Safest Vancouver Neighbourhoods for Families and Renters (2026 Crime Data)

Safety by the Numbers in Vancouver

Vancouver is a great city and can be an ideal destination for families, but it's important to do your research first. Vancouver police data suggests crime across the city has dropped by roughly eight percent in recent years but this number varies depending on which specific neighbourhood we're talking about.

Our Vancouver location page has neighbourhood moving guides, cost data, and details on what makes moving in this city unique.

Vancouver's Crime Compared to Other Cities

The Crime Severity Index (CSI) poffered by Stats Canada measures both the frequency and severity of police-reported crime. It's a very reliable way to compare cities.

How Vancouver's Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) compares, according to Statistics Canada's 2024 data:

• Toronto CMA: 59.4 — lowest among major CMAs listed

• Calgary CMA: 62.3 — down 14% year-over-year

• Canada (national average): 77.9 — the baseline

• Vancouver CMA: 81.2 — slightly above average, but down 8% from 90.2 in 2023 (largest drop among major CMAs)

• Edmonton CMA: 101.1 — significantly higher than Vancouver

• Winnipeg CMA: 124.4 — highest among major CMAs

Important context: The CMA figure (81.2) covers the entire metro area including safer suburbs like North Vancouver and Burnaby. The City of Vancouver proper, policed by VPD, has a municipal CSI of 92.9 — higher because it includes the Downtown Eastside.

Vancouver Crime in 2024: Year-Over-Year Changes (VPD GeoDASH Data)

These numbers come directly from VPD's GeoDASH open crime data, which tracks every police-reported incident across 24 Vancouver neighbourhoods. Here's the full picture of what changed between 2023 and 2024:

• Total incidents: 33,792 (down 7.9% from 36,719 in 2023)

• Offence against a person: 3,778 (down 6.9% from 4,059) — includes assaults, sexual offences, and robberies

• Homicide: 11 (down from 14 in 2023)

• Break-and-enter (commercial + residential): 2,302 (down 23.4% from 3,025) — the single biggest improvement

• Theft from vehicle: 5,941 (down 19.4% from 7,379)

• Theft of vehicle: 617 (down 16.3% from 738)

• Theft of bicycle: 884 (down 15.7% from 1,049)

• Other theft: 13,636 (up 6.2% from 12,837 — the only category that increased significantly)

• Mischief: 5,457 (down 15.4% from 6,457)

The overall trend is clear: almost every crime category declined in 2024, with break-and-enter (-23.4%), theft from vehicle (-19.4%), and mischief (-15.4%) seeing the largest drops. The one area to watch is other theft (up 6.2%), which includes shoplifting.

The Safest Vancouver Neighbourhoods (VPD GeoDASH Data)

VPD's GeoDASH system tracks incidents across 24 neighbourhoods. Here are the safest, ranked by total 2024 incident count, paired with CMHC October 2025 rental data so you can weigh safety against budget.

West Point Grey

In 2024, only 251 crimes were recorded in this area and only 10 of those incidents involved crimes against a person. Close by is Pacific Spirit Park, UBC and a friendly mix of student housing and family homes, making it one of the more docile regions of Vancouver.

Arbutus Ridge

278 total incidents in 2024 (roughly flat from 272 in 2023) with 18 person offences. Sandwiched between Kerrisdale and Kitsilano, the Arbutus Greenway cycling path runs through the area. Only 18 break-and-enters all year. Mostly single-family homes with some low-rise apartments. A quiet, residential option for families who want west-side safety without Shaughnessy prices.

Dunbar-Southlands

279 total incidents in 2024 (down 24.8% from 371 in 2023) with only 10 person offences — tied with West Point Grey for the fewest in the city. In Vancouver's far southwest, bordered by Pacific Spirit Regional Park. Primarily single-family homes with larger lots, meaning easier moving logistics — driveways, street parking, no elevator concerns. Proximity to UBC makes it popular with faculty and families. Rental availability is limited (mostly basement suites).

Shaughnessy

286 total incidents in 2024 with just 13 person offences. Vancouver's wealthiest neighbourhood. Large heritage estates mean easy moving logistics — driveways accommodate trucks and there's rarely a parking permit needed. Note: total incidents rose from 237 in 2023, largely driven by property crime (60 break-and-enters, up from prior year). Rental options are extremely limited. Nearby South Granville (average 2-bedroom: $2,338/month) offers rentals within walking distance.

South Cambie

327 total incidents in 2024 (flat from 330 in 2023) with 18 person offences. Often overlooked, South Cambie is one of the more family-friendly pockets on the west side. Good transit via the Canada Line (King Edward station). Average 2-bedroom rent: $2,164/month — one of the more affordable west-side options. Queen Elizabeth Park, at the neighbourhood's eastern edge, is one of Vancouver's best green spaces.

Kerrisdale

358 total incidents in 2024 (down 13.3% from 413 in 2023) with 27 person offences. The 41st Avenue village feel, quality schools (Point Grey Secondary, Kerrisdale Elementary), and tree-lined streets make it a top pick for families. Average 2-bedroom rent: $2,366/month (CMHC October 2025). Moving difficulty is low — wide streets and available street parking make truck access easy compared to downtown high-rises.

