10 Most Dangerous Cities in Australia
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Brisbane
- Adelaide
- Perth
- Darwin
- Canberra
- Hobart
- Newcastle
- Wollongong
Sydney
The most dangerous city in Australia is Sydney. Although it's the country's largest city, it is not immune to crime and suffers from high crime rates. The densely populated urban areas can be prone to various criminal activities, including theft, assault, and drug-related offenses. Suburbs like Kings Cross have earned a reputation for late-night violence and antisocial behavior, contributing to Sydney's crime statistics.
The city's crime landscape includes a violent crime rate of 22.49 per 1000 people and a property crime rate of 49.56 per 1000 people. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crime in Sydney are 1 in 44.
Melbourne
Melbourne is also one of the most dangerous cities in Australia. Although it is well known for being one of the most liveable cities globally, Melbourne experiences its share of crime challenges. With a crime rate of 14,638.2 incidents per 100,000 residents, Melbourne scores a whopping 77 out of 100 in crime. In 2023, the city reported over 10,500 cases of theft, making it the most common crime in Melbourne.
Brisbane
Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is also one of the most dangerous places in Australia. The worst neighborhoods in Brisbane are those that struggle with low incomes. Drug-related offenses, property crime, and public order offenses are some of the challenges faced by certain suburbs.
The crime rank of Brisbane is 96/100, with a violent crime rate of 41.79 per 1000 people and a property crime rate of 330.26 per 1000 people. The chances of becoming a victim of property crime in Brisbane City are 1 in 3.
Adelaide
Adelaide, with a population of 1.3 million, is known as the murder capital of Australia. South Australia's capital has pockets where crime rates are higher than the national average. Factors such as unemployment, poverty, and substance abuse contribute to criminal activities in certain areas. The city holds a crime rank of 100/100, with a total number of crimes amounting to 339.26 per 1000 people.
Perth
While Perth is known for its stunning beaches and outdoor lifestyle, it faces crime issues in specific neighborhoods. Property crimes, including burglaries and theft, are more prevalent in some suburbs.
The city, home to 36,896 residents, reports a violent crime rate of 72.20 per 1000 people. In 2022, the city saw 2,200 cases of assault and related offenses and 5,118 cases of theft.
Darwin
As the capital of the Northern Territory, Darwin grapples with unique challenges. The city experiences higher rates of assault, particularly in the central business district. Factors such as alcohol-related incidents contribute to Darwin's crime statistics. Recent years have seen an increase in sexual assault cases from 21 to 46, with a domestic violence-related assault rate per 100,000 at 1290.8.
Canberra
Australia's capital, Canberra, is not immune to crime, with certain suburbs facing challenges like property offenses and antisocial behavior. The city's smaller population size does not exempt it from the socio-economic factors influencing crime. The crime index in Canberra is 28.18, according to Numbeo. Drugs are a significant issue in the city, contributing to its crime challenges.
Hobart
Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, generally enjoys a reputation for safety. However, like any city, it faces crime challenges, with certain areas experiencing higher rates of offenses. The crime index in the city stands at 34.05, and it faces common crimes such as vandalism and theft.
Newcastle
Newcastle, situated north of Sydney, is the penultimate city on our list of most dangerous cities in Australia. The city, with an overall crime rate of 537.51 per 1000 people, reported 223 theft cases in Newcastle West in 2023. Common crimes include theft, assault, and property damage.
Wollongong
Wollongong, a coastal city in New South Wales, deals with crime, particularly in specific suburbs marked by socio-economic disparities. The city, with a population of 20,446 and a crime rank of 40/100, experiences various crime types, including offenses related to justice procedures, transport regulation, and theft.
Is Australia a Dangerous Country to Live?
Australia is generally considered a safe country to live in. According to the Global Peace Index, Australia ranks 27th out of 163 countries, indicating a high level of safety. While certain cities face crime challenges, the national average remains low, and Australia consistently ranks well in global safety assessments.
Most Dangerous Cities in Australia Bottom Line
While the notion of "dangerous" is subjective and depends on individual experiences and risk tolerance, this list offers a data-driven glimpse into some Australian cities with higher crime rates. It's important to remember that statistics can paint a stark picture, and many of these cities offer vibrant communities and unique experiences alongside their challenges.