Most Dangerous Suburbs in Brisbane 2025

Brisbane is Queensland’s energetic heart, known for its subtropical climate, thriving arts scene, and strong sense of community. Yet like any major city, not every suburb enjoys the same level of security. Several areas experience persistent issues with theft, property damage, and violence that affect public perception and safety. These dangerous suburbs Brisbane residents talk about often trace their issues back to economic pressure, social inequality, or youth offending trends.

In this article, we explore the most dangerous suburbs in Brisbane, break down the Brisbane crime statistics by suburb, and discuss the challenges these communities face. For people planning to move here or study in the city, awareness of which Brisbane suburbs to avoid and which areas remain secure is essential.

How Safe Is Brisbane?

Brisbane consistently ranks as one of Australia’s more liveable capitals, but its safety levels differ by neighborhood. While inner and southern areas are mostly calm and family‑friendly, outer northern and certain western corridors regularly record higher figures for property and vehicle‑related crimes.

A snapshot of the latest Brisbane crime statistics by suburb illustrates the pattern clearly:

A) Overall Crime Rate: Brisbane reports approximately 39 incidents per 1,000 residents annually, slightly below the national mean but higher than some comparable state capitals.
B) Violent Crime: Violent offenses occur at 4.8 per 1,000 residents, with aggravated assault and robbery forming the bulk of violent incidents.
C) Property Crime: Property‑related offenses make up about 65 percent of all reported crimes, concentrated in more densely populated areas.
D) Vehicle Theft: Motor vehicle theft rates rose 12 percent year‑on‑year, with clusters in the western corridor and outer north.
E) Crime Hotspots: Police data highlights specific crime hotspots that Brisbane authorities monitor, particularly parts of Fortitude Valley, Inala, Logan Central, and Woodridge.

These numbers show that crime tends not to be citywide but clustered in particular districts. Understanding which suburbs display higher‑than‑average risk helps residents and newcomers make informed decisions.

10 Most Dangerous Suburbs in Brisbane

1. Fortitude Valley

Population: 6,800
Violent Crime Rate: 9.2 per 1,000 residents

Fortitude Valley is Brisbane’s nightlife centre, filled with restaurants, pubs, and entertainment venues. While vibrant, it consistently ranks among the most dangerous suburbs in Brisbane because of alcohol‑related assaults, theft, and antisocial behaviour. Police data shows more than 2,000 incidents annually, mostly minor assaults and property damage during late‑night trading hours. Public cameras and higher patrol presence have helped, but caution is still advisable around club precincts after midnight.

2. Inala

Population: 15,000
Violent Crime Rate: 8.4 per 1,000 residents

Inala often features in discussions of the dangerous suburbs Brisbane deals with due to socioeconomic disadvantage and long‑term unemployment. Robbery, car theft, and break‑ins occur twice the city's average. Community safety projects and social programs continue to make an impact, yet results remain uneven. Residents note improvement but still practice vigilance, especially after dark.

3. Woodridge

Population: 13,500
Violent Crime Rate: 7.9 per 1,000 residents

Located on Brisbane’s southern fringe, Woodridge is a diverse area that has experienced ongoing efforts to reduce youth crime. Nonetheless, it appears frequently among the worst suburbs in Brisbane for crime. Property crime rates remain 30 percent above the city norm, and police maintain a strong presence. While improving, it remains a high‑monitoring zone for authorities.

4. Logan Central

Population: 9,700
Violent Crime Rate: 7.6 per 1,000 residents

Logan Central stands out in official statistics for its density of theft, assault, and vandalism incidents. Police departments classify parts of it as a continuing focus under public safety strategies. Roughly one in 12 residents experiences some form of property‑related crime each year. Community policing and youth support services aim to ease pressure, but challenges persist.

5. Bowen Hills

Population: 3,800
Violent Crime Rate: 6.8 per 1,000 residents

Bowen Hills has transformed in recent years with new apartments and transit links, yet its compact nightlife cluster keeps it among the high crime rate suburbs Brisbane tracks. Theft from vehicles and break‑ins around transport hubs are common, particularly during weekends or events. The area is improving overall safety, yet still records more than 900 police callouts annually.

6. Acacia Ridge

Population: 8,000
Violent Crime Rate: 6.5 per 1,000 residents

Historically industrial, Acacia Ridge continues to face theft, property damage, and minor assaults. It remains a recurring entry in lists covering dangerous suburbs Brisbane police identify. Job scarcity and transient rental populations contribute to fluctuating security conditions, though recent investment in logistics and training zones may help stabilise the community.

7. Ipswich Central

Population: 14,000
Violent Crime Rate: 6.3 per 1,000 residents

Ipswich Central forms part of Greater Brisbane’s outer western belt and records steady growth in both population and reported incidents. Theft, shoplifting, and unlawful entry drive their high numbers. Local authorities estimate more than 2,500 property‑related crimes were logged last year. Redevelopment projects aim to reduce urban decay that often correlates with criminal behaviour.

