Last Updated On 2 February 2025, 9:05 AM EST (Toronto Time)
Canada is globally recognized for its high standard of living, picturesque landscapes, and friendly communities.
However, crime and safety concerns remain crucial aspects of urban life in every country, including Canada.
Using crime data from 2024 and 2025, we list the cities with the highest crime indices, highlighting year-over-year changes and providing a detailed analysis of the most dangerous cities in Canada for 2025.
Table of Contents
The crime index measures the overall level of crime in a city on a scale from 0 to 100, where higher values indicate higher crime levels.
The safety index is the inverse, with higher values denoting safer conditions.
These indices provide a comprehensive view of a city’s safety, reflecting factors like violent crime, theft, and property crime.
Based on the latest data, here are the cities with the highest crime index in 2025:
1. Surrey, Canada
Crime Index: 64.7
Safety Index: 35.3
Surrey tops the list as the most dangerous city in Canada for 2025. Its crime index of 64.7 reflects concerns over property crimes, violent offences, and gang-related activities.
Surrey’s rapid urbanization and population growth have been accompanied by increased criminal activity, despite efforts by local law enforcement to address these issues.
2. Kelowna, Canada
Crime Index: 62.1
Safety Index: 37.9
Kelowna’s crime index has risen from 61.6 in 2024 to 62.1 in 2025, underscoring persistent issues with theft, vandalism, and drug-related crimes.
As a popular tourist destination, Kelowna also faces challenges in balancing public safety with its vibrant nightlife and visitor influx.
3. Sudbury, Canada
Crime Index: 61.9
Safety Index: 38.1
Sudbury remains a city grappling with crime, experiencing a slight uptick from a 2024 crime index of 60.5.
Substance abuse and socioeconomic challenges contribute to these statistics, with local authorities striving to implement community-driven solutions.
4. Winnipeg, Canada
Crime Index: 60.5
Safety Index: 39.5
Winnipeg is no stranger to crime-related challenges, maintaining a consistent crime index year-over-year.
While property crimes and violent offences persist, initiatives focused on youth engagement and poverty reduction aim to create long-term improvements.
5. Sault Ste. Marie, Canada
Crime Index: 60.2
Safety Index: 39.8
Sault Ste. Marie’s crime index shows stability, shifting slightly from 60.3 in 2024.
Known for its tight-knit community, the city continues to face issues with drug-related crimes, prompting collaborative efforts between police and community organizations.
6. Hamilton, Canada
Crime Index: 55.8
Safety Index: 44.2
Hamilton has seen a modest decline in its crime index from 54.9 in 2024. Despite this improvement, challenges such as break-ins and vehicle theft remain prevalent.
The city’s diverse population and urban setting make targeted crime prevention strategies crucial.
7. Brampton, Canada
Crime Index: 55.3
Safety Index: 44.7
Brampton has emerged on the list with a crime index of 55.3. Rapid growth and urban expansion have brought new safety concerns, including violent crimes and theft.
Community programs aim to address these issues and enhance neighbourhood cohesion.
8. Kamloops, Canada
Crime Index: 54.8
Safety Index: 45.2
Kamloops sees a rising crime index in 2025, reflecting ongoing struggles with drug-related offences and property crimes.
Local authorities are focusing on mental health services and addiction support as part of their broader crime reduction strategy.
9. London, Canada
Crime Index: 53.9
Safety Index: 46.1
London’s crime index indicates growing concerns, especially with property and drug-related crimes.
Despite its reputation as a hub for education and culture, safety remains a priority for both residents and law enforcement.
10. Regina, Canada
Crime Index: 53.4
Safety Index: 46.6
Regina’s crime index has stayed relatively stable, showing minor fluctuations.
The city continues to grapple with violent crimes, often attributed to socioeconomic disparities.
Efforts to foster community involvement are ongoing.
Notable Trends:
- Kelowna’s Decline: Despite still holding the second position, Kelowna’s crime index increased slightly, indicating persistent safety concerns.
- Hamilton’s Rise: Hamilton’s crime index rose by 0.9 points from 54.9 in 2024 to 55.8 in 2025, placing it higher on the list.
- Stability in Sault Ste. Marie and Regina: These cities witnessed minimal changes in their crime indices, maintaining their positions in the rankings.
- Emerging Concerns in Suburban Areas: Brampton and Kamloops saw significant increases in crime indices, indicating growing safety issues in suburban regions.
