
Perth, Western Australia, is a safe and liveable city with a pleasant climate, a vibrant community, and a strong economy. However, as with any major city, there are areas with higher crime rates and anti-social behaviour. The suburbs of Northbridge, Armadale, Midland, and Perth Central are known for their high crime rates, including violent crimes, theft, and drug use. However, other suburbs such as Lake Coogee, Cardup, and Iluka have seen significant reductions in crime over the years. The City of Perth has invested in improved street lighting and surveillance, and works closely with WA Police and community services to enhance safety. While there are areas to be cautious of, particularly at night, Perth is generally considered a safe place to visit and live.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crime rate | High in some suburbs such as Northbridge, Armadale, Midland, Fremantle, Perth City, Karawara, Cannington, Balga, Dianella, South Perth, Belmont, Rockingham, and Mandurah |
| Low in suburbs such as Lake Coogee, Cardup, Iluka, Mount Helena, Burns Beach, Sinagra, and Gooseberry Hill | |
| Safety | Generally considered safe, but certain areas ridden with homeless people, drugs, and gangs |
| The national level of aggression in Australia is moderate/low and especially low in Western Australia | |
| Safety initiatives | 24/7 surveillance, improved street lighting, neighborhood watch programs, and collaboration with local organizations and WA Police |
| Transport safety | Some people feel unsafe using public transport at night |
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What You'll Learn

Safest suburbs in Perth
Perth residents value safety more than residents in any other major Australian capital city. The City of Perth has attributed lower crime rates to its collaboration with WA Police, the installation of hundreds of CCTV cameras, and 24/7 surveillance. The city has also invested in improved street lighting to enhance safety.
According to data from the Western Australia Police Force, the suburb of Lake Coogee, created in 2020, has the lowest crime rate per capita in Perth. The suburb is home to nearly 5,000 people and has witnessed a significant reduction in crime over the last nine years. Following Lake Coogee, Cardup has seen a 75% reduction in crime since 2014, while crimes in Iluka have halved during the same period. Other safe suburbs include Mount Helena, Burns Beach, Sinagra, and Gooseberry Hill, which have also experienced decreasing crime rates.
In contrast, Northbridge, an inner-city suburb and one of Perth's main cultural hubs, has the highest crime rate by population. Known for its food, shops, and nightlife, Northbridge had 257.38 reported incidents per 100 residents from July 2018 to June 2019. During the same period, Kwinana Town Centre, primarily a commercial area, recorded 211.65 incidents per 100 residents. These areas tend to attract higher crime rates due to the concentration of nightlife and entertainment venues.
However, it's worth noting that Perth has several desirable suburbs that offer a range of amenities and conveniences. For example, Kensington is praised for its central location, family-friendly atmosphere, and strong community feel. Floreat provides easy access to iconic beaches and the CBD, while Forrestfield offers a well-connected yet relaxed environment with shops, schools, transport, and parks. Duncraig is known for its peacefulness and proximity to excellent beaches, and Sorrento is ideal for those seeking beachside living with access to coastal walks.
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Crime rates in Perth
Lake Coogee, a newly developed suburb with nearly 5,000 residents, currently holds the title for the lowest crime rate per capita in Perth. Cardup and Iluka closely follow, with reductions of 75% and 50%, respectively, since 2014. Other safe suburbs include Mount Helena, Burns Beach, Sinagra, and Gooseberry Hill, which have also seen decreasing crime rates. These areas tend to be wealthier, fostering greater social connectivity and collective problem-solving, making them less susceptible to criminal activities.
On the other hand, Northbridge, Perth's entertainment precinct, and the CBD area of Perth itself top the list for the highest crime rates per 1,000 people. These areas, characterized by nightlife and entertainment venues, present more opportunities for crime. However, it's worth noting that even these areas have seen a downward trend in crime in recent years, with Northbridge and the CBD experiencing a 15% decrease since 2021.
Other suburbs with higher crime rates include Fremantle, Midland, Cannington, Armadale, Perth City, Karawara, and Rockingham. These areas have been associated with issues like domestic violence, assaults, and break-ins. For instance, Cannington witnessed a nearly 50% increase in crime since 2014, with domestic violence offences more than doubling. Similarly, Armadale and Midland are often mentioned as less safe, with Midland also being one of the most affordable places to live in Perth.
While some perceive Perth as unsafe due to their experiences with violence, drug use, and homelessness, others find it relatively secure. Some residents attribute crime to factors like poverty, lack of education, and racial tensions, while others feel that certain immigrant groups are unfairly blamed. Overall, perceptions of safety in Perth vary, and while certain suburbs have higher crime rates, the city has been actively working to improve safety through initiatives with the WA Police, increased surveillance, improved street lighting, and community engagement.
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Perth's nightlife and safety
Perth, Western Australia, is generally considered a safe city, with some of its suburbs seeing massive reductions in crime over the last few years. The suburb of Lake Coogee, for example, has the least amount of crime per capita across the city, while other suburbs like Cardup and Iluka have seen significant decreases in crime since 2014. The City of Perth has attributed this to their collaboration with WA Police, the installation of hundreds of CCTV cameras, improved street lighting, and 24/7 surveillance.
However, some suburbs in Perth have higher crime rates, such as Northbridge and the CBD, which are home to a large number of nightlife venues. These areas have seen a decline in crime recently, but the concentration of entertainment options means there is still a higher opportunity for crime. Other suburbs with higher crime rates include Fremantle, Midland, and Cannington.
