Safest and Most Dangerous Neighbourhoods in Derby for students in 2026!

Situated in the East Midlands of England, Derby attracts thousands of students and young professionals every year, thanks to its academic reputation, major universities like the University of Derby, and its strong community. The overall population of Derby stands around 260,000, resulting in a multicultural vibe all around. The city boasts a strong employment rate of 80% in manufacturing, engineering, healthcare, and aerospace. Logistics, IT, tourism, and financial services are also areas where growth opportunities are abundant.  

With a high job employment rate, internships with global companies, affordable costs, vibrant culture, excellent central transport links, skilled workforce, business support, and quality of life, students and professionals prefer moving to Derby. To know more, read our Derby City Guide 2026 blog. 

The city beautifully combines the rich industrial heritage with a modern lifestyle. Derby stands as a home to several hidden gems that add charm to the city's life. The Derby Silk Mill, which is a part of the Museum of Making and the world’s first factory, Darley Park, that offers scenic riverside spaces for walking, picnics, and its famous annual classical music concert. Art lovers get to explore one of the largest collections of Joseph Wright paintings at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery, showing the spirit of the Enlightenment. 

Is Life in Derby safe for students? 

When living in Derby is discussed among people, there are different views about the safest and most dangerous places in Derby, UK. The student housing is affordable here and starts from £450 per month, with trendy cafes and smooth transport to the University of Derby, while others worry about theft, antisocial acts, and assaults in danger zones. For students moving to Derby, UK, it is important to know that there are safe areas like Allestree, which has a 25% lower-than-average crime rate, as well as parks and quick bus services to the university. Our cost of living in Derby guide will provide more information if you are considering moving to the city. Additionally, Darley Abbey offers a riverside calm and low levels of violence.  Try to avoid or be cautious while living in areas like Normanton or Sinfin, as these areas have higher crime rates of theft and disorder. This guide helps students know about the crime types and rates in the safest and most dangerous places in Derby, allowing them to choose the best neighbourhood.

Understanding the crime rate in Derby, UK

Choosing the right neighbourhood to live in takes more than considering rent and proximity to the university campus. As a student, you want to live in the safest areas to live in Derby, where you can feel safe to walk home after lectures or enjoy late-night study sessions without fear. In Derby UK, the overall crime rate hit 128.8 per 1,000 in 2026. These are driven by theft (32%), violence (28%), and antisocial behaviour. Safe neighbourhoods shape your mental well-being, commuting, and university success. On the other hand, there are dangerous areas to live in Derby, which can cause stress and other disturbances to students. Prioritising it makes students stress-free and provides them with peace of mind while staying. 

Below is the breakdown of the crime stats in Derby

Safest Neighbourhoods in Derby, UK

The safest neighbourhoods in Derby, UK, provide students with safe environments, with crime rates 40 to 60% below the 2026 city average of 128.8 per 1,000 residents. Our guide highlights the best places to live in Derby, which help students to make informed choices about where to settle. These suburbs are surrounded by ample green spaces and an efficient public transport system that is located close to the University of Derby. 

1. Allestree

Safety Index: 85 out of 100 ​
Safety Measures: CCTV networks, active neighbourhood watches, well-lit paths, and rapid police response. ​ 

Allestree is one of the wealthy and prosperous suburbs and a civil parish, well known for its parks like Allestree Park. There is robust community policing, which helps to control violence at just 25 per 1,000 residents, below Derby's average. The vigilant locals and low deprivation help reduce the thefts. Students get to enjoy affordable student housing options, which cost £150 to £200 per week. It takes just a quick 10-minute bus ride to the University of Derby, calm study areas amid greenery, and safe evening jogs that help to sharpen focus and well-being. This is one of the safest neighbourhoods in Derby. 

2. Mickleover  

Safety Index: 82 out of 100 ​
Safety Measures: Street lighting upgrades, uni security patrols, low-drug zones, resident apps for alerts. ​
 

Mickleover is considered one of the safest neighbourhoods in Derby, and has a family-heavy population, because of the top- quality schools, and green corridors that remove the risk of antisocial behaviour. It maintains crime rates at just 55 per 1,000 residents. The strong community ties and council investments help maintain the crime rate. Students depend on the affordable shared student housing, which is located within a distance of just 15 minutes to the University of Derby, relaxing parks for downtime, and lively community events perfect for networking and socialising. 

3. Littleover 

Safety Index: 80 out of 100​
Safety Measures: Gated communities, traffic calming, youth programs, and emergency call points.​

Littleover's proximity to the great facilities and high homeownership rates reduces the crime to 81 per 1,000 residents, with some proactive measures that help eliminate minor incidents. This makes it one of the safest neighbourhoods in Derby and suitable for international students who offer budget-friendly student housing near campus shops, safe walking routes, whether it is day or night, and a calm atmosphere that offers well-being and academic focus. 

4. Oakwood 

Safety Index: 78 out of 100​
Safety Measures: Park rangers, bike patrols, noise regulations, and community forums.

Oakwood's new-build estates and woody and green areas keep the crime rate low and manageable. The crime rate stands at 52 per 1,000 residents through smart modern designs and people engagement. As one of the safest places to live in Derby, students here get contemporary and convenient apartments from £160 per week, fast tram connections to the University of Derby, offering smooth nature walks for de-stressing after classes, and peaceful nights that provide restful sleep and peak productivity.​

5. Chellaston 

Safety Index: 76 out of 100 ​
Safety Measures: School safety zones, vehicle monitoring, litter-free initiatives, volunteer patrols. ​

Chellaston is a fast-developing suburb with employed families and riverside calm, reducing violence to 79 per 1,000 residents through stability and effective oversight. It stands out as one of the safest areas to live in Derby. Postgraduate students can enjoy spacious homes from £170 per week, with a convenient 20-minute drive to the University of Derby, and robust family support networks to help with settling in. Additionally, there are nearby recreational escapes, such as riverside walks, that recharge focus and combat academic stress. 

