Safest and Most Dangerous Suburbs in Sydney: You Should Avoid

The most dangerous areas in Sydney have been revealed based on crime statistics over the past five years, so let’s see if there are any in your neighbourhood. However, if you want to compare, safety varies greatly from one area of Sydney to another. Generally speaking, the Northern Quarter is the safest area in Sydney. Check out the safest and most dangerous suburbs in Sydney below!

Is Sydney Safe?

Sydney is one of Australia’s largest cities, known for its beautiful harbour and vibrant culture. Sydney is ranked as one of the safest cities in the world, with a high rating of 87.9 on last year’s Global Safe Cities Index. Even in the safest cities, there can be dark corners. Sydney is a relatively safe city with an efficient police force and an excellent public safety system. As with any major city, vigilance is required at night or in sparsely populated areas. Awareness of your surroundings and following basic common sense safety practices can often enhance your travelling experience in Sydney. By doing so, visitors and residents alike can enjoy the city’s charm and vibrancy to the fullest.

Suburbs with the Highest Crime Rates in Sydney

Suburbs with the Highest Number of Car Thefts

Suburb	Number of Offences
Bankstown	991
Blacktown	887
Liverpool	805
Auburn	625
Penrith	625

 

Suburbs with the Highest Number of Burglaries

Suburb	Number of Offences
Blacktown	1457
Liverpool	1156
Parramatta	1125
Strathfield	1086
Westmead	985

 

Suburbs with the Most Vandalism

Suburb	Number of Offences
Blacktown	4101
Sydney CBD	2920
Penrith	2551
Parramatta	2496
Campbelltown	2482

 

Top 10 Most Dangerous Suburbs in Sydney

Rankings	Suburb	Number of Offences
1	Mount Druitt	3021
2	Sydney CBD	2905
3	Penrith	1972
4	Parramatta	1524
5	Surry Hills	1414
6	Redfern	756
7	Glebe	746
8	Kings Cross	723
9	Macquarie Fields	538
10	Villawood	406

 

1. Mount Druitt

Mount Druitt in Western Sydney has the highest crime rate in the city, with 3,021 serious crimes recorded in a year.

This suburb, with a population of 61,494, recorded the highest number of domestic violence assaults in Sydney, with a total of 743, and the highest number of break-ins, with a total of 257. 257. Other crimes recorded in this urban area include 815 cases of vandalism, 34 cases of arson and 1 case of homicide.

2. Sydney CBD

Sydney CBD, with 2950, was the second highest rate of serious crime – the highest among city centre urban areas – with 27,936 residents in the CBD recording 2,950 serious crimes.sNon-domestic violence assaults had the highest number, with 1,220, followed by 571 vandalism and 284 domestic violence assault s.s. The CBD also recorded 273 sexual assaults, 56 robberies and six cases of arson in the 12 months to June 2023.

3. Penrith

Penrith recorded 1,972 offences, including 531 malicious mischief—the third highest in Greater Sydney after Sydney CBD and Mount Druitt. The urban area also recorded 380 non-domestic violence assaults, 286 domestic violence assaults, 146 burglaries, and 189 break-and-enter offences.

4. Parramatta

Parramatta recorded a total of 1,524 serious offences, including 374 non-domestic violence assaults, 294 malicious mischiefs, 167 burglaries, 174 domestic violence and 140 break-ins.

5. Surry Hills

Meanwhile, the nearby urban area of Surry Hills recorded 1,414 offences, including 443 non-domestic violence assaults, 295 malicious damage, 166 burglaries and 152 domestic violence assaults.

6. Redfern

756 crimes were recorded in Redfern, which sits on the outskirts of the CBD and has 12,072 residents in the city. Crimes included 132 non-domestic violence assaults, 125 domestic violence, 117 burglaries, 202 malicious damage and 24 vehicle thefts.

7. Glebe

Glebe in the inner city recorded 746 offences, including 174 malicious damage and 132 non-domestic violence assaults. The urban area, which has a population of 16,641, also recorded 109 burglaries, 74 break-ins, and six arsons.

8. Kings Cross

Kings Cross has a population of 18,187 and recorded 723 offences, including 247 non-domestic violence assaults.

The once-famous nightlife destination of choice also recorded 173 vandalisms, 68 burglaries and 66 sexual offences.

9. Macquarie Fields

Located in Sydney’s southwest, Macquarie Fields also ranks among Sydney’s top 10 most dangerous urban areas, with 538 offences. This rapidly growing urban area, with 14,198 residents, recorded 138 cases of vandalism, 121 cases of domestic violence, 87 cases of non-domestic violence assaults, and 42 cases of trespassing.

10. Villawood

Located about 27 kilometres west of Sydney, Villawood recorded 406 serious crimes, including 119 domestic violence and 65 malicious damage. The urban area also recorded 35 vehicle thefts, 27 residential burglaries and three kidnappings.

The top 20 most dangerous urban areas in Greater Sydney also include Katoomba, St Marys, Ultimo, Blacktown, Waterloo, Newtown, Camperdown, Granville, Pyrmont and Doonside.