In terms of nightlife, Perth offers a variety of options for those seeking entertainment after dark. The city has bars, clubs, pubs, live music venues, and more. Some people characterise Perth's nightlife as "decent" or "average," noting that it may not be as vibrant as larger cities but still offers plenty to do. The city also has jazz bars, karaoke bars, comedy clubs, dance clubs, and wine bars, providing a diverse range of experiences for locals and visitors alike.
One unique aspect of Perth's nightlife is the emphasis on outdoor spaces and proximity to the beach. Locals often opt for backyard gatherings or beach parties instead of traditional pub or bar outings. This gives Perth's nightlife a distinct character that differs from more densely populated cities.
While Perth generally offers a safe nightlife experience, there have been reports of issues with public transport and homeless people in certain areas after dark. Some residents have expressed concerns about taking public transport to particular suburbs at night, opting to drive their cars instead. Overall, Perth provides a diverse range of nightlife options, from intimate bars to beach parties, all within a context of improving safety measures and decreasing crime rates.
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Safety measures in Perth
Perth, Western Australia, is generally considered a safe and livable city, boasting a pleasant climate, a vibrant community, and a robust economy. However, as with any major urban area, certain areas of Perth experience higher crime rates and social issues. Here are some safety measures and considerations for visitors and residents of Perth:
- Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially in areas with higher crime rates, such as Northbridge, Armadale, Midland, and Perth's CBD. These areas have been associated with violent crimes, theft, and anti-social behaviour.
- Avoid walking alone at night in certain suburbs, such as Vic Park and Bentley, where there have been reports of issues with public transport and homeless individuals.
- Use common sense and stay away from dodgy or quiet streets, especially after dark. Instead, stick to busy places with a higher footfall of people.
- Take standard safety precautions, such as keeping valuables out of sight, securing your home, and being cautious when walking alone at night.
- Familiarise yourself with Perth's neighbourhood watch programs and local organisations working to improve safety in specific suburbs, such as the ongoing initiatives in Midland and Armadale.
- Report any suspicious or criminal activity to WA Police, who actively collaborate with the City of Perth and community services to maintain and improve safety. The presence of hundreds of CCTV cameras and improved street lighting also contribute to enhanced safety measures.
While Perth has its challenges with crime and social issues, the commitment of local authorities and community members to improving safety is evident, and many suburbs have seen significant reductions in crime over the years. It is always essential to stay informed about the latest safety updates and use your best judgment when navigating any urban area.
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Dangerous suburbs in Perth
Perth is considered a safe and liveable city, with a pleasant climate, a vibrant community, and a robust economy. However, like any major urban area, it has areas with higher crime rates and social issues. The suburbs with the highest crime rates in Perth include Northbridge, Armadale, Midland, Fremantle, Cannington, and Belmont. These areas have experienced issues related to property crime, assaults, and anti-social behaviour, including public drunkenness, loitering, and disorderly conduct.
Northbridge, known for its nightlife and entertainment venues, has the highest crime rate per 1000 people. While it has seen a recent decline in crime, residents and business owners remain concerned about safety, especially at night. Similarly, Armadale and Midland have been identified as areas with higher incidences of burglary, theft, and violent offences. Midland's low socio-economic status has been linked to its higher crime rate.
Fremantle, ranked sixth among Perth suburbs with high crime rates, is an area where WA Police have had to intervene. Cannington, in the south-east, has seen a nearly 50% increase in crime rates since 2014, with domestic violence offences more than doubling. Belmont has also been mentioned as an unsafe suburb by some residents.
While not in the top crime rate suburbs, other areas of concern include Kwinana, where young adult males have been known to carry knives and have baseball bats in their cars, and Brookdale, which one resident described as "sketchy". Additionally, areas like Ellenbrook, McIver, and Claisebrook Stations have gained a reputation for incidents such as muggings and break-ins.
It is important to note that Perth's overall crime rate has decreased, and the city is actively working to improve safety. Initiatives include investing in improved street lighting, collaborating with WA Police, and utilising CCTV cameras and surveillance.
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Frequently asked questions
Perth is generally considered a safe and livable city, known for its pleasant climate, vibrant community, and strong economy. However, like any major city, it has areas with higher crime rates, particularly in the suburbs of Northbridge, Armadale, Midland, Fremantle, Perth City, and Cannington. These areas have been associated with property crime, assaults, theft, and anti-social behaviour.
The suburb of Lake Coogee, created in 2020, has the lowest amount of crime per capita in Perth. Other safe suburbs include Cardup, Iluka, Burns Beach, Sinagra, Gooseberry Hill, Daglish, Floreat, and Joondalup. These areas have seen significant reductions in crime over the years.
Northbridge, closely linked to Perth's Central Business District (CBD), is considered one of the most unsafe suburbs in Perth due to its high crime rates, particularly violent crimes, theft, and anti-social behaviour. Other unsafe suburbs include Armadale, Midland, Fremantle ("Freo"), Perth City, Karawara, Cannington, and Rockingham. These areas have higher incidences of crime, including burglary, theft, and violent offences.
Local authorities and the community are committed to improving safety and reducing crime. The City of Perth has invested in improved street lighting, surveillance with CCTV cameras, and collaboration with WA Police and community services. Neighborhood watch programs and local organizations are also working together to enhance safety and the quality of life in Perth's suburbs.
































