15 Safest Suburbs in Canberra: Where to Live for Peace of Mind

Finding the safest suburbs in Canberra is a top priority for anyone chasing peace of mind and a strong sense of community. Known for its leafy streets, green spaces, and low crime rate, Canberra stands out as one of Australia’s most liveable cities, offering a safe city environment perfect for families, professionals, and nature lovers. 

The team at Home Loan Broker Canberra is ready to guide you with expert home loan advice if you’re planning to settle in one of these suburbs. By working with a broker, you’ll gain access to a wide range of lenders, competitive rates, and personalised support to make the entire home-buying process smoother and less stressful.

Let’s dive into Canberra’s safest suburbs and what makes each one a great place to call home.

#1  Forde – Family-Friendly Haven

Forde is known for its leafy streets, beautiful parks, and strong community vibe, making it a popular spot for families. Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve surrounds the suburb, perfect for nature lovers seeking outdoor activities.

Forde boasts modern apartments, character-filled homes, and recreational facilities. With esteemed schools and local shopping villages nearby, it offers a complete suburban lifestyle.

Crime Stats:

• One of Gungahlin’s lowest crime rates
• Property damage reports 30% below the ACT average

#2  O'Malley – Diplomatic Enclave

Home to several diplomatic missions, O’Malley is one of Canberra’s most secure suburbs. Its wide leafy streets, large character-filled homes, and green spaces add to its charm. The suburb offers quick access to the city centre while maintaining privacy and peace. Residents enjoy proximity to Red Hill Nature Reserve, perfect for nature lovers.

Crime Stats:

• Crime rate 40% below the ACT average
• Very low motor vehicle theft cases reported

#3  Campbell – Central and Secure

Located near Canberra's city centre and Mount Ainslie, Campbell blends urban convenience with safety. It features heritage homes, modern apartments, and a strong community spirit. The Australian War Memorial is a major landmark, enhancing the suburb’s historical significance. Close to esteemed schools, Campbell is a popular spot for families and professionals.

Crime Stats:

• Crimes against property down 25% from 2023
• One of the safest inner-city suburbs

#4  Yarralumla – Lakeside Serenity

Yarralumla offers scenic views of Lake Burley Griffin and is home to many embassies. Known for its leafy streetscapes and historic homes, it’s a nature lover’s dream. The suburb features beautiful parks like Weston Park, adding to its recreational appeal. Its low crime rate and cultural institutions make it an ideal spot for families.

Crime Stats:

• Crime rates 35% lower than the ACT average
• Very low motor vehicle theft incidents

#5  Hughes – Quiet and Safe

Hughes is a leafy suburb known for its green spaces and beautiful parks. It offers close access to Woden Town Centre, quality schools, and health facilities. The suburb’s strong community vibe and sense of community make it safe and family-friendly. Hughes has easy access to Canberra Hospital, adding extra peace of mind.

Crime Stats:

• Property crime rates 30% below ACT average
• Low instances of natural disasters or safety concerns

#6  Deakin – Central and Green

Deakin combines the best of urban centres and leafy streets with access to cultural institutions. Red Hill Nature Reserve and the Royal Australian Mint are key attractions. It’s known for expensive homes, esteemed schools, and strong safety measures. Health facilities and recreational activities are easily accessible.

Crime Stats:

• Crimes against people down by 18%
• Low motor vehicle theft reports

#7  Amaroo – Growing and Peaceful

Amaroo features a wide range of affordable suburbs, modern apartments, and beautiful parks. Amaroo Village Shopping Centre and nearby educational institutions attract families. Its peaceful streets and strong community vibe make it a top choice for buyers. Residents enjoy outdoor activities at Yerrabi Pond nearby.

Crime Stats:

• Property crime is 20% below the ACT average
• Low police-reported incidents in 2024

#8  Barton – Diplomatic and Historic

Barton is home to Parliament House and several government buildings, ensuring high safety measures. It offers a mix of classic art deco homes, modern apartments, and nearby green spaces. Cultural institutions like the National Gallery of Australia add to its appeal. The suburb’s strong community vibe keeps crime rates low.

Crime Stats:

• Crime rate 38% lower than the ACT average
• Minimal motor vehicle theft reports in 2024

#9  Forrest – Prestigious and Secure

Forrest boasts leafy streets, diplomatic residences, and expensive homes. Its proximity to Canberra’s inner-south, cultural delights, and boutique shopping spots makes it a sought-after suburb. Residents enjoy recreation facilities like Telopea Park and Manuka Oval. It’s considered one of the safest suburbs in Canberra due to strict safety assessments.

Crime Stats:

• Crime rate 42% below ACT average
• Low crime rates in motor vehicle theft

#10  Ainslie – Heritage Charm and Safety

Ainslie is a leafy suburb known for its heritage-listed homes and proximity to Mount Ainslie Reserve. The suburb offers access to quality schools, green spaces, and recreational facilities. Its classic art deco homes and leafy streetscapes create a strong community vibe. Ainslie is popular for its low crime rate and sense of community.

Crime Stats:

• Crimes against property 33% below ACT average
• Low instances of violent crime reported in 2024

#11  Kingston – Stylish and Secure

Kingston is one of Canberra’s most vibrant urban centres, offering a rich mix of modern apartments, cultural institutions, and boutique shopping spots. The suburb is home to the Kingston Foreshore, known for its coffee shops, culinary scene, and water views.

