What is the Crime Severity Index?
Statistics Canada's Crime Severity Index (CSI) is the most accurate measure of crime in Canada — better than raw crime counts because it weights crimes by severity. A murder counts far more than a bicycle theft. The national average is set at 100. Cities below 100 are safer than average; cities above 100 are more dangerous.
Our safety score (0–100) inverts the CSI for easy reading: higher is safer. A safety score of 90 means extremely low crime. We also break down violent crime (assault, robbery) and property crime (theft, break-ins) separately — because a city can be very safe from violence but have high vehicle break-ins (looking at you, Vancouver).
All Major Canadian Cities — Safety Ranked
Safety score out of 100 (higher = safer). Based on Statistics Canada CSI data.
| Rank | City | Safety Score | Violent Crime | Property Crime | Trend | Avg Home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | 🏰 Québec City, QC | 92/100 | Very Low | Low | 📈 Improving | $390K |
| #2 | 🌊 Burlington, ON | 90/100 | Very Low | Low | ➡️ Stable | $1.0M |
| #3 | 🏡 Oakville, ON | 90/100 | Very Low | Low | ➡️ Stable | $1.4M |
| #4 | 🌿 Milton, ON | 88/100 | Very Low | Very Low | 📈 Improving | $920K |
| #5 | 🏝️ Charlottetown, PEI | 85/100 | Very Low | Low | ➡️ Stable | $380K |
| #6 | 🍁 Ottawa, ON | 82/100 | Low | Moderate | ➡️ Stable | $640K |
| #7 | 🏰 Fredericton, NB | 80/100 | Low | Moderate | 📈 Improving | $320K |
| #8 | 🌺 Victoria, BC | 72/100 | Moderate | Moderate | ➡️ Stable | $920K |
| #9 | 🌱 Guelph, ON | 72/100 | Low | Moderate | ➡️ Stable | $780K |
| #10 | ⚡ Calgary, AB | 68/100 | Moderate | Moderate | 📈 Improving | $580K |
| #11 | 🌊 Halifax, NS | 65/100 | Low-Mod | Moderate | ➡️ Stable | $530K |
| #12 | 🍁 Montreal, QC | 62/100 | Moderate | Moderate | ➡️ Stable | $580K |
| #13 | 🌊 Hamilton, ON | 58/100 | Moderate | Moderate | 📈 Improving | $780K |
| #14 | 🏙️ Toronto, ON | 55/100 | Moderate | Moderate | ➡️ Stable | $1.15M |
| #15 | 🏔️ Vancouver, BC | 52/100 | Moderate | High | 📉 Worsening | $1.35M |
| #16 | ⚡ Edmonton, AB | 48/100 | Mod-High | High | ➡️ Stable | $430K |
| #17 | 🌆 Winnipeg, MB | 42/100 | High | High | ➡️ Stable | $370K |
| #18 | 🌾 Saskatoon, SK | 40/100 | Mod-High | High | 📉 Worsening | $330K |
| #19 | 🌾 Regina, SK | 38/100 | High | High | ➡️ Stable | $310K |
| #20 | 🏔️ Surrey, BC | 35/100 | High | High | 📈 Improving | $1.1M |
*Safety scores are our own 0–100 inversion of the Statistics Canada CSI. Higher = safer. Trend based on 3-year CSI movement. 2025–26 data.
Québec City's safety record is extraordinary — it is by a significant margin the safest major city in Canada, with a Crime Severity Index dramatically lower than any comparable city. The combination of strong community bonds, French cultural cohesion, a stable government economy anchored by the provincial government, and low inequality produces crime rates more comparable to Western European cities than North American ones. Violent crime is genuinely rare. The UNESCO World Heritage walled city is among the most beautiful urban environments in North America. If safety is your primary concern in choosing a city, Québec City has no rival.
Burlington is Ontario's safest city and consistently ranks in Canada's top 3 safest municipalities. The HDSB #1 school board, Lake Ontario waterfront at Spencer Smith Park, Royal Botanical Gardens, and a genuinely beautiful community make it far more than just "safe" — it's one of Ontario's most complete cities for families. The combination of safety + school quality is unmatched outside Oakville. At $1.0M average homes it's expensive, but significantly more affordable than Oakville while delivering almost identical safety and school outcomes.
Oakville and Burlington are essentially tied on safety — both consistently appear in Canada's top 3 safest municipalities. Oakville edges it slightly on violent crime metrics; Burlington edges it on value. Both access the HDSB #1 school board. Oakville's advantages over Burlington: slightly faster GO Train (45 min vs 55 min), a more polished downtown (Kerr Street Village), and higher median household income community demographics. The premium is real at $1.4M average — $400K more than Burlington for marginal safety improvement. For most families, Burlington delivers nearly identical outcomes at significantly lower cost.
Milton gives you the HDSB #1 school board and top-5 Canadian safety at $920K — $80K less than Burlington and $480K less than Oakville. It's the most affordable entry point into Halton Region's extraordinary safety and school combination. Crime in Milton has consistently trended downward as the community matures and household incomes remain high. The Niagara Escarpment at its doorstep and the 55-minute GO Train round out a city that punches well above its weight for families.