Most Dangerous Places in Derby 

In 2026, Derby’s most dangerous neighbourhoods had crime rates of more than 130 incidents per 1,000 residents, making them less safe than many other parts of the city. These dangerous areas in Derby are hugely affected by violent crime, of which 37.6% of recorded offences are assaults and public disorder incidents. The theft-related crimes stand at 32%, and other crimes such as shoplifting, bicycle theft, and vehicle-related offences are most commonly reported. Below are some of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Derby. 

1. Arboretum

Crime Rate: 358 out of 1,000
Violent: 140 out of 1,000,
Property: 120 out of 1,000​

The Arboretum stands out as an energetic urban hub, but crimes like theft and burglary cover 50% of property crimes, alongside assaults that happen mostly at night. These crimes make it one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Derby to live in. Postgraduate students can secure affordable student apartments from £155 per week, with a quick 12-minute drive by car or by bus to the University of Derby, a supportive community for settling in, and nearby vast and green spaces like park walks to recharge focus and ease academic stress. Always ensure to stay safe by sticking to groups even after dark, taking ride-sharing services, and avoiding passages, as this is one of the dangerous areas in Derby. 

2. Darley

Crime Rate: 272 out of 1,000
Violent: 110 out of 1,000
Property: 90 out of 1,000​

Darley in Derby faces high crime risks, such as drug-fueled robberies and break-ins that cause major local crime.  Students can find affordable housing options from £140 to £165 per week, with just a 10 to 15-minute car or bus ride to the University of Derby's main Kedleston Road campus. The area has a strong community support, and nearby recreational spots like riverside walks help students to recharge and focus, and reduce academic stress. Make sure to stay vigilant by always locking the house doors, monitoring safety apps, and limiting solo errands to daytime only. Overall, it is considered one of the most dangerous areas to live in Derby for students. 

3. Abbey

Crime Rate: 228 out of 1,000;
Violent: 95 out of 1,000
Property: 80 out of 1,000​

Abbey, known as Derby's historic place, suffers from drug-fueled robberies and break-ins. Students can get convenient and modern flats, charging £160 per week. These flats come with safe doors, students can depend on real-time safety apps, and they can only travel during the daytime. Students living here benefit from a 15-minute bus ride to the University of Derby. The area is surrounded by welcoming parish networks that offer easy and peaceful riverside trails, but it is considered one of the more dangerous areas to live in Derby. To stay safe from the crimes here, always park securely, use lit routes, and take the help of the buddy system on evenings.​ This is one of the dangerous neighbourhoods in Derby that students should be cautious of before moving here.

4. Alvaston North

Crime Rate: 177 out of 1,000
Violent: 70 out of 1,000
Property: 65 out of 1,000​

Alvaston North is a cautious place as it faces drug-fueled break-ins and late-night crimes. Burglaries and minor violent crimes happen commonly in rentals. To stay safe from crimes, locals take the help of the ironclad deadbolts, real-time app alerts, and avoid wandering alone at night. There are neighbourhood patrols to maintain safety. The restored canal paths in Alvaston North add green infrastructure, which allows students to jog or walk during their leisure time. Housing apartments charge £155 per week, and are affordable. These are conveniently located within a 25-minute drive of the University of Derby. 

5. Sinfin & Osmaston

Crime Rate: 130 out of 1,000
Violent: 55 out of 1,000,
Property: 45 out of 1,000​

Sinfin & Osmaston is always discussed because of drug-driven thefts and home invasion crime, hence you will find bolting doors, syncing security apps, and not going out during the daytime. It costs £165 per week for shared housing as the University of Derby is just a quick12-minute distance away. Local community hubs help students to settle in easily, while the area’s greenery offers a natural refresh for students and residents. To maintain safety, students should keep their valuables hidden, well-secured, and lighted streets, following the regular and important police updates.​ 

Safety Tips for Students: Guide to the Safest & Most Dangerous Neighbourhoods in Derby

To stay safe and secure in the safest & most dangerous neighbourhoods in Derby, students can follow some measures, as mentioned below.

1. Plan your daily routes smartly: Stick to the lively streets that are filled with cafes, late-open shops, and take regular routes rather than shortcuts through lonely areas.

2.  Turn safety into a habit, not a reaction: Always make sure to lock doors, use motion lights, and choose buildings that have visible security as part of your daily life.

3. Stay safe with the crowd: Always travel during peak hours when possible and spend time in neighbourhoods where people are active outdoors.

4. Stay street-smart in a digital way: Use local safety apps, neighbourhood groups, and live transport trackers to avoid trouble spots in real time.

5. Be aware with confidence: Keep valuables safe, avoid getting distracted with excessive use of phone, and trust your instincts when something does not go right. 

Find the Best Student Accommodation in Derby with Amber

Amber, a global student housing platform, provides convenient and modern student housing for students near university campuses. Amber lets you browse, explore, and compare student housing options and lets you choose the best one from the safest & most dangerous neighbourhoods in Derby to live. This platform provides 100% verified and fully furnished student accommodation in UK that comes with excellent facilities like WiFi, social lounges, a kitchen equipped with modern appliances, a gym, and much more!  Below are some top housing apartments provided by amber.  

1. The Croft, Derby from £149 per week
2. Victoria House, Derby from £185 per week
3. Roman House, Derby from £154 per week
4. Progressive House Babington Lane, Derby from £145 per week
5. 9PG - Agard Street, Derby from £134 per week

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