Cremorne and East Melbourne are the most advantaged suburbs in Victoria, while Dallas, Coolaroo and Broadmeadows are the most disadvantaged in Melbourne.
While Sydney and Melbourne are generally safe cities, they tend to have higher crime rates than smaller cities like Canberra and Adelaide. However, safety can vary between neighbourhoods, so it's important to research specific areas within these cities before making a decision.
Caroline Springs is only 21 km west of Melbourne's CBD. As one of the outer suburbs, it is only natural to believe that it is one of the most dangerous suburbs in Melbourne. Notably, the Crime Statistics Agency noted that there was a 14% rise in criminal cases in the suburb in 2022.
Meanwhile, in Melbourne, the western LGA of Brimbank is the local government area with the highest level of homelessness, with 3,801 people living there the week prior to accessing housing help. It is followed by Casey (3,542 people), Wyndham (3,502 people) and the City of Melbourne (3,463 people).
3142 (Hawksburn, Toorak)
Victoria's 3142 postcode, which comprises Toorak and Hawksburn and sits just five kilometres southeast of Melbourne's CBD, is home to more of Australia's richest millionaires and billionaires than any other suburb in the country.
The Geelong suburb of Norlane is Victoria's most disadvantaged area, census data shows.
Tarneit is one of Melbourne's fastest growing outer suburbs: a place where families work hard and chase the suburban dream of owning a home on a sprawling estate. Data suggests it might also accommodate the state's happiest, or most mentally healthy residents.
When looking for the best areas to live in Melbourne, consider the southern suburbs that are close to exquisite beaches and direct access to the stunning Mornington Peninsula. The bayside suburb of Elwood is characterised by its peaceful, tree-lined streets and village feel.
Canberra is most likely the safest and best city to live in Australia, with a substantially lower crime rate. Because of its fascinating attractions, Canberra has been ranked as one of the foremost places to live in Australia for family immigrants.
To the west of St Kilda beach is a ring of safe family beaches; Middle Park Beach, South Melbourne Beach, Port Melbourne Beach and Sandridge Beach. These beaches have good facilities such as toilets, showers and eating places as well as some very good playgrounds.
Actual safety
In 2019, there were 9,103 criminal incidents in the City of Melton. When viewed on a per capita basis, the rate of criminal incidents is 5,530 per 100,000 persons, which is lower than the Victorian average of 6122 incidents per 100,000 persons.
Recorded Offences
The highest recorded offence rates in Local Government Areas in the year ending March 2022 were: Melbourne (20,082.4 offences per 100,000 estimated resident population, down 4.5%) Latrobe (14,412.8 offences per 100,000 estimated resident population, down 16.0%)
There were 9500 criminal incidents in Frankston between March 2022 and March 2023. The figure is still lower than the decade-high crime rate in Frankston, which was recorded in 2017. The CSA statistics reveal that houses were the most common location of local criminal incidents.
States and territories annual population growth, December 2022. Wyndham in Victoria was the fastest-growing area between 2019 and 2022, with 34,500 additional residents. Wyndham covers almost 20 suburbs containing a significant number of greenfield developments.
Melbourne's North is commonly viewed to radiate a rough yet hip sort of vibe, and it is judged negatively due to its high crime rate statistics in comparison to the South, which does induce higher insurance rates and cheaper housing prices in its suburbs further away from the city (such as Broadmeadows).
Fitzroy, Carlton and East Melbourne are the city's most liveable suburbs, with the inner suburban haunts praised for being close to parks, shops, good schools and more. And trendy spots like Northcote, Footscray and Elwood also made Melbourne's top 50 list, according to new liveability data.