Leafy streets and strong community vibe make it ideal for professionals and families. The suburb also benefits from high safety assessments due to its central location and active community.

Crime Stats:

• Property crime 28% below ACT average
• Low motor vehicle theft incidents

#12  Griffith – Classic Charm and Safety

Griffith boasts historic homes, leafy suburb appeal, and green spaces like Manuka Oval. It features a mix of character-filled homes and modern apartments, offering options for families and professionals.

The suburb has easy access to Canberra’s inner-south cultural delights and esteemed schools. A strong sense of community and proactive safety measures keep crime rates low.

Crime Stats:

• Crime rates 35% below ACT average
• Low reports of motor vehicle theft

#13  Braddon – Urban and Safe

Braddon blends vibrant urban centres, boutique shopping spots, and design stores with strong community spirit. The suburb is known for its popular cafe scene, coffee roasters, and outdoor activities.

It attracts young professionals, students, and nature lovers with easy access to the city center and nearby universities. Braddon’s consistent safety measures and frequent police presence make it one of Canberra’s safest inner-city suburbs.

Crime Stats:

• Crime against people down by 22% since 2023
• Improved safety assessment scores in 2024

#14  Coombs – Modern and Peaceful

Coombs is a growing suburb in Molonglo Valley, perfect for nature lovers seeking green spaces and outdoor activities. The suburb features beautiful parks, recreational facilities, and easy access to Weston Creek shopping centre.

Modern apartments and affordable suburbs make it popular for first-home buyers. Low crime rates and a strong sense of community enhance its appeal.

Crime Stats:

• Property crime 25% below ACT average
• Low motor vehicle theft incidents reported

#15  Tharwa – Rural Charm and Safety

Tharwa is Canberra’s hidden gem, offering rural charm, open green spaces, and a strong community vibe. Located near the Murrumbidgee River, it’s ideal for nature lovers seeking peaceful surroundings and outdoor activities.

With minimal urban centres, the suburb experiences very low crime rates, offering a safe city alternative. Its historic homes and close-knit community provide a unique lifestyle rarely found in major cities.

Crime Stats:

• One of the lowest crime rates in ACT
• Minimal reports of property damage or motor vehicle theft

Source: ACT Policing Crime Statistics

Additional Considerations When Choosing a Safe Suburb in Canberra

Choosing a safe suburb goes beyond crime rates. Factors like public transport, community spirit, and access to quality schools all contribute to a suburb’s liveability and long-term value.

• Crime Statistics Analysis: Checking police crime stats suburbs reports helps compare crime rates across different areas. A lower crime rate often aligns with a strong sense of community and better safety measures.

• Community Engagement: A suburb with an active neighbourhood watch and local events fosters a strong community vibe. Areas with leafy streets, beautiful parks, and cultural institutions tend to have higher safety assessment ratings.

• Access to Emergency Services: Living close to hospitals, fire stations, and police stations ensures quick response times during emergencies. Suburbs near health facilities with hospital beds and medical centres offer added peace of mind.

• Educational Institutions: Quality schools play a key role in building a strong sense of community and increasing property value. Suburbs near esteemed schools, Canberra Institute of Technology, and Canberra College attract families and students.

• Public Transport and Infrastructure: Well-connected public transport and modern infrastructure improve safety and security in any suburb. Suburbs close to the city centre, urban centres, and shopping villages offer convenience and reduce motor vehicle theft.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the safest suburbs in Canberra?

Forde, O’Malley, and Yarralumla consistently rank as Canberra’s safest suburbs due to low crime rates and strong community ties.

What is the best suburb to live in Canberra?

The best suburb depends on lifestyle needs. Families prefer Forde, while professionals enjoy Manuka and Deakin.

Is it safe to walk at night in Canberra?

Yes, Canberra is a safe city, but staying in well-lit areas and using public transport is advised.

Which Canberra suburbs have the lowest crime rates?

Suburbs like O’Malley, Forde, and Hughes report some of the lowest crime rates, according to police crime stats suburbs data.

What is the median house price in Canberra’s safest suburbs?

Median house prices vary, but suburbs like Deakin and Yarralumla tend to have higher home values due to demand and safety.

Are there affordable suburbs in Canberra with good safety?

Yes, suburbs like Jacka and Belconnen offer a balance of affordability and safety, with modern apartments and strong community engagement.

How do I check crime rates for a Canberra suburb?

You can check the latest crime rate data for suburb-specific safety assessment reports.

Conclusion

Choosing the right suburb in Canberra is all about balancing safety, lifestyle, and Finding the right place to call home in one of the safest suburbs in Canberra is all about knowing what fits your lifestyle, budget, and sense of community. 

With 2025 shaping up to be a great year for homebuyers, there’s no better time to explore these leafy suburbs, beautiful parks, and strong community vibes Canberra offers.

If you’re ready to start your journey, the team at Home Loan Broker Canberra is here to help with a free consultation. We’ll guide you through your options and connect you with the right lender—so you can focus on settling into your ideal spot. Call us today at 02 6173 6397 or visit Home Loan Broker Canberra.