Image posted to Flickr by SqueakyMarmot
Melbourne is beloved by many, but like any city, some suburbs have higher crime rates. Even with a safety index of 81%, some northern suburbs and city suburbs report higher crime rates, as shown in the latest Victorian crime statistics.
In this article, we examine the worst suburbs in Melbourne for crime, focusing on areas with rising incidents. Our analysis is based on burglary rates and public safety concerns.
Additional Reading: Are you a Sydneysider? Explore the Worst Suburbs in Sydney instead!
Crime Rates in Melbourne in Past Years
| Metric | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal incidents per 100k | 5,438 | 5,886 | 6,112 | ⬆ +4.0% |
| Offences per 100k | 7,427 | 7,925 | 8,243 | ⬆ +4.0% |
| Safety walking alone (day) | 72.3% | 71.8% | 71.0% | Slightly lower |
| Safety walking alone (night) | 42.9% | 42.1% | 41.5% | Slightly lower |
Key insights:
- Crime incidents rose 4% year-on-year, continuing a three-year upward trend.
- Most common issues: theft, drug-related offences, and vandalism.
- Safety in daylight remains high, but night-time caution is advised.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Crime Level | 45.32 (Moderate) |
| Crime Increase Over the Past 5 Years | 67.49 (High) |
| Safety Walking Alone During Daylight | 72.34 (High) |
| Safety Walking Alone During Night | 42.92 (Moderate) |
| Problem with Drug Use or Dealing | 55.50 (Moderate) |
| Problem with Violent Crimes | 43.48 (Moderate) |
Melbourne’s crime rates in 2025 show mixed results:
- The overall crime level is moderate.
- Crime has increased significantly in the past five years.
- Concerns about home break-ins, car theft, and muggings remain low.
- Worries about drug-related issues and property crimes like vandalism are moderate.
- Violent crimes, including assault and armed robbery, are also moderate concerns.
Despite these issues, Melbourne remains generally safe.
Walking alone during the day is considered safe. However, people are more cautious at night, with safety dropping to a moderate level.
Corruption and bribery concerns are low, which is a positive sign. While there are areas of concern, especially with the rising crime rate, the city still offers a sense of security for most daily activities. Melbourne continues to balance safety with its vibrant, bustling lifestyle.
Criminal Incident Rate per 100,000 population:
- Jun 2023: 5,437.8
- Jun 2024: 5,885.5
- Increase: 8.2%
Offence Rate per 100,000 population:
- Jun 2023: 7,427
- Jun 2024: 7,925.0
- Increase: 6.7%
It’s important to note:
- These figures represent the Melbourne local government area, which doesn’t encompass the entire metropolitan area. Crime rates can vary significantly between different suburbs.
- Crime data can be influenced by various factors, including reporting practices and changes in legislation. Therefore, it’s crucial to compare data over time with caution and consider the context.
Central suburbs in Melbourne
Melbourne’s CBD and its surrounding areas like Docklands, Southbank, and Carlton see a greater frequency of specific incidents due to their vibrant nightlife and high foot traffic.
The higher crime rates in these areas are driven by theft, public disorder, and drug offences.
Additionally, crime rates increased between 2022 and 2023.
| Suburb | 2022 Crimes Committed | 2023 Crimes Committed |
| Melbourne | 13,671 | 15,063 |
| Southbank | 2,564 | 2,663 |
| Carlton | 2,213 | 1,935 |
| Docklands | 2,094 | 1,865 |
| North Melbourne | 1,463 | 1,271 |
- Theft: These areas are popular with tourists and offer a wealth of opportunities for pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles.
- Public Disorder: With a large nightlife scene, there can be a higher incidence of alcohol-related offenses, vandalism, and public disturbances.
- Drug Offenses: Drug use and possession are more prevalent in these central areas.
It’s important to note that crime rates can fluctuate, and these areas also offer many safety measures. Here, you’ll find a higher police presence, CCTV cameras, and well-lit streets.
Western suburbs in Melbourne
According to crime statistics data from Victoria Police, some of the western suburbs of Melbourne that tend to have higher rates of robbery offenses include:
- Melton
- Brimbank (areas like Sunshine, St Albans)
- Maribyrnong (Footscray, West Footscray)
- Wyndham (Werribee, Tarneit)
Sunshine West
- Median house price: $707,000
- Median unit price: $528,000
- Median rent: $390
Sunshine West is one of the Melbourne suburbs dominated with married couples. The median price for a house in this suburb is about $707,000 with an average median rent of about $390 weekly.
