The Safest and Most Dangerous Suburbs in Brisbane (2025): What You Need to Know
If you live in Brisbane , or you’re thinking of moving here, chances are you’ve wondered about how safe different suburbs really are. From family-friendly pockets to inner-city hotspots, the perception of safety can vary wildly across the city.
As a Criminologist, I can tell you that raw crime stats only show part of the picture. Real safety is shaped by people, design, and community culture.
In this post, we’ll look at:
The safest and most high-risk suburbs in Brisbane (updated for 2025)
How to interpret crime data correctly
What really makes a suburb “safe”
Where to find trusted resources to assess your local area
Let’s break it down.
Understanding Crime in Brisbane Suburbs
First, it’s important to know that not all crimes are equal when it comes to personal safety. Most crime data includes:
Property crime – things like break-ins, car theft, and vandalism
Violent crime – assaults, robberies, and domestic violence
Drug offences or anti-social behaviour – often linked to nightlife areas or transit zones
High crime rates don’t always mean a suburb is dangerous for residents. For example, places with nightlife like Fortitude Valley often record more incidents, but are also well-patrolled and well-lit.
Crime data also reflects reporting rates, not just actual incidents. Some communities are more likely to report crime than others, so numbers can be misleading without context.
Safest Suburbs in Brisbane (2025)
Based on publicly available crime data from the Queensland Police Service and local community reports, here are some of the suburbs that consistently rank among the safest:
1. Wilston
Tucked just north of the CBD, Wilston has low levels of both violent and property crime. It’s well-connected, well-lit, and home to a strong community vibe.
2. Carindale
With its spacious streets, parks, and quiet residential layout, Carindale has low crime stats across the board and is considered one of the best family suburbs in Brisbane.
3. Indooroopilly
While it’s a busy retail and education hub, Indooroopilly maintains relatively low crime rates, thanks to strong policing and active Neighbourhood Watch programs.
4. Wynnum
A bayside suburb with a close-knit feel. Crime rates are lower than average, particularly for property offences. Its sense of community and visibility help deter opportunistic crime.
These suburbs combine solid urban planning, access to services, and high levels of natural surveillance.
Suburbs with Higher Crime Rates in Brisbane (2025)
Let’s be clear: higher crime rates don’t necessarily mean a place is unsafe. Many of these suburbs are undergoing regeneration and have safe areas within them. However, they do tend to record more police incidents overall.
1. Fortitude Valley
Known for nightlife, the Valley sees higher rates of assault and anti-social behaviour, especially at night. That said, it’s also one of the most heavily policed areas of Brisbane.
2. Inala
Inala continues to face challenges with property crime and drug-related offences. However, it’s also home to resilient community groups and proactive local policing initiatives.
3. Logan Central
Crime stats here are higher than the Brisbane average, particularly for break-ins and public disturbances. Socioeconomic disadvantage is a key contributing factor.
4. Caboolture
Further north, Caboolture has higher recorded rates of personal crime and property damage. Like Logan, it’s a large area with very different pockets, some safer than others.
If you're considering moving to one of these suburbs, it's worth doing a street-by-street check and visiting at different times of day. Locals, real estate agents, and Neighbourhood Watch pages can offer practical insight.
What Makes a Suburb Safe (or Not)?
Beyond crime stats, here are four key elements that influence how safe a suburb really is:
1. Community Culture
Suburbs with active residents, friendly neighbours, and strong social ties tend to experience fewer crimes. Community vigilance matters.
2. Urban Design
Lighting, visibility, and the layout of streets and public spaces affect both real and perceived safety. Dead-end streets, high fences, and poor lighting increase risk.
3. Local Services
Proximity to police stations, health care, schools, and youth services makes a big difference in long-term safety trends.
4. Socioeconomic Stability
Areas with stable employment, education, and housing tend to have lower property crime rates.
How to Check Your Suburb’s Safety
If you’re curious about your own area, here are some trustworthy resources:
Queensland Police Service Crime Map – View offences by suburb and category
Neighbourhood Watch Queensland – Community crime prevention updates
You can also check Facebook community groups or speak with local police at pop-up events or community meetings.
Bolster Home SAS Tip: Don’t Just Rely on Stats
At Bolster Home SAS, we interpret it through the lens of lived experience, environmental design, and behavioural risk.
For example:
A suburb might rank low in crime but have poor street lighting or isolated footpaths, making it less safe at night.
Some newer estates appear secure but lack community cohesion, which makes them more vulnerable to opportunistic offences.
A well-lit, older suburb with active neighbours might feel safer despite slightly higher crime stats.
That’s why our home security assessments look at the full picture - including lifestyle factors, property layout, and surrounding risk points.
Final Thoughts
Every suburb has safer and riskier areas. The goal is to help you feel informed and empowered. Whether you're choosing a new place to live or wanting to better secure your current home, it pays to look beyond the headlines.
If you're unsure about your suburb or want to improve your home's safety, get in touch with Bolster Home SAS. We offer personalised, evidence-based security advice that makes sense for real people living real lives.
Need support understanding your area or protecting your home?
Contact us for a professional home security consultation today.