Most Dangerous Suburbs in NSW

1. Bourke

Based on population, the remote area town of Bourke, located about 800 kilometres northwest of the NSW capital, has the highest crime rate. With a total of 2,389 residents, this outback town recorded 622 serious crimes, including 148 domestic violence, 135 vandalism, 138 break-ins, 27 arson and 24 sexual offences.

2. Boggabilla

Boggabilla, a small town located north of Moree in NSW’s inland north, recorded 254 offences in a year. With a local population of just 1,072, serious offences recorded included 45 cases of malicious damage and 35 cases of domestic violence.

3. Wilcannia

Wilcannia, a town located within the Central Darling Shire in northwest NSW, ranked third in terms of serious crime, with 196 offences recorded, followed by Newcastle West, with 256.

The top 10 most dangerous suburbs in remote NSW also include Coonamble, Hamilton North, Lighting Ridge, Moree, Warren and Walgett. Other dangerous urban areas in remote NSW include Dubbo, with 444,963 residents and 3,332 recorded offences; Kempsey, with 23,166 residents recording 1,697 offences; Newcastle, with 12,058 residents recording 855 offences; and Broken Hill, with 18,097 residents recording 1,276 offences.

Top 10 Safest Suburbs in Sydney

Rankings	Suburb	Number of Offences
1	Berowra Heights	24
2	Fairlight	38
3	Beecroft	57
4	Lindfield	67
5	Glenhaven	88
6	West Pennant Hills	95
7	Cherrybrook	98
8	Avalon	100
9	St Ives	137
10	Wahroonga	160

 

1. Berowra Heights

Berowra Waters is a safe haven in Sydney – only 24 serious offences were recorded in 2023. The most prevalent serious offences were vandalism (11), assault (4) and residential burglary (3). The area’s population (which also includes Berowra Waters) is 5458.

2. Fairlight

Residents of Fairlight can also rest easy as the northern beaches recorded 38 serious offences last year. Burglary accounted for most incidents, including motor vehicle theft (10 incidents recorded) and residential burglary (also 10 incidents).

3. Beecroft

Beecroft is another safe suburb north of Sydney – 57 serious offences were recorded in a suburb with a population of 12,458. Vandalism and assault accounted for the highest number of serious offences in the last 12 months (12 each).

4. Lindfield

A total of 14,648 residents and 67 offences.

5. Glenhaven

Glenhaven is the lowest-crime suburb in northwest Sydney, with 88 serious offences recorded in 2023. The suburb – with a population of 13,403 – had 23 assaults, 13 sexual offences and six motor vehicle thefts.

6. West Pennant Hills

West Pennant Hills was a close second with 95 serious offences in a residential area of 16,620 people. Physical assault was the most prevalent series of offences, with 27, followed by break and enter (26).

7. Cherrybrook

Fast-growing Cherrybrook – home to 19,082 people – recorded 98 serious offences last year. The figure includes 29 assaults, 14 sexual offences and nine motor vehicle thefts.

8. Avalon

Avalon Beach is another haven, with 100 serious offences in the 12 months, including six domestic burglaries, nine motor vehicle thefts and 15 assaults.

9. St Ives

St Ives also has a low crime rate, with 137 serious offences recorded in 2023. The most common was assault (40), followed by motor vehicle theft (20). The population is 21,665.

10. Wahroonga

The Upper North Shore suburb of Wahroonga recorded 160 serious offences last year. In the suburb of 25,340 people, 27 sexual offences, 15 burglaries, and four thefts from motor vehicles were recorded in 12 months.

The list of Sydney’s top 20 safest suburbs also includes Bayview, Belrose, Berowra Heights, Epping, Fairlight, Forestville, Killara, Newport, Oyster Bay, Pymble, St Ives, The Ponds, Turramurra, Voyager Point and Wahroonga.

Safest Suburbs in NSW

Pambula

The safest remote NSW urban area with the lowest crime rate is Pambula on the South Coast, with only 25 serious crimes committed out of 4,101 residents.

Other urban areas with the lowest crime rates include Baldry, Wallendbeen, Gerringong, Millthorpe, Bungendore, Tumbulgum and Bangalow.

Sydney Safety Tips: How to be Cautious in Sydney

Keep an eye on your personal belongings: When in crowded places such as public transport, restaurants, and shopping centres, keep an eye on your personal belongings, especially valuables such as backpacks, wallets, mobile phones, etc.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash: Try to pay with bank cards and avoid carrying too much cash. If you must carry cash, keep it separate in different places.

Travelling in a group: Try to travel with friends or companions at night and avoid walking alone on isolated or unfamiliar streets.

Choose safe modes of transport: When travelling home at night, prioritise public transport or ride-hailing services, such as Uber or taxis, over walking. If travelling on public transport, try to sit as close to the driver or other passengers as possible.

Avoid high-risk areas: While Sydney is generally safe, some outlying or remote areas may be at higher risk at night, so it is advisable to avoid these areas.

Avoid empty carriages: If travelling on a train or bus, especially at night, choose a carriage with more passengers or sit near the driver.

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