Whether you're downsizing or searching for your first home in sunny Brisbane, safety will be a top priority, and rightly so.
From the threat of bushfires to the likelihood of burglaries, don't let security concerns keep you up at night. We've done the hard work for you, analysing crime rates, seeking community insights and exploring local amenities to uncover Brisbane's safest suburbs.
How Safety Is Measured in Brisbane
Analysing crime stats from the Queensland Police Service is a good place to start when rating Brisbane's safest suburbs. These statistics take in a range of offences, from break-ins to assaults and drug-related crimes.
However, a range of other factors also determine how safe a suburb is, including its walkability, street lighting, access to public transport and police stations, active neighbourhood watch programs and susceptibility to natural disasters.
Generally speaking, active local communities and those with family-friendly facilities such as good quality schools, well-used and well-lit green spaces and visible community hubs tend to have low crime stats because a strong community vibe creates a sense of connectedness among residents.
Top 10 Safest Areas to Live in Brisbane
These suburbs have consistently maintained low crime rates in the past decade, making them the top 10 safest suburbs in Brisbane. Let's look at what features make these Brisbane's safest spots to live.
Ferny Grove
Located northwest of Brisbane City, Ferny Grove has one of the lowest crime rates in the city thanks to its tight-knit community, low-density housing, excellent schools and family-friendly feel. As the name suggests, it's a leafy suburb with a village atmosphere, meaning that it's one of the safest suburbs in Brisbane to call home.
Nathan
Home to Griffith University and the Toohey Forest Conservation Park, sparsely populated Nathan is rich in natural beauty. Many of its residents are students, but it's also located close to Tarragindi, which is popular with young families thanks to its liveability.
Bulimba
The riverside suburb of Bulimba is just a stone's throw from the Brisbane CBD, making for easy city access for young professionals. Although connectivity to the city centre is easy via CityCat and bus services, the suburb boasts a strong sense of community, often referred to as the 'Bulimba bubble', due to its high walkability and numerous convenient amenities.
Seventeen Mile Rocks
Located on the river just 17km from the Brisbane CBD, Seventeen Mile Rocks is a suburban haven for families, with parks aplenty. With great schools, many amenities and well-lit walkways, this well-established suburb is a great place to raise a family. As with many other suburbs situated on the Brisbane River, flood insurance and preparation are a must to ensure your family's safety if you choose to live here.
St Lucia
Close to the University of Queensland campus, St Lucia is one of Brisbane's wealthier suburbs due to its high median house prices. With living options ranging from luxury riverfront homes and student-filled apartment buildings, St Lucia offers high-density living without the high crime rates that often accompany it.
Kenmore
Despite having lots of green space and good local amenities, Kenmore is a car-dependent community due to its distance from the city. However, its tree-lined streets and big houses on large blocks of land mean that established families rarely leave the Kenmore enclave. This helps to keep neighbourly ties strong and the community safer.
The Gap
The Gap is popular with families and retirees alike, thanks to its leafy streets and low population density. While there is a higher bushfire risk in this location compared to other Brisbane suburbs, it boasts low crime rates, numerous bushland walks that enhance its liveability, and many houseproud residents.
New Farm
Trendy New Farm is a highly walkable suburb close to the city. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and of course, the heritage-listed New Farm Park that keep residents connected, as well as the popular markets which are on each weekend.
Tarragindi
Lying south of Brisbane, Tarragindi is a family-friendly suburb with a fantastic community spirit that helps keep crime down. While residents here have seen strong capital growth in recent years, the lifestyle appeal of this accessible yet tranquil suburb means it continues to be as safe as houses as the community grows and diversifies.
Kuraby
While it may not be one of Brisbane's best-known suburbs, Kuraby is one of its most well-regarded thanks to its reputation for safety. A vibrant, growing suburb with friendly neighbours, Kuraby is an outer suburb that is easily accessible by train. In good news for residents, an upgrade at the local station is set to improve accessibility and safety even further.
Comparing Inner vs Outer Brisbane for Safety
When considering safety in Brisbane, the picture changes significantly depending on whether you're in the bustling inner city or the quieter outer suburbs. The difference is often down to varying factors like population density and community presence.
Inner Brisbane suburbs, such as New Farm and Bulimba, tend to have more nightlife and foot traffic, meaning they’re well-lit and heavily policed, which can help deter certain crimes. However, their higher population density can also attract petty offences like theft or vandalism.
Outer suburbs like Ferny Grove and The Gap benefit from quieter streets and close-knit communities. More space between properties also provides a more secluded feel. However, these areas tend to have fewer public transport links, which is worth considering when deciding where to live.
Tips for Assessing Suburb Safety Before Moving
When choosing a suburb, practical research is key to assessing safety.
- Start by checking crime statistics online for the specific area you are interested in.
- Visit the neighbourhood at different times of day to get a feel for lighting, activity levels and overall atmosphere.
- Join local Facebook or community groups for an insider view into what residents are discussing.
- If possible, talk to current residents or police liaisons for a firsthand perspective on community safety and concerns.
Finding the Right Balance Between Safety and Lifestyle
For more data-driven insights on Brisbane's property market and the best suburbs in Brisbane to live and invest, Penrose Real Estate has unparalleled knowledge of the Brisbane region for you to tap into.
Reach out today to learn how we can help you find the perfect patch of the city to call your own, or visit our website to see our latest listings.