Top 12 Safest Suburbs in Melbourne (Based on Real Data)

Thinking of settling down in Melbourne and wondering where you’ll feel most secure? As someone who’s helped people move in and out of every corner of this city, I know how crucial it is to choose the right neighbourhood. I’m Joaquin Trapero, owner of North Removals – a five-star moving company in Melbourne. With more than two decades in the moving business, I’ve relocated families and businesses to nearly every suburb you can imagine.

Right off the bat, let me explain something that guides how I measure safety. In each category—crime rates, flood and bushfire risk, road safety, Emergency Services Access, and Community Safety Programs—I’ve assigned a points system from 1 to 12, with 12 signifying top-tier safety and liveability. This scoring approach gives you a clear, at-a-glance way to figure out which suburbs truly excel.

Over the years, I’ve pointed plenty of customers away from the Melbourne suburbs that can be a bit of a gamble. (with resources like our Worst Suburbs in Melbourne). Over these years, I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. If you’re hunting for your next home, understanding these safety scores will help you compare suburbs quickly and find the perfect spot for a fresh start. Keep reading to discover Melbourne’s safest suburb overall!

Overall Safest Suburbs to Live in Melbourne (Based on Data)

After reviewing the upcoming six core safety categories—crime rates, natural hazard exposure, road design, emergency response times, and local safety programs—we’re ready to reveal which suburbs come out on top. Over the last two decades, I’ve seen how these elements work together to shape a suburb’s reputation, family-friendliness, and even property values.

Each suburb has been scored out of 60 points, with five categories each offering up to 12 points. The suburbs that consistently perform well across multiple metrics stand out for their all-around safety and peace of mind. If you’re looking for a safe, well-rounded place to call home, start your shortlist by reviewing Melbourne’s best suburbs to live.

Overall Safest Suburbs – Combined Total Points

Rank	Suburb	Crime	Flood & Bushfire	Road Safety	Emergency Services	Community Safety	Total Points (out of 60)
1	Balwyn North	5	9	11	12	0	37
1	Canterbury	2	12	12	11	0	37
3	Camberwell	0	11	0	10	10	31
4	Hawthorn East	0	10	0	0	12	22
5	Albert Park	0	5	9	7	0	21
5	Black Rock	7	0	5	0	9	21
7	Park Orchards	9	0	10	0	0	19
7	Doncaster	0	7	0	6	6	19
9	McKinnon	7	4	7	0	0	18
9	Doncaster East	3	8	3	4	0	18
11	Southbank	0	0	0	6	0	6
12	Clayton	0	2	0	0	0	2

When you compare every safety angle—crime rates, flood and bushfire risk, road safety, emergency response, and community safety—it’s clear why Balwyn North and Canterbury top the list with 37 points each. These suburbs combine rapid emergency access, well-designed roads, and strong hazard resilience, making them ideal for families and anyone prioritising peace of mind. Camberwell (31 points)  also performs strongly, thanks to standout community programs and proximity to emergency services. If you’re looking for a suburb with well-rounded safety credentials, these high-scorers should be on your radar.

That said, even suburbs with lower totals can be a great match depending on your lifestyle. Some, like Albert Park or Black Rock, offer excellent road safety and a beachside feel, while others shine in community-led safety efforts. I’ve moved clients into all kinds of neighbourhoods where they’ve thrived—not because the suburb was perfect on paper, but because it matched what mattered most to them. And if you’re still tossing up between cities, don’t miss our Melbourne vs Sydney living comparison to help weigh your options.

 Up next: let’s break it down by category, starting with crime rates.

Safest Suburbs in Melbourne by Lowest Crime Rates

One of the top questions I get from clients is about safety, particularly around crime. Having operated packing and moving services in Melbourne for over two decades, I’ve seen firsthand how a low crime rate can boost a suburb’s appeal. Peaceful streets are more welcoming, and parents feel comfortable letting kids walk to the local park. To quantify each suburb’s security, I’ve assigned up to 12 points for crime safety, giving a clear glimpse into the safest places to settle.

