If you’re preparing to rent a place in Melbourne, crime rates are one of the first things to consider. For families like mine, choosing a safe area is crucial. While we aren’t looking for luxury, we definitely want a peaceful, secure home for our kids, where we can enjoy the simple things in life, like eating out on Saturdays and cooking together on Sundays.
I’ve gathered data from RedSuburbs, based on 2023 state police data and 2021 ABS census data. While this data may be a little outdated, it’s still a good starting point when considering your options.
Today, let’s dive into the top 10 councils in Melbourne with the highest crime rates, based on data about violent crimes, property crimes, drug use and possession, and weapons offences. Tomorrow, I’ll share information on the safest areas to live.
Here are the councils in Melbourne with the highest crime rates, broken down by specific crime categories:
1. Melbourne CBD
- Population: 197,547
- All Crimes: 31,509
- Violent Crimes: 3,669 (1 in 54 chance of becoming a victim)
- Property Crimes: 17,953 (1 in 11 chance of becoming a victim)
- Drug Use and Possession: 874
- Weapons and Explosives Offences: 870
2. Yarra
- Population: 80,727
- All Crimes: 9,508
- Violent Crimes: 894 (1 in 90 chance of becoming a victim)
- Property Crimes: 6,079 (1 in 13 chance of becoming a victim)
- Drug Use and Possession: 217
- Weapons and Explosives Offences: 198
3. Port Phillip
- Population: 73,383
- All Crimes: 7,988
- Violent Crimes: 801 (1 in 92 chance of becoming a victim)
- Property Crimes: 4,954 (1 in 15 chance of becoming a victim)
- Drug Use and Possession: 171
- Weapons and Explosives Offences: 138
4. Greater Dandenong
- Population: 158,202
- All Crimes: 14,205
- Violent Crimes: 1,761 (1 in 90 chance of becoming a victim)
- Property Crimes: 7,473 (1 in 21 chance of becoming a victim)
- Drug Use and Possession: 540
- Weapons and Explosives Offences: 386
5. Maribyrnong
- Population: 85,206
- All Crimes: 7,660
- Violent Crimes: 776 (1 in 110 chance of becoming a victim)
- Property Crimes: 5,027 (1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim)
- Drug Use and Possession: 129
- Weapons and Explosives Offences: 155
6. Frankston
- Population: 139,267
- All Crimes: 10,686
- Violent Crimes: 1,302 (1 in 107 chance of becoming a victim)
- Property Crimes: 5,078 (1 in 27 chance of becoming a victim)
- Drug Use and Possession: 254
- Weapons and Explosives Offences: 265
7. Darebin
- Population: 149,054
- All Crimes: 10,323
- Violent Crimes: 929 (1 in 160 chance of becoming a victim)
- Property Crimes: 6,403 (1 in 23 chance of becoming a victim)
- Drug Use and Possession: 233
- Weapons and Explosives Offences: 219
8. Brimbank
- Population: 193,505
- All Crimes: 12,611
- Violent Crimes: 1,477 (1 in 131 chance of becoming a victim)
- Property Crimes: 6,701 (1 in 29 chance of becoming a victim)
- Drug Use and Possession: 366
- Weapons and Explosives Offences: 388
9. Stonnington
- Population: 93,586
- All Crimes: 6,136
- Violent Crimes: 501 (1 in 187 chance of becoming a victim)
- Property Crimes: 4,094 (1 in 23 chance of becoming a victim)
- Drug Use and Possession: 107
- Weapons and Explosives Offences: 94
10. Hume
- Population: 243,266
- All Crimes: 13,416
- Violent Crimes: 1,695 (1 in 144 chance of becoming a victim)
- Property Crimes: 6,957 (1 in 35 chance of becoming a victim)
- Drug Use and Possession: 354
- Weapons and Explosives Offences: 403
How to Interpret This Data
This data from RedSuburbs gives us a snapshot of crime levels in different areas of Melbourne. While it’s useful, keep in mind that these statistics can sometimes be skewed. For example, the data includes reported crimes, and certain areas may experience higher levels of reporting or public awareness than others. This means that the actual feeling of safety in an area might not always match the numbers.
If you're considering moving to or renting in one of these councils, it’s important to remember that not all suburbs within a council are the same. You might find that some areas are significantly safer than others, even within the same council.
What You Should Do Next
Before deciding where to live, it’s a good idea to:
- Visit the area and get a sense of the local vibe.
- Check crime rates in the specific suburb you’re interested in, not just the council.
- Talk to local residents and see what they think about the safety of the area.
- Use tools like RedSuburbs to explore more detailed data about specific types of crime.
Note: RedSuburbs only allows you to view 15 profiles per month, but you can use your browser’s incognito mode to bypass this limit and get access to more data if needed.
I hope this information helps you make a more informed decision when choosing your new home in Melbourne! Stay safe, and always trust your instincts when it comes to choosing a place that feels right for you and your family.
Related Article:
- Top 10 Safest Councils in Melbourne: But Don’t Forget to Check the Suburbs! – even within safe councils, some suburbs may have higher crime rates, so it’s important to dive deeper into the details.
- How We Use the RedSuburbs Crime Map to Find a Safe Place for Our Family – learn how to navigate crime data to choose the right suburb for your family.