Charlottetown offers something remarkable: one of Canada's lowest crime rates combined with one of Canada's most affordable housing markets. At $380K average homes and a safety score of 85/100, it's the only city in the top 5 that doesn't require a $900K+ budget. The island community creates strong social bonds that naturally suppress crime. The red sand beaches, UPEI, and genuine small-city warmth make it a compelling choice for families, retirees, and remote workers who prioritise safety and affordability over big-city amenities.
Also Among Canada's Safest
Canada's best major city for safety relative to its size. Low violent crime for a city of 1 million, with world-class schools, free national museums, and Gatineau Park. Some property crime in parts of the downtown core and Vanier, but overall extremely safe. Best "safe major city" option in Canada.
📋 Ottawa GuideAtlantic Canada's hidden gem for safety — a small university capital on the Saint John River with low crime, affordable homes, and growing cybersecurity sector. UNB and STU create an educated community that naturally maintains lower crime rates. Best affordable safe city in Atlantic Canada.
📋 Fredericton GuideVictoria is safer than Vancouver by a significant margin despite being neighbours. The downtown core has a visible homeless population but established residential neighbourhoods (Oak Bay, Saanich, Fairfield) are very safe. Canada's mildest climate and best cycling infrastructure make it outstanding for outdoor-focused families.
📋 Victoria GuideGuelph's university demographics and strong civic investment keep crime notably below Ontario average. One of the most livable mid-size Ontario cities — consistently safe, with a genuine community feel and excellent Speed River trail network. Good value relative to its quality.
📋 Guelph GuideCalgary is improving — significant investment in both community policing and social services has driven the CSI downward over three years. SW Calgary (Evergreen, Signal Hill, Springbank Hill) is exceptionally safe. NE Calgary has higher crime. The combination of 0% provincial tax + $580K homes + top-10 safety makes Calgary's value proposition very strong.
📋 Calgary GuideCanada's Higher-Crime Cities — Honest Assessment
Some of Canada's most affordable and appealing cities also have higher crime rates. Here's what you need to know — and how to navigate it.
Winnipeg has one of the higher crime rates of any major Canadian city — particularly violent crime in the North End and some inner-city areas. However: Tuxedo, River Heights, Charleswood, St. Vital, and newer south Winnipeg suburbs are very safe — genuinely comparable to Ontario suburbs. Winnipeg's crime challenge is concentrated geographically and socially. If you buy in the right Winnipeg neighbourhood, your actual lived experience of crime is very low. The Jets NHL, extraordinary Filipino community, and $370K homes make Winnipeg worth navigating carefully.
📋 Winnipeg GuideEdmonton has higher crime than Calgary — a consistent pattern. Central Edmonton and some north Edmonton areas have significant challenges. However: South Edmonton is genuinely excellent — Windermere, Terwillegar, Heritage Valley, Riverbend, and Sherwood Park (adjacent city) are all safe, family-friendly, and affordable. The 0% Alberta tax advantage is the same in Edmonton as Calgary, but housing is $150K cheaper on average. Choose your neighbourhood carefully and Edmonton delivers exceptional value.
📋 Edmonton GuideSurrey has Metro Vancouver's most significant crime challenge — particularly Newton and parts of Whalley. However: South Surrey and White Rock are genuinely safe, beautiful communities with excellent schools and parks. Fleetwood and Fraser Heights are also solid. Surrey is a tale of two cities — north Surrey struggles, south Surrey thrives. At $1.1M average, it's expensive for the crime risk in many areas. South Surrey specifically is a better bet but starts at $1.2M+.
📋 Surrey GuideHamilton's crime score reflects a significant neighbourhood variance. Downtown Hamilton and some older lower city areas have higher crime. However: Ancaster, Waterdown, Dundas, and the Mountain communities are very safe and family-oriented — genuinely comparable to Guelph or Kitchener in safety. The arts district (James Street North) is safe and vibrant. Hamilton is improving rapidly — the trend is strongly positive. Buy in Ancaster or Waterdown and you'll experience low crime with Hamilton's extraordinary lifestyle upside (waterfalls, GO Train, McMaster).
📋 Hamilton GuideSafest City by Your Situation
Burlington (#2) gives Ontario's safest suburb with the #1 school board at $1.0M. Milton (#4) gives the same school board at $920K with equally low crime. Both are dramatically safer than anywhere in the GTA proper.
Charlottetown PEI (#5, $380K) is the clear winner — top-5 Canadian safety at Atlantic Canada prices. Fredericton NB (#7, $320K) is excellent. Québec City (#1, $390K) is the safest major city in Canada at very affordable prices — if you speak French.
Ottawa (#6) wins — low crime, world-class job stability (government + tech), and $640K average homes. Calgary (#10) wins on take-home pay (0% tax) with improving safety and a massive corporate job market.
Victoria BC (#8) is Canada's mildest city AND ranks in the top 10 for safety — a rare combination. For warmth + sunshine + safety, Lethbridge AB has 3,100 sunshine hours and very affordable homes, though it's lower in the safety rankings (neighbourhood variation).