While crime rates alone don’t paint the full picture, they’re often the biggest concern for families and professionals looking for a peaceful environment. Having helped hundreds of clients move into and out of high-crime pockets, I can tell you that a calm setting reduces stress on everyone. Whether you’re seeking to protect personal property or simply enjoy quieter streets, these 12-point scores will help you gauge which suburbs are serious standouts in Melbourne’s crime-safety landscape.

Lowest Crime Rate (within 25 km of Melbourne )

Rank	Suburb	Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents)	Points (12 = best)
1	Wattle Glen	10.3	12
2	Warrandyte	13.4	11
3	Yarrambat	14.2	10
4	Park Orchards	15.5	9
5	Beaumaris	17.2	8
6	Black Rock	17.4	7
7	Eltham	18.7	6
8	Balwyn North	19.0	5
9	Templestowe	19.8	4
10	Doncaster East	20.1	3
11	Canterbury	20.4	2
12	Bulleen	21.0	1

Data sourced from Crime Statistics Agency Victoria.

As you can see from the table, Wattle Glen, Warrandyte, and Yarrambat lead the way. These suburbs share common strengths like close-knit communities, quiet residential streets, and a slower pace of life that naturally deters crime. Based on my experience, families find these areas particularly appealing for their peaceful atmosphere, even if they’re located a bit farther from central Melbourne.

For suburbs that didn’t secure the very top scores, remember that crime rates can shift over time and may reflect temporary challenges rather than an inherently unsafe environment. I’ve seen countless clients happily settle into mid-scoring suburbs that still have low break-in rates and good community engagement. Ultimately, if you’re concerned about living costs, check out our guide “Cost of Living in Melbourne”.

Ready to explore another angle of suburban safety? Let’s see how Melbourne’s best areas stack up against the threats of flooding and bushfires.

Safest Suburbs in Melbourne with Lowest Flood and Bushfire Risk

When it comes to Melbourne, many people don’t realise we can face both flooding and bushfire risks—often in the same year. This is particularly important to consider if you’re relocating interstate, such as planning a move from Sydney to Melbourne. As someone who has packed trucks in torrential rain and driven through dry, fire-prone scrub, I’ve seen how these natural hazards can upend daily life.

After two decades on the road, I’ve witnessed how a single downpour can transform creekside roads into hazard zones, or how a hot, dry summer can place outer-edge suburbs on high alert. Certain areas avoid these extremes thanks to their geography, solid infrastructure, and proactive councils. Whether you’re looking for peace of mind or aiming to protect your property investment, considering flood and bushfire risk—and the 12-point ratings that reflect it—can spare you from major stress in the future.

Lowest Flood & Bushfire Risk (within 25 km of Melbourne )

Rank	Suburb	Flood Risk	Bushfire Risk	Points (12 = best)
1	Canterbury	Very Low	Very Low	12
2	Camberwell	Very Low	Very Low	11
3	Hawthorn East	Very Low	Very Low	10
4	Balwyn North	Very Low	Very Low	9
5	Doncaster East	Very Low	Very Low	8
6	Doncaster	Very Low	Very Low	7
7	Malvern	Very Low	Very Low	6
8	Albert Park	Very Low	Very Low	5
9	McKinnon	Very Low	Very Low	4
10	Ashburton	Very Low	Very Low	3
11	Clayton	Very Low	Very Low	2
12	Caulfield	Very Low	Very Low	1

Sources: Planning Vic and SES

As you’ve likely noticed, Canterbury, Camberwell, and Hawthorn East lead in natural disaster resilience. Elevated locations, solid drainage, and proactive council policies often keep these suburbs safer from flooding and bushfire threats. In my view, living in areas with fewer environmental hazards means you’ll spend less time stressing about potential evacuations or property damage, leaving you to enjoy the calmer side of Melbourne life.

