Introduction
Hi everyone, David here. Picking where to live in Canada is about more than scenery or commute times — it’s about feeling safe in your day-to-day life. Safety affects everything: whether you let your kids play outside, walk home after work, leave a bike on the porch, or simply sleep without worry. That’s why a reliable, practical look at the safest cities matters.
This guide focuses on measurable safety — not headlines or one-off events — and combines crime statistics with housing stability and quality-of-life indicators. Crime numbers alone only tell part of the story. Two neighborhoods with similar crime rates can feel very different depending on local services, employment stability, public transit, and access to healthcare. Likewise, housing affordability and social supports play a big role: stable, affordable housing reduces stress on families and communities, which in turn lowers social pressures that can contribute to crime.
I wrote the main ranking to help you compare cities across multiple dimensions: violent and property crime, housing and homelessness indicators, municipal services, and community cohesion. Whether you’re a newcomer choosing a city, a family thinking about schools and neighborhoods, or a renter considering where to move next, these are the practical safety signals that matter.
Throughout this piece you’ll see cities that consistently perform well because they invest in prevention, maintain balanced housing markets, and prioritize accessible public services. You’ll also observe trends shaping safety across Canada today — from the benefits of community policing to the impact of housing policy. Read on with an eye for the factors that matter most to your life, and use the rankings as one practical tool among others when planning your next move.
How Safety Is Measured in Canadian Cities
Safety in Canadian cities is not determined by a single factor. Instead, it is evaluated through a combination of crime statistics, community stability, housing conditions, access to public services, and overall quality of life. For this ranking, safety is viewed from a resident’s perspective—how secure people feel in their daily lives, neighborhoods, workplaces, and public spaces.
Crime Rate
Crime rates include both violent and non-violent offenses. Violent crime generally has a stronger impact on perceived safety, while property crime affects day-to-day living. Cities with consistent declines or stable low crime rates tend to rank higher.
Housing Stability
Safe cities often have balanced housing markets, lower homelessness rates, and well-maintained residential areas. Extreme housing shortages or affordability crises can indirectly affect safety by increasing social stress and instability.
Quality of Life Indicators
Access to healthcare, education, public transit, employment, green spaces, and community engagement all contribute to how safe and livable a city feels. Cities with strong municipal planning and social support systems typically perform better.
Ranking Criteria Overview
Cities are ranked using the following weighted factors:
- Violent crime rate
- Property crime rate
- Neighborhood safety and community policing
- Housing affordability and stability
- Access to healthcare and emergency services
- Employment opportunities and economic stability
- Public infrastructure and transit safety
- Environmental quality and green spaces
The rankings reflect overall safety rather than isolated incidents.
1. Burlington, Ontario
Burlington consistently ranks among the safest cities in Canada due to its low crime rates and strong community structure. Violent crime remains significantly below the national average, and property crime is relatively rare compared to larger urban centers.
Housing in Burlington is primarily suburban, with stable neighborhoods and well-maintained residential zones. While housing prices are higher than average, the stability of the market reduces displacement and social instability. The city benefits from strong healthcare access, well-funded public schools, and a high employment rate.
Quality of life is enhanced by access to green spaces, waterfront areas, and well-managed public infrastructure. Residents report a high sense of personal safety, even during evening hours.
2. Oakville, Ontario
Oakville is known for its low crime rate and high standard of living. Violent crime is rare, and most reported incidents are minor property-related offenses. The city invests heavily in community policing and preventative programs.
Housing is predominantly owner-occupied, which contributes to neighborhood cohesion and long-term stability. Although housing costs are among the highest in Ontario, consistent income levels and employment opportunities help balance affordability challenges.
Oakville scores highly in healthcare access, public transit reliability, and environmental cleanliness. These factors collectively support a strong sense of safety.
3. Coquitlam, British Columbia
Coquitlam has emerged as one of the safest cities in British Columbia, particularly within the Metro Vancouver region. Crime rates are moderate but trending downward, with violent crime well below provincial averages.
The city’s urban planning emphasizes mixed-use developments, green spaces, and community centers, which promote active public engagement and safer streets. Housing options range from apartments to single-family homes, offering relative stability compared to nearby cities.
Public transit integration, strong emergency services, and growing employment sectors contribute to a balanced and secure living environment.
4. Quebec City, Quebec
Quebec City stands out for its low violent crime rate and strong community culture. Crime is generally limited to non-violent incidents, and residents often report feeling safe in both residential and commercial areas.
Housing remains more affordable than in many other major Canadian cities, reducing financial stress and supporting long-term residency. This stability contributes to lower crime rates.
Healthcare access is strong, and the city benefits from a well-developed public transportation system. The combination of cultural cohesion, manageable population growth, and public investment makes Quebec City one of Canada’s safest urban environments.
5. Saguenay, Quebec
Saguenay is frequently cited as one of the safest mid-sized cities in Canada. Violent crime is extremely low, and community relationships are strong. Many neighborhoods benefit from multi-generational residency, which fosters social accountability.
Housing is affordable and plentiful, reducing pressures that often contribute to urban crime. Employment opportunities are stable, particularly in public services, education, and regional industries.
Quality of life indicators such as clean air, access to nature, and community engagement score highly, reinforcing overall safety.
6. Guelph, Ontario
Guelph combines moderate urban growth with effective crime prevention strategies. Crime rates are lower than in neighboring cities, particularly in violent crime categories.
The housing market is competitive but relatively stable, supported by a strong local economy and educational institutions. Public services, including healthcare and emergency response, are reliable and accessible.