Safe and Affordable: Best Value Vancouver Neighbourhoods for Renters

The safest neighbourhoods tend to be on the expensive west side. If you're looking for a balance of safety and lower rent, these areas offer the best value. For a deeper dive into vacancy rates and rent trends, see our Vancouver rental market guide.

Killarney

489 total incidents in 2024 (down 14.8% from 574 in 2023) with 62 person offences. That's less than half the total of mid-range neighbourhoods like Kitsilano (1,238) or Hastings-Sunrise (845). In Vancouver's far southeast, Killarney Community Centre offers one of the city's best recreation facilities (ice rink, pool, gym). Ethnically diverse with excellent restaurants along Victoria Drive. Close to Metrotown in Burnaby. Average 2-bedroom rent: $2,291/month (CMHC, Collingwood/Killarney zone). Joyce-Collingwood SkyTrain provides rapid transit downtown.

Marpole

847 total incidents in 2024 (down 6.2% from 903 in 2023) with 62 person offences. While total incidents are higher than the west-side neighbourhoods above, Marpole stands out as the most affordable option with reasonable safety. Average 2-bedroom rent: $1,948/month (Marpole South zone) — roughly $400/month less than the city-wide average. Canada Line at Marine Drive station puts you 20 minutes from downtown. New rental buildings along Cambie are adding housing stock.

Renfrew-Collingwood

2,309 total incidents in 2024 but only 133 person offences — meaning the crime here is overwhelmingly property-related (theft from vehicle, other theft) rather than violent. For context, Renfrew-Collingwood has a larger population than most Vancouver neighbourhoods, so per-capita rates are lower than the raw number suggests. Average 2-bedroom: $2,291/month. Good SkyTrain access via Joyce-Collingwood and Renfrew stations. If you're moving into a condo here, check our Vancouver condo moving rules guide for elevator booking and strata bylaw details.

Areas with Higher Crime Rates in Vancouver

Being transparent about higher-crime areas helps you make informed decisions. All numbers below are from VPD GeoDASH 2024 data:

• Central Business District: 11,921 total incidents (down 3.0% from 12,291 in 2023) with 1,425 person offences. By far the highest-crime area, but driven heavily by property crime: 2,187 thefts from vehicle and 487 break-and-enters. The high numbers reflect foot traffic, tourism, and the concentration of commercial activity — not necessarily that residents are at higher risk.

• Strathcona (includes Downtown Eastside): 2,314 total incidents (down 17.6% from 2,810 in 2023) with 516 person offences (down from 579). The largest year-over-year improvement of any high-crime neighbourhood. Issues are concentrated around Hastings Street between Main and Gore. Adjacent areas (Chinatown, Gastown) are above the city average but far lower than the core DTES blocks.

• West End: 2,735 total incidents (down from 2,845) with 449 person offences. The West End's high density (most apartments per capita in Vancouver) means more incidents in absolute terms, but most are property crime. Davie Village and Denman Street feel walkable and safe at night.

• Grandview-Woodland (Commercial Drive): 1,441 total incidents (down 16.0% from 1,716) with 236 person offences. Despite the numbers, the neighbourhood is popular with young professionals and families. Crime is mostly opportunistic property crime (bike theft, package theft), not violent.

The North Shore: An Alternative for Safety-Conscious Movers

If you're open to living outside Vancouver proper, North Vancouver and West Vancouver consistently rank among the safest municipalities in Metro Vancouver — with crime rates well below the city. Both offer a suburban, family-oriented feel with exceptional outdoor access (Grouse Mountain, Lynn Canyon, Deep Cove, Cypress Provincial Park). The trade-off: higher rents, limited rental supply, and bridge-dependent commuting. For bridge and route details, see our Vancouver road construction and bridge closures guide.

Practical Safety Tips for Your Vancouver Move

• Beware of bike theft: Hundreds of bikes are stolen every year. SPend money on a decent U-lock, make sure your bike is registered and bring it inside at night if possible.

• Vehicle break-ins remain are the top property crime: 5,941 thefts from vehicles in 2024 (down 19.4% but still nearly 16 per day). Never leave anything visible in your car — especially downtown (2,187 incidents), the West End (520), or Strathcona (317).

• Package theft after moving: Make sure your new building has a secure room for packages and if it doesn't, use Canada Post FlexDelivery (free), an Amazon locker, or a PO Box. Especially important during the first weeks after your move.

• Report non-emergency crime: Use the VPD's online reporting tool for property crime. Reporting helps police identify patterns and allocate resources.

Planning Your Move to a Safe Vancouver Neighbourhood

When you've picked your neighbourhood and you're ready to make your move to Vancouver contact Two Small Men for a free relocation quote. We'll help break down the cost of the move so there's no surprises. While you're at it, sneak a peak at our Vancouver rental market guide.

Data source: All neighbourhood crime statistics in this article come from VPD GeoDASH Open Data (2024 and 2023 full-year datasets, downloaded February 2026). CSI data from Statistics Canada, Table 35-10-0026-01. Rental data from CMHC October 2025 Rental Market Survey.