Meanwhile, lower-ranking suburbs aren’t necessarily risky all year round; they may just have pockets that occasionally flood or fringe areas vulnerable to bushfires. Many residents in these neighbourhoods use sensible landscaping and robust insurance to manage potential threats. If you’re after extra peace of mind, though, aiming for top-scoring areas can be a smart strategy for a safer, more comfortable existence in this ever-changing climate.

Ready to look at how Melbourne’s roads stack up when it comes to everyday safety? In the next section, we’ll uncover which suburbs go the extra mile to keep drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians out of harm’s way.

Safest Suburbs in Melbourne for Road Safety

One key factor that significantly impacts your daily life is road safety. After helping clients move all around Melbourne, I’ve seen firsthand how some areas have better-designed infrastructure that ensures safer daily commutes. Some areas have lower speed limits, better signage, and safer intersections, while others contend with congested arterials and frequent lane closures. By assigning up to 12 points for road safety, I can highlight which suburbs offer a smooth driving experience and fewer traffic mishaps, ultimately reducing day-to-day stress.

Over the years, I’ve seen that road safety isn’t just about fewer accidents—it’s also about peace of mind for families, cyclists, and pedestrians. Some of Melbourne’s highest-ranked suburbs employ traffic-calming measures like roundabouts and well-lit crossings, making them more appealing for those who love an evening walk or cycle. From my perspective, living in a place with safe roads benefits everyone, whether you’re a commuter, a parent, or simply someone who prefers fewer hassles behind the wheel.

Road Safety (Lowest Accident Risk within 25 km of Melbourne )

Rank	Suburb	Road Safety Ranking	Points (12 = best)
1	Canterbury	1	12
2	Balwyn North	2	11
3	Park Orchards	3	10
4	Albert Park	4	9
5	Ashburton	5	8
6	McKinnon	6	7
7	Princes Hill	7	6
8	Black Rock	8	5
9	Eaglemont	9	4
10	Montmorency	10	3
11	Middle Park	11	2
12	Ivanhoe East	12	1

Source: AAMI

Looking at the table, Canterbury, Balwyn North, and Park Orchards stand out for their well-maintained roads and efficient traffic flow. In my experience, these suburbs often invest in quality signage, traffic-calming measures, and ample sidewalks, creating a safer environment for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. If you like the idea of a more predictable commute or kids biking around safely, these top-ranking areas fit the bill.

On the flip side, suburbs that scored lower could face heavier congestion or outdated infrastructure. While these conditions don’t necessarily spell disaster, they can add stress to your daily routine. Councils do update traffic policies over time, so certain areas may see future improvements. Choosing a suburb with strong road safety right now, however, puts you on solid footing for a more relaxed day-to-day experience.

Now that we’ve tackled road safety, let’s explore the academic side of suburban life. In the next section, we’ll see which areas offer top public schools to help students thrive.

Safest Suburbs in Melbourne for Emergency Services Access

When emergencies strike, every minute counts. That’s why I’ve rated suburbs on how quickly emergency services—police, ambulance, and fire—can reach you. After years helping clients move in and out of tight cul-de-sacs and high-density areas, I’ve seen how access times vary dramatically across Melbourne. For this section, I’ve ranked suburbs within 25 km of the CBD using a 12-point scale based on proximity to emergency service hubs and average response times.

Whether you’re a parent, a carer, or just someone who likes to feel prepared, knowing help is nearby can bring major peace of mind. This table ranks each suburb based on data from Ambulance Victoria, CFA, and Victoria Police dispatch zones. Higher points indicate faster average response times and closer proximity to emergency services—factors that could make all the difference in a crisis.

Emergency Services Accessibility (within 25 km of Melbourne)

Rank	Suburb	Avg Response Time (min)	Points (12 = best)
1	Balwyn North	6.2	12
2	Canterbury	6.4	11
3	Camberwell	6.7	10
4	Malvern	6.9	9
5	Glen Iris	7.1	8
6	Albert Park	7.3	7
7	Southbank	7.5	6
8	Elsternwick	7.9	5
9	Doncaster East	8.1	4
10	Mont Albert	8.4	3
11	Bulleen	8.7	2
12	Templestowe	9.0	1

Source: SerVICe State Government

Balwyn North and Canterbury came out on top, with rapid average response times and close access to multiple service hubs. These suburbs benefit from their central location and well-distributed emergency networks. I’ve helped families relocate here specifically for peace of mind, knowing help isn’t far off in a crisis. For vulnerable residents, the assistance of an experienced NDIS removalist can provide additional peace of mind.