8. Goodna

Population: 10,500
Violent Crime Rate: 6.1 per 1,000 residents

Goodna’s accessibility via train and highway links makes it a transit hub but also exposes it to opportunistic crime. Car theft and assault reports surpass the state’s residential average. Police attribute spikes mainly to evening activity near commercial strips. While community programs have improved engagement, Goodna still demands awareness, marking it as one of the unsafe areas Brisbane authorities monitor.

9. Petrie Terrace

Population: 1,200
Violent Crime Rate: 6.0 per 1,000 residents

Petrie Terrace neighbours Fortitude Valley, inheriting overflow from its nightlife scene. Although small, it records a high rate of disturbances per capita. Many incidents involve alcohol‑fuelled arguments and property vandalism. Despite frequent patrols, the density of entertainment venues keeps it on the watchlist among Brisbane suburbs to avoid late at night.

10. Beenleigh

Population: 10,000
Violent Crime Rate: 5.9 per 1,000 residents

Beenleigh lies midway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast and experiences a mix of urban and semi‑rural lifestyles. Yet its town centre suffers elevated rates of theft and juvenile delinquency. Crime figures indicate a consistent 5–10 percent annual fluctuation, with modest downward trends since increased CCTV coverage.

Why Do These Areas Have Higher Crime?

Economic Pressure

Suburbs like Inala and Woodridge face unemployment levels nearly double the Queensland average. Financial strain often correlates with increased petty theft and burglary.

Substance and Alcohol Abuse

In nightlife districts, alcohol contributes to approximately 40 percent of recorded assaults each year. Substance use also drives property crimes in several outer areas.

Infrastructure and Public Space Limitations

Poor lighting, underused industrial land, and older facilities create pockets of vulnerability. These environmental factors often coincide with higher reported offenses.

Population Movement

Many high crime rate suburbs Brisbane monitors also experience frequent tenant turnover. Rapid population change makes coherent community initiatives harder to sustain.

Is Brisbane Safe to Live In?

Overall, Brisbane remains a safe, friendly city. Yet, safety is uneven across districts. When comparing the best areas to live in Brisbane to the most dangerous Brisbane suburbs, there is a marked difference in recorded incidents, police presence, and community engagement. Inner‑city zones such as Paddington, New Farm, and West End, despite being close to nightlife, maintain balanced safety because of continuous surveillance and better infrastructure. Conversely, outer industrial and low‑income areas display higher reports of property damage and minor assaults.

For anyone asking if Brisbane is safe to live in, the answer is yes, provided you exercise awareness and learn local patterns before settling. Most residential zones, particularly those in the inner south and riverfront districts, remain peaceful and secure.

Safety Tips for Residents and Students

1. Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings in nightlife precincts or transport hubs.
2. Secure Property: Use quality locks and lighting; most suburban break‑ins occur through unsecured doors.
3. Travel Safely at Night: Choose licensed taxis or rideshares, especially when leaving the city centre late.
4. Join Community Watch: Participation often halves local petty crime rates.
5. Use Campus Security Services: Universities in Brisbane offer escorts and shuttle services for late hours.
6. Plan Routes: When commuting through the unsafe areas Brisbane is known for, stick to main roads and populated stops.

Long‑Term Efforts to Improve Safety

Authorities in Queensland are implementing multiple programs aimed at reducing crime hotspots Brisbane faces. These include youth engagement initiatives, mental‑health outreach, and expanded CCTV networks. Since 2023, police data shows a 9 percent drop in violent offenses citywide, indicating gradual progress. Partnering with local councils and community groups remains crucial for long‑term improvement.

Safer Alternatives Around the City

If you want a secure environment while enjoying proximity to universities or downtown hubs, consider suburbs such as Toowong, Taringa, Carindale, and Indooroopilly. These areas consistently record crime levels 50–70 percent lower than those of Fortitude Valley or Inala. Comparing the safest vs most dangerous Brisbane suburbs helps newcomers strike a healthy balance between affordability and peace of mind.

Rely on amber for Safe Student Housing

For students moving from interstate or abroad, finding trustworthy accommodation can be challenging. The easiest and safest solution is to rely on amber for student housing in Brisbane. Amber’s listings include verified properties located in secure neighborhoods near universities such as the University of Queensland and QUT. Each housing option is checked for compliance with safety standards, accessibility, and local community quality. With responsive support teams and transparent booking systems, amber ensures students get safe, comfortable housing without the stress of negotiating or uncertain leases. Whether you want a private studio close to campus or a shared apartment with friends, amber offers a variety of verified choices tailored for student safety and convenience in Brisbane.

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