Guelph’s emphasis on sustainability, walkability, and community involvement enhances safety and livability.
7. Moncton, New Brunswick
Moncton is one of the safest cities in Atlantic Canada. Crime rates are generally low, and the city has made notable investments in public safety initiatives.
Housing affordability is a major strength, allowing residents to maintain financial stability. Lower living costs reduce economic stress, which often correlates with lower crime.
Public services are well-distributed, and the city benefits from a growing economy and strong bilingual workforce.
8. Sherbrooke, Quebec
Sherbrooke offers a strong balance between safety and affordability. Crime rates are below the national average, particularly for violent offenses.
The city’s housing market remains accessible, and its educational institutions contribute to a stable population. Healthcare services are readily available, and public infrastructure is well-maintained.
Sherbrooke’s smaller size and strong community presence contribute to a secure environment.
9. Laval, Quebec
As a large suburban city near Montreal, Laval has managed to maintain relatively low crime rates despite population growth. Violent crime remains moderate and concentrated in limited areas.
Housing diversity allows for flexibility in living arrangements, supporting population stability. Public transportation improvements and community development programs have strengthened safety outcomes.
Laval’s access to healthcare, employment, and educational institutions enhances overall quality of life.
10. Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria consistently ranks high for quality of life and perceived safety. Violent crime remains low, though property crime is slightly higher due to tourism and density.
Housing affordability is a challenge, but strong public services and healthcare access mitigate broader safety concerns. The city benefits from high civic engagement and effective policing strategies.
Environmental quality, walkability, and community programs contribute to a strong sense of security.
11. St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
St. John’s offers a strong sense of community and relatively low violent crime rates. While some property crime exists, it remains manageable compared to larger urban centers.
Housing remains affordable, and social cohesion is a defining feature of the city. Healthcare access and public services are reliable, particularly for a city of its size.
The slower pace of life and strong cultural identity contribute to safety and well-being.
12. Waterloo, Ontario
Waterloo benefits from a strong economy driven by technology and education. Crime rates are moderate but well-managed through community policing and infrastructure planning.
Housing costs are rising, but employment opportunities help offset affordability pressures. Public transit, emergency services, and healthcare access are strong.
The city’s emphasis on innovation and sustainability supports long-term stability.
13. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown consistently ranks among the safest small cities in Canada. Violent crime is rare, and community trust remains high.
Housing affordability and stable employment contribute to social stability. Public services are accessible, and the city benefits from a strong tourism economy without major safety disruptions.
Quality of life remains high due to manageable population size and strong civic engagement.
14. Red Deer, Alberta
Red Deer has made significant improvements in public safety in recent years. Crime rates have stabilized due to targeted community programs and policing strategies.
Housing affordability is a major advantage, reducing economic stress. Employment opportunities remain strong in surrounding regions.
Access to healthcare, education, and outdoor recreation contributes to overall safety and livability.
15. Markham, Ontario
Markham is one of the safest large cities in the Greater Toronto Area. Violent crime is notably low, and the city invests heavily in public infrastructure and community programs.
Housing prices are high, but economic stability and employment opportunities support long-term residency. Public transit, healthcare, and emergency services are well-developed.
Cultural diversity and strong community networks enhance safety.
Emerging Trends in Urban Safety Across Canada
Several trends are shaping safety outcomes across Canadian cities:
- Cities investing in community policing see lower crime growth
- Housing affordability plays a critical role in long-term safety
- Access to mental health and social services reduces crime rates
- Smaller and mid-sized cities continue to outperform large metros in safety rankings
- Environmental planning and public spaces influence crime prevention
These trends suggest that safety in Canada is increasingly tied to holistic city planning rather than enforcement alone.
Key Takeaways from the Rankings
- No single factor determines safety; it is a combination of economic, social, and infrastructure elements
- Mid-sized cities consistently outperform major metros in safety rankings
- Stable housing markets correlate strongly with lower crime
- Quality public services improve both real and perceived safety
- Community engagement remains a defining feature of Canada’s safest cities
Conclusion
Safety is never absolute — it’s a lived experience that combines statistics, services, and everyday realities. What the rankings show is not a guarantee but a pattern: cities that pair low violent crime rates with housing stability, robust public services, and strong community engagement tend to deliver both real safety and the peace of mind residents prize.
A few practical takeaways: first, look beyond headline crime rates. Check local trends over several years, not just a single snapshot. Second, consider the social supports in a city — access to healthcare, mental-health services, and employment opportunities matter as much as police presence. Third, evaluate housing stability: affordable, well-maintained housing correlates with safer neighborhoods. Finally, remember scale and context. Mid-sized cities often perform better on safety metrics because they combine services with community cohesion; large metros can be safe in many neighborhoods while having pockets of higher risk.
If you’re choosing where to live, use these rankings as a starting point. Visit neighborhoods at different times of day, talk with locals, check municipal reports, and review local service availability. Safety is personal: what feels secure for one household may not for another. Prioritize the combination of factors that matter most to you — schools, transit, parks, health care — and you’ll be far more likely to find a place that fits both your lifestyle and your sense of security.
Disclaimer
The information in this article was compiled from publicly available statistics, municipal reports, and quality-of-life indicators as of 2025. While I’ve aimed to provide an accurate, balanced, and practical ranking, data sources, crime definitions, and municipal program details can change. This guide is intended for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional advice or direct consultation with local authorities.
If you notice an error or have updated information about a specific city, please contact us at info[@]studyworld.ca and we will review and, if necessary, update the content. Use local police reports, municipal dashboards, and community resources as your final reference when making important decisions related to safety or relocation.