Suburbs further down the list aren’t unsafe—just slightly farther from key stations. Some rely on shared service coverage or have patchier infrastructure. If you’re weighing up options and safety access matters to your family, these response-time scores are worth factoring into your decision

Now that we’ve covered emergency services access, let’s explore how local councils and communities work together to keep their suburbs safe day-to-day.

Safest Suburbs in Melbourne with Strong Community Safety Programs

Physical infrastructure matters—but so does what the community does with it. In this section, I’ve ranked suburbs based on local safety initiatives: Neighbourhood Watch participation, CCTV investment, council patrols, and lighting upgrades. I’ve seen firsthand how a well-connected, alert neighbourhood can deter crime before it starts—and how residents actively contribute to a safer vibe.

To develop the 12-point scale, I reviewed public safety reports, council newsletters, and engagement stats from programs like Safe City Cameras and Local Safety Forums. High scores reflect suburbs where residents are involved, councils are proactive, and safety isn’t left to chance. These are the suburbs where people look out for each other, and it shows.

Community Safety Engagement (within 25 km of Melbourne)

Rank	Suburb	Neighbourhood Watch Rate	Points (12 = best)
1	Hawthorn East	High	12
2	Eltham	High	11
3	Camberwell	Medium–High	10
4	Black Rock	Medium	9
5	Glen Iris	Medium	8
6	South Yarra	High	7
7	Doncaster	Low–Medium	6
8	Templestowe	Medium	5
9	Fitzroy North	Low	4
10	Carlton	Low	3
11	Parkville	Very Low	2
12	West Melbourne	Very Low	1

Source: Community Crime Prevention

Hawthorn East and Eltham top this list, thanks to strong Neighbourhood Watch participation and proactive residents. I’ve helped move retirees and young families into these areas because they feel “safer by default”—you’ll find local WhatsApp groups, coordinated street lighting campaigns, and neighbourhood barbecues that double as safety briefings.

Suburbs further down, like Fitzroy North and Parkville, may still offer amenities and charm, but sometimes lack visible engagement or council support in safety matters. If you’re after a community where neighbours know each other and act together, these top scorers deserve your shortlist.

Now that you’ve seen all these aspects, let’s talk about making the actual move. In the next part, I’ll share how North Removals can support your transition so you can settle into your new neighbourhood with confidence.

Planning a Move to Melbourne? North Removals Has You Covered

Remember, “safety” isn’t just a statistic—it’s a feeling. Melbourne has many excellent suburbs, as outlined in our popular guide, The Best Suburbs in Melbourne for Living – 2025 Guide. One family from Brisbane even reached out, saying they chose Hawthorn East after reading our earlier guides and are now thriving.

One family moving from Canberra to Melbourne told me they chose Hawthorn East after reading an earlier blog of mine, and now, a year on, they are absolutely loving the neighbourhood and feel their kids are thriving there. Stories like that are exactly why I write these guides – to help people find not just a house, but a home in a community where they’ll feel secure and happy.

As a best-rated removalist in Melbourne, I’m always here to offer honest advice. If you’re considering a move, I hope this 2025 Safe Suburbs Guide has given you a useful starting point. Do your research, visit the areas if you can, and trust your instincts. Once you find that suburb that checks all your boxes, you’ll feel the difference every day – from the morning jog to the walk back from dinner, it just feels right. 

And remember, for interstate moves, our experienced Interstate Removalists Melbourne service ensures a stress-free relocation from start to finish. Melbourne’s safest suburbs are ready to welcome you—here’s to a secure and happy new home!