Full List of Major Canadian Cities With Crime and Safety Index
| Rank | City | 2025 Crime Index | 2025 Safety Index | 2024 Crime Index | 2024 Safety Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Surrey, British Columbia | 64.7 | 35.3 | 64.4 | 35.6 |
| 2 | Kelowna, British Columbia | 62.1 | 37.9 | 61.7 | 38.3 |
| 3 | Sudbury, Ontario | 61.9 | 38.1 | 61.3 | 38.7 |
| 4 | Winnipeg, Manitoba | 60.5 | 39.5 | 60.3 | 39.7 |
| 5 | Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario | 60.2 | 39.8 | 60.3 | 39.7 |
| 6 | Hamilton, Ontario | 55.8 | 44.2 | 55.3 | 44.7 |
| 7 | Brampton, Ontario | 55.3 | 44.7 | Data not provided | Data not provided |
| 8 | Kamloops, British Columbia | 54.8 | 45.2 | Data not provided | Data not provided |
| 9 | London, Ontario | 53.9 | 46.1 | 54 | 46 |
| 10 | Regina, Saskatchewan | 53.4 | 46.6 | Data not provided | Data not provided |
| 11 | Nanaimo, British Columbia | 53.4 | 46.6 | 53.3 | 46.7 |
| 12 | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan | 50.8 | 49.2 | 50.7 | 49.3 |
| 13 | St.Catharines, Ontario | 46.8 | 53.2 | Data not provided | Data not provided |
| 14 | Edmonton, Alberta | 46.6 | 53.4 | 46.5 | 53.5 |
| 15 | Windsor, Ontario | 46.2 | 53.8 | 45.5 | 54.5 |
| 16 | Mississauga, Ontario | 43.7 | 56.3 | 43.5 | 56.5 |
| 17 | Toronto, Ontario | 43.4 | 56.6 | 43.3 | 56.7 |
| 18 | Vaughan, Ontario | 43.2 | 56.8 | Data not provided | Data not provided |
| 19 | Kitchener, Ontario | 43.1 | 56.9 | 42 | 58 |
| 20 | Vancouver, British Columbia | 43 | 57 | 42.3 | 57.7 |
| 21 | Victoria, British Columbia | 41.3 | 58.7 | 41.1 | 58.9 |
| 22 | Halifax, Nova Scotia | 41 | 59 | 41 | 59 |
| 23 | Calgary, Alberta | 38.4 | 61.6 | 38.5 | 61.5 |
| 24 | Guelph, Ontario | 34.4 | 65.6 | 34.4 | 65.6 |
| 25 | Montreal, Quebec | 32.8 | 67.2 | 32.4 | 67.6 |
| 26 | Ottawa, Ontario | 31.3 | 68.7 | 30.6 | 69.4 |
| 27 | Burlington, Ontario | 29.7 | 70.3 | 34.4 | 65.6 |
| 28 | Oakville, Ontario | 26.1 | 73.9 | 26.5 | 73.5 |
| 29 | Quebec City, Quebec | 22.2 | 77.8 | 22.2 | 77.8 |
While some cities saw an increase in crime, others have maintained or improved their safety levels.
Here are the top five safest cities in 2025:
1. Quebec City, Canada
Crime Index: 22.2
Safety Index: 77.8
Quebec City boasts the lowest crime index in Canada for 2025, reflecting its status as an exceptionally safe city.
Its strong emphasis on cultural and community events fosters a welcoming and secure atmosphere.
2. Oakville, Canada
Crime Index: 26.1
Safety Index: 73.9
Oakville continues to rank among the safest cities in Canada. Its well-planned neighbourhoods and active community participation ensure a secure environment for residents.
3. Burlington, Canada
Crime Index: 29.7
Safety Index: 70.3
Burlington’s low crime index reflects its status as a family-friendly city. Ongoing initiatives to engage residents in safety programs contribute to its high safety index.
4. Ottawa, Canada
Crime Index: 31.3
Safety Index: 68.7
Ottawa remains one of the safest cities in Canada, with a declining crime index. The city’s focus on transparency and community trust bolsters its reputation for safety.
5. Montreal, Canada
Crime Index: 32.8
Safety Index: 67.2
Montreal’s crime index has seen minimal change, highlighting its position as a safe metropolitan hub. Investments in public safety and infrastructure enhance the quality of life for residents.
Several factors contributed to the shifts in crime indices across Canadian cities in 2025:
- Urbanization and Population Growth: Cities like Surrey and Brampton have experienced rapid population growth, which can lead to increased crime rates due to social and economic pressures.
- Economic Challenges: Economic instability, including inflation and rising living costs, has exacerbated crime in many urban centres.
- Resource Allocation: Limited police resources and underfunded public safety programs have contributed to rising crime rates in certain areas.
- Drug-Related Issues: Drug-related crimes continue to be a significant concern in cities like Kelowna and Sudbury.
To address these rising crime rates, several initiatives are being implemented across Canada:
- Increased Policing: Cities like Surrey and Hamilton have announced plans to increase police presence in high-crime areas.
- Community Engagement Programs: Programs aimed at youth engagement and crime prevention are being expanded in cities like Winnipeg and Kamloops.
- Economic Support: Efforts to provide affordable housing and tackle poverty are being prioritized in cities with rising crime rates.
- Technology and Surveillance: Modern technology, such as surveillance cameras and predictive policing tools, is being adopted to improve urban safety.
The 2025 crime index reveals important trends in urban safety across Canada.
While cities like Surrey and Kelowna struggle with rising crime rates, others like Quebec City and Oakville continue to set benchmarks for safety.
Understanding these shifts helps residents, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies take proactive measures to create safer communities.
As urban centres evolve, addressing the root causes of crime, investing in community programs, and leveraging technology will be key to ensuring that Canada remains one of the safest countries in the world.
Stay informed and take necessary precautions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
What is the crime index?
The Crime Index approximates the general degree of crime in a specific nation or locality.
Crime levels between 20 and 40 are regarded as extremely low; crime levels between 40 and 60 as low; crime levels between 40 and 60 as moderate; crime levels between 60 and 80 as high; crime levels more than 80 as very high.
How might unstable economic times affect crime rates?
Higher crime rates can result from economic unrest, including poverty and unemployment, as well as from economic difficulties that might motivate people to participate in illegal activity out of need or despair, therefore influencing general crime rates.
How much of a factor is substance abuse in crime rates?
Substance abuse—including drug and alcohol addiction—is intimately related to criminal behaviour.
As people try to sustain their addictions, it can result in both non-violent crimes including property theft and violent crimes including assaults.
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