Safest Suburbs in Perth: Where to Live for Peace of Mind

Safest Suburbs in Perth
Steve Blackwell

Author | Steve Blackwell

Steve Blackwell is the founder and Director of Relocations WA, bringing over 45 years of experience in the removals industry and a lifelong commitment to delivering personalised, end-to-end relocation services.

Safety is always a top priority when choosing where to live.

Perth ranks in the top 10% of 221 cities in Mercer’s Quality of Living Survey and among the top 15 in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s global rankings.

Perth’s crime rate is relatively low compared to other major cities, and many safe suburbs offer an excellent balance of lifestyle and security.

Despite Perth’s appeal, safety levels can vary widely between suburbs.

In this guide, I’ll explain what makes a suburb truly safe, highlight some of the safest suburbs in Perth, and share practical insights to help you make a confident and informed decision.

Safest Suburbs in Perth

It’s easy to focus only on numbers when searching for safe suburbs in Perth, but actual and perceived safety involve multiple factors.

  • Crime Rates: The overall Perth crime rate varies across different areas, so it’s important to break it down. Property crimes such as theft and burglary are more prevalent than violent crimes, and some of the listed places may still be comparably safe places in normal life. That is why it is crucial to compare the statistics when searching for the safest suburb in Perth.
  • Community Feel and Neighbourhood Engagement: Community spirit is a great thing. The safest Perth suburbs often have areas where people know one another, local groups are active, and they spend time in their local parks. Such a feeling of closeness helps create a more comfortable, secure atmosphere.
  • Infrastructure: Safety is largely contributed to by good infrastructure. Properly lit streets, reliable transportation, and shops and other services nearby make an area feel safe. These characteristics are typical of most safe suburbs in Perth.
  • Proximity to schools, hospitals, and police stations adds security. These amenities are typical in Perth’s safest suburbs.
  • Balancing Safety with Affordability: On some occasions, a higher price tag is required to uphold safety; however, there are affordable and safe suburbs in Perth that are quite good. Another thing that is worth putting into consideration is the cost of living in Perth, so that you can get a suburb that matches your budget as well as your expectations.

Finding the safest suburbs in Perth means weighing crime stats, community feel, infrastructure, and costs.

Safety is usually on the list of things to consider when choosing a place to live. Perth is a neighbourhood with a number of suburbs characterised by low crime rates, a strong sense of community, and a high quality of life.

Most of these neighbourhoods are often listed among the best places to live in Perth for their blend of lifestyle, safety, and facilities.

Below is a breakdown of some of the safest suburbs Perth has to offer, including key stats, suburb profiles, and safety insights.

Dalkeith

  • Population: ~4,200
  • Area: ~3.3 km²

Dalkeith is often regarded as one of the safest suburbs in Perth because of its riverside location and rich lifestyle. It is a place of privacy and security with large houses, green grass and a saturated community.

Floreat

  • Population: ~7,900
  • Area: ~5.9 km²

Floreat is a mature, family-oriented suburb with good schools and quiet streets. Its proximity to the city and beach adds to its popularity.

  • Crime rate: ~7,963 incidents per 100,000 residents
  • Safety insight: Safer than around 74% of Australian suburbs
  • Key highlight: Strong reputation for safety and community engagement

City Beach

  • Population: ~6,600
  • Area: ~10.5 km²

City Beach offers a high-quality, relaxed beach lifestyle, enjoyed by families and professionals seeking beach access and safety.

  • Crime rate: Low compared to metro average (generally under 1 crime per 100 residents in safer coastal areas)
  • Safety insight: Coastal suburbs like City Beach consistently rank among the safest suburbs in Perth
  • Key highlight: Quiet, low-density living with a strong local community

Nedlands

  • Population: ~10,200
  • Area: ~8.9 km²

Nedlands is close to the CBD, offering convenience in a relaxed residential setting. Major hospitals and universities are also nearby.

  • Crime rate: Lower than average for inner-city suburbs (varies by pocket)
  • Safety insight: Considered one of Perth’s safest suburbs due to low violent crime and high socio-economic status
  • Key highlight: Strong demand and stable property market

Applecross

  • Population: ~6,900
  • Area: ~6.2 km²

Applecross is a desirable riverside suburb with green streets and a family atmosphere. It is especially well-received by retired and well-established families.

  • Crime rate: Generally below Perth average (low violent crime)
  • Safety insight: Consistently ranked among the safest Perth suburbs
  • Key highlight: Well-established, with excellent lifestyle amenities

Churchlands

  • Population: ~3,400
  • Area: ~4.2 km²

Churchlands is a quiet residential suburb with excellent schools, making it ideal for families.

  • Crime rate: ~1,683 property crimes per 100,000 residents
  • Safety insight: Low violent crime and strong safety ranking
  • Key highlight: Excellent schools and peaceful streets

Carine

  • Population: ~6,500
  • Area: ~6.2 km²

Carine, in the north, is known for its parks, lakes, and family focus.

  • Crime rate: ~1,063 property crimes per 100,000 residents
  • Safety insight: Low violent crime rates
  • Key highlight: Great balance of affordability and safety

Leeming

  • Population: ~10,700
  • Area: ~7.2 km²

Leeming offers suburban comfort, good schools, and a strong community.

  • Crime rate: ~0.9 crimes per 100 residents
  • Safety insight: Consistently ranked among the safest suburbs in Perth
  • Key highlight: Ideal for families seeking space and security

Lower Chittering

  • Population: ~1,800
  • Area: ~140 km²

Lower Chittering is a semi-rural suburb offering space, privacy, and a peaceful lifestyle.