Although house prices vary, you can expect to pay about $1,800 – $2,399 monthly in mortgages if you decide to acquire property in this suburb.
So far as public transport goes, I think you will not have a hard time getting to the City Centre or anywhere else.
Maidstone
- Median house price: $829,000
- Median unit price: $490,000
- Median rent: $425 per week
Maidstone suburb is just 8 km away from Melbourne CBD. It is one of the north-western suburbs with a total population of 9,389. If you’re looking to move to Maidstone, it’s important you know that it’s mostly a residential region.
However, you should also note that Maidstone has one of the highest crime rates in Melbourne. 11490 criminal cases were recorded in 2022, the highest number of crimes in Kent.
Caroline Springs
- Median house price: $829,000
- Median unit price: $490,000
- Median rent: $425 per week
Caroline Springs is only 21 km west of Melbourne’s CBD. As one of the outer suburbs, it is only natural to believe that it is one of the most dangerous suburbs in Melbourne.
Notably, the Crime Statistics Agency noted that there was a 14% rise in criminal cases in the suburb in 2022.
South east Melbourne CBD suburbs
Now delving into the south-east, areas like Dandenong and Cranbourne have also garnered attention due to their higher crime rates.
Brighton, Malvern, and Glen Iris, though considered affluent, aren’t completely free from crime either.
Frankston
- Median house price: $730,000
- Median unit price: $500,000
- Median rent: $380 weekly
Frankston is a suburb south east of Melbourne CBD. It is one of the cheapest suburbs to rent in Melbourne. The suburb has a population of about 37,000 individuals. Since it is north of the Mornington Peninsula, most people refer to it as the gateway to the Mornington Peninsula.
According to the Crime Statistics Agency, the criminal incident rate per 100,000 individuals decreased by 0.3% to 5,306.6 in 2022. The overall crime rate in the suburb is 67.57%, which is high compared to other suburbs in Melbourne.
Frankston South
- Median house price: $1, 170,000
- Median unit price: $703, 500
- Median rent: $450 weekly
If you have lived in Australia, you know that Frankston South and Frankston are not the same thing. Frankston South is 43 km away from Melbourne’s CBD and has a population of 18,801 individuals.
Interestingly, both Frankston and Frankston South share the same postcode (3199). However, they are separate suburbs. You will typically find young families in this suburb.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole source for making decisions about where to live.
Crime rates can fluctuate, and many factors contribute to a suburb’s overall safety. Should you find any discrepancies or feel there’s crucial information missing, please do not hesitate to inform us. We value accuracy and are always open to constructive feedback.
Suggested Reading: Check out our article on the Worst Places to Invest in Real Estate to find out where you might not want to make your next investment.
FAQs on ‘Worst Suburbs in Melbourne For Crime’
FAQs on ‘Worst Suburbs in Melbourne For Crime 2026’
What is the safest suburb in Melbourne?
Ferny Creek is considered the safest suburb in Melbourne, reporting the lowest crime rate in the year to March 2023.
What is the poorest suburb in Melbourne?
Broadmeadows, Campbellfield – Coolaroo, and Corio – Norlane are among the most disadvantaged suburbs in Melbourne and Victoria overall.
Where to find the cheapest houses for sale in Melbourne?
Regional Victoria and emerging areas around Geelong offer some of the cheapest houses for sale in Melbourne. Consider local schools and public transport access when choosing a location.
What are the most violent towns in Victoria?
Rural towns such as Mildura and Greater Shepparton have the highest crime rates in Victoria, with over 9,000 reported crimes per 100,000 residents.
What is the richest suburb in Melbourne in 2026?
Toorak is Melbourne’s wealthiest suburb, with median house prices at $5.19 million and rental rates averaging $1,025 per week.
Where are feral pests most common in Melbourne?
Feral pests like foxes are prevalent in Melbourne’s outer suburbs but are increasingly seen in inner areas such as St Kilda, Hawthorn, and Williamstown.
Where is the safest place to live in Melbourne?
Safe suburbs include Ferny Creek, The Patch, Park Orchards, Selby, Kallista, Warrandyte, Montmorency, and Donvale.
What is the most liveable suburb in Melbourne?
Brighton, Northcote, Surrey Hills, Balwyn, and Williamstown rank as Melbourne’s most liveable suburbs, offering a mix of lifestyle, family-friendly environments, and cultural hubs.