Canada is well-regarded globally for its quality of life, stunning landscapes, and inclusive society. However, like any developed nation, urban safety remains a growing concern. In 2025, with updated crime index data based on various factors—including theft, assault, and property crimes—we take a closer look at Canada’s most dangerous and safest cities.
This comprehensive guide presents the latest findings, explains the significance of crime and safety indices, outlines contributing factors to urban crime, and highlights ongoing government responses.
Summary Table: Canada’s Most Dangerous Cities in 2025
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Report Focus | Canadian Cities with Highest Crime Index in 2025 |
| Top 3 Dangerous Cities | Surrey, Kelowna, Sudbury |
| Top 3 Safest Cities | Quebec City, Oakville, Burlington |
| Year-on-Year Trends | Moderate increases in crime in most cities, particularly in suburbs |
| Key Crime Factors | Urbanization, economic challenges, substance abuse |
| Official Crime Data Source | Numbeo Canada Crime Index |
Understanding the Crime and Safety Index
The Crime Index is a numerical representation (0–100) that evaluates the level of crime in a specific city:
- 0–20: Very Low
- 20–40: Low
- 40–60: Moderate
- 60–80: High
- 80+: Very High
The Safety Index is the inverse. A higher safety index indicates a safer urban environment. These indices help residents, visitors, and policymakers understand and compare safety conditions across urban centers.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Canada (2025)
1. Surrey, British Columbia
- Crime Index: 64.7
- Safety Index: 35.3
Surrey maintains its position as the most dangerous city in Canada in 2025. The city struggles with rising gang-related violence, property crimes, and urbanization challenges. Despite law enforcement efforts, population growth continues to strain public safety resources.
2. Kelowna, British Columbia
- Crime Index: 62.1
- Safety Index: 37.9
Kelowna’s index rose from 61.6 in 2024, pointing to persistent issues in vandalism, theft, and narcotics-related crimes. The city’s popularity as a tourist destination complicates law enforcement efforts.
3. Sudbury, Ontario
- Crime Index: 61.9
- Safety Index: 38.1
Sudbury’s crime increase is attributed to socioeconomic factors and substance abuse. The city’s smaller size makes these problems more visible and impactful.
4. Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Crime Index: 60.5
- Safety Index: 39.5
Winnipeg remains high on the list, despite new youth programs and poverty-reduction strategies. Violent and property crimes are key concerns.
5. Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
- Crime Index: 60.2
- Safety Index: 39.8
With a nearly stable crime index, Sault Ste. Marie continues to deal with drug and petty crimes, though local community outreach shows potential.
6. Hamilton, Ontario
- Crime Index: 55.8
- Safety Index: 44.2
A rising index reflects growing safety concerns, particularly with property and vehicle crimes. Hamilton’s urban population and infrastructure require modernized crime deterrents.
7. Brampton, Ontario
- Crime Index: 55.3
- Safety Index: 44.7
Urban sprawl, youth crime, and thefts contribute to Brampton’s debut in the top 10. The city is investing in preventative community programs.
8. Kamloops, British Columbia
- Crime Index: 54.8
- Safety Index: 45.2
Kamloops faces increasing challenges due to opioid addiction and lack of housing support. New mental health and addiction services are under development.
9. London, Ontario
- Crime Index: 53.9
- Safety Index: 46.1
London has seen a slight rise in crime, predominantly in property and drug-related incidents. Despite being a cultural hub, urban crime remains a pressing issue.
10. Regina, Saskatchewan
- Crime Index: 53.4
- Safety Index: 46.6
Staying consistent with 2024 trends, Regina’s challenges revolve around violent incidents and poverty-linked crimes.
Safest Cities in Canada (2025)
1. Quebec City, Quebec
- Crime Index: 22.2
- Safety Index: 77.8
The safest city in Canada in 2025, Quebec City thrives with low crime rates thanks to community unity, high civic engagement, and investment in public well-being.
2. Oakville, Ontario
- Crime Index: 26.1
- Safety Index: 73.9
Oakville’s secure environment results from robust policing and well-planned neighborhoods. It ranks second in nationwide safety.
3. Burlington, Ontario
- Crime Index: 29.7
- Safety Index: 70.3
This family-friendly city benefits from active citizen participation and consistently low crime rates.
4. Ottawa, Ontario
- Crime Index: 31.3
- Safety Index: 68.7
Ottawa maintains a solid reputation for safety, aided by strong governance, urban planning, and responsive law enforcement.
5. Montreal, Quebec
- Crime Index: 32.8
- Safety Index: 67.2
As a metropolitan hub, Montreal’s moderate crime levels reflect successful investment in public safety infrastructure.
Comparative Analysis: 2024 vs. 2025
- Kelowna and Sudbury show gradual crime increases.
- Hamilton, Brampton, and Kamloops climbed higher in risk rankings.
- Cities like Sault Ste. Marie and Regina remained stable.
- Urban areas in transition (e.g., Surrey, Brampton) face more intense safety concerns than established communities.
Major Canadian Cities: 2025 Crime and Safety Index Snapshot
| Rank | City | 2025 Crime Index | 2025 Safety Index |
| 1 | Surrey | 64.7 | 35.3 |
| 2 | Kelowna | 62.1 | 37.9 |
| 3 | Sudbury | 61.9 | 38.1 |
| 4 | Winnipeg | 60.5 | 39.5 |
| 5 | Sault Ste. Marie | 60.2 | 39.8 |
| 6 | Hamilton | 55.8 | 44.2 |
| 7 | Brampton | 55.3 | 44.7 |
| 8 | Kamloops | 54.8 | 45.2 |
| 9 | London | 53.9 | 46.1 |
| 10 | Regina | 53.4 | 46.6 |
| … | … | … | … |
Factors Contributing to Crime Trends in 2025
- Urban Growth: Cities like Brampton and Surrey are experiencing fast expansion, often without proportional infrastructure investment.
- Economic Stress: Inflation and income disparity have led to increased petty crimes and theft.
- Drug Epidemic: Opioid and methamphetamine use is fueling property and violent crimes in many mid-sized cities.
- Law Enforcement Gaps: Inconsistent policing and underfunded crime prevention units challenge high-crime regions.
Ongoing Government & Community Interventions
- Enhanced Police Patrols in key high-crime neighborhoods.
- Youth Engagement Initiatives such as mentorship and employment programs.
- Affordable Housing Development to address economic roots of crime.
- Mental Health and Addiction Services to reduce substance-linked offenses.
- Smart Surveillance & Predictive Policing for early crime detection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the crime index?
Ans. The crime index reflects the perceived level of crime in a city. It includes data on theft, assault, vandalism, and more, rated from 0 to 100.
2. What contributes most to crime rates in 2025?
Ans. Economic instability, drug abuse, population density, and insufficient public services contribute most.
3. Are suburban areas becoming more dangerous?
Ans. Yes. Cities like Brampton and Kamloops show rising crime trends due to rapid expansion and resource constraints.
4. What cities are considered the safest in Canada?
Ans. Quebec City, Oakville, Burlington, Ottawa, and Montreal rank among the safest in 2025.
5. How is Canada addressing rising crime?
Ans. Through enhanced police presence, community programs, better mental health services, and technology-driven crime prevention.
6. Where can I find the official crime statistics?
Ans. You can access official