  • Crime rate: ~0.9 crimes per 100 residents
  • Safety insight: Very low crime due to low population density
  • Key highlight: Quiet, nature-focused living

Iluka

  • Population: ~4,500
  • Area: ~6.5 km²

Iluka is a coastal suburb with modern homes and a relaxed lifestyle.

  • Crime rate: Low and decreasing in recent years (significant reductions reported)
  • Safety insight: Popular among families looking for affordable and safe suburbs in Perth
  • Key highlight: Coastal charm with strong safety perception

There are many safe suburbs in Perth. While crime stats matter, consider lifestyle, community, and amenities when choosing where to live.

“Is Perth a safe city?”

“Is Perth safe to live in?”

Homeowners moving to Perth often ask these questions. However, no city is perfect.

Overall, the safety levels in Perth are good, but there are a few suburbs that tend to record higher crime rates.

Some of the considered worst suburbs in Perth include Midland, Armadale, Balga, and some of Gosnells, because of the high crime rate statistics recorded by the Western Australia Police Force in the area.

With that said, there is a need to have a balanced perspective. Other suburbs, such as Rockingham and Kwinana, which have had bad reputations in the past, have been improved with time.

Crime tendencies may change, and not all areas of such suburbs can be characterised by the same situation. Even some of the suburbs with the highest crime rates in Perth usually have peaceful places with great communities.

Check on the Australian Bureau of Statistics to find current and updated crime statistics of each suburb.

Research is key. Visit, review current crime stats, and talk to residents to judge a suburb’s suitability.

This will help you move beyond generalisations and better assess whether Perth is a safe place to live.

If you are planning to move and wondering, “Is Perth a safe place to live?”, the good news is that you have many choices.

There are so many safe suburbs in Perth, offering a wonderful combination of lifestyle, community, and security; it is all about finding the right fit.

From understanding the Perth crime rate to exploring the safest suburbs Perth has to offer, taking a smart and informed approach can make all the difference when relocating.

Visit the Suburb at Different Times of Day

If you’re serious about finding a place in one of the safest suburbs in Perth, it’s worth visiting more than once. One suburb may be quite different in the morning and at night. This helps provide a clear picture of the level of safety in Perth.

Speak with Locals and Check Community Forums

The locals can be the most sincere with the truth. To find the safest suburbs in Perth, talking to the neighbours and going to the forums online will help you see a better picture of what it would be like to live there.

Review Crime Statistics and Council Reports

Before making the move, investigate the Perth crime rate by suburb. Reports by the local council and official data may provide a more precise view of the trends and help you narrow down the safe suburbs in Perth that match your expectations.

Plan for Practical Moving Logistics

Safety is not the only thing that should be considered, but also the logistics. When the move-in and the move-out dates do not coincide, then storage could help ease the burden. This comes in handy, especially when moving to the safest suburb in Perth that suits your lifestyle.

Balance Safety with Lifestyle and Budget

While many people focus on Perth’s safest suburbs, it’s important to also consider what suits your daily routine and finances. There are plenty of affordable and safe suburbs in Perth that offer a great balance.

Make an Informed Decision

At the end of the day, it all boils down to researching and following your hunch when choosing the safest suburbs in Perth. The right approach to it will not only make you find a safe area but a place that truly feels like home.

Moving to a new city is an exciting event; however, when you are relocating interstate, it needs to be planned carefully to ensure that nothing goes wrong. Regardless of the reason behind relocation, having a clear idea of how to plan to move interstate will be the start of a stress-free relocation process.

Get Organised Early

Early is important so as to avoid last-minute madness. A basic moving interstate checklist guide can help you keep up with tasks such as packing, updating your address, and arranging utilities before coming to Perth.

Plan Your Logistics and Timing

Timing is more important than most individuals would expect. Arranging your moving dates, transfer schedule, and access to your new house will ensure that everything flows smoothly without unnecessary delays. Taking a buffer is a big difference.

Consider Professional Help

With an interstate removalist Perth service, you can take a massive load off your hands. Professional movers can make the transportation of your things easier and help you focus on settling into the new home.

Manage the Emotional Side of Moving

The stress of the move is absolutely normal, especially when it involves a cross-state relocation. Being organised and setting aside enough time to prepare can help you avoid being overwhelmed, making the change significantly easier.

Set Yourself Up for a Smooth Move

With the right preparation, relocating to Perth does not have to be a complex task. Good planning, the correct support, and a realistic set of timelines will help you jumpstart your new chapter on the right foot.

Perth continues to stand out as a city that offers a strong balance of lifestyle and security, with plenty of options when it comes to the safest suburbs in Perth.

There’s no shortage of safe suburbs in Perth that cater to different needs and preferences.

That said, choosing the right suburb isn’t just about safety alone. It’s important to weigh up factors to find the right fit.

Many of the safest Perth suburbs also come with higher price points, so exploring affordable and safe suburbs in Perth can help you strike the right balance without compromising on comfort or peace of mind.

If you’re planning a move, having the right support can make all the difference. At Relocations WA, we help make moving interstate and settling into Perth as smooth as possible.

With the right approach, relocating doesn’t have to be overwhelming, it can be an exciting and rewarding new chapter.

Ready to make your move? Get in touch with us today and let our team help you relocate with confidence and ease.

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