2023.
Elizabeth
- Crime Rank: 100/100
- Total crimes: 1,530
- Top crime: theft
Elizabeth offers a mix of residential areas with some having well-presented houses and others featuring public housing. The infrastructure in the suburb is noted to be quite decent, with good roads, shopping facilities, and solidly built houses available at reasonable prices.
However, like many places, there’s room for improvement in the sectors of healthcare, education, and transportation.
For the year ending 2023, Elizabeth saw a 4% increase in total criminal offences, amounting to 122 additional offences compared to the previous year.
The crime statistics detail various offences with the most significant being offences against property such as theft and related offences (1527 incidents), property damage and environmental offences (612 incidents), and serious criminal trespass (238 incidents).
There were also 741 incidents of acts intended to cause injury. However, there were no reported cases of burglary, theft, homicide, or robbery for the year ending 2023.
How does the crime rate in Adelaide compare to Sydney’s and Melbourne’s?
Adelaide has the lowest crime rate of the three cities. The crime index in Adelaide is 32.91, which means that there are 32.91 crimes per 100,000 people. The safety scale in Adelaide is 67.09, which means that people feel safe in the city.
Sydney has the second lowest crime rate. The crime index in Sydney is 34.17, which means that there are 34.17 crimes per 100,000 people. The safety scale in Sydney is 65.83, which means that people feel safe in the city.
Melbourne has the highest crime rate of the three cities. The crime index in Melbourne is 43.97, which means that there are 43.97 crimes per 100,000 people. The safety scale in Melbourne is 56.03, which means that people feel less safe in the city compared to Adelaide and Sydney.
You can find more detailed information and rankings on the Numbeo website.
Living Safely in Adelaide
Despite areas with heightened crime rates, Adelaide overall offers a high quality of life with its clean air, ample services, and friendly communities. By staying informed and taking sensible precautions, residents and visitors can fully enjoy all that Adelaide has to offer.
FAQs on the worst suburbs in Adelaide
Suggested reading: Want to know which are the worst suburbs in Brisbane? Read Soho’s article for more.
Is Adelaide safe?
Adelaide is a great place to live in and is generally safe. However, like in all cities, there are some areas with a higher crime rate, like the Adelaide CBD and Gepps Cross.
Is it expensive to live in Adelaide?
You may be wondering why rent is so expensive in Adelaide? But, it’s actually way lower than the other mainland Australian capital cities. That means living there gets you more bang for your buck than in cities like Sydney and Brisbane.
When it comes to the median house price in Adelaide, you’re looking at $847,000 for houses to $450,000 for units.
Is Adelaide cheap?
When you compare Adelaide to cities like Sydney and Melbourne, it’s generally less expensive! You can save up to 12% on transportation and accommodation. Plus, the lively city and all its attractions are sure to put a smile on your face. This means that the cost of living in Adelaide is pretty fair.
Are overseas students safe in Adelaide?
Adelaide is a pretty safe place to be, but you’d still do well to take some sensible precautions. Don’t hesitate to call on the South Australian Police Force if ever you feel like your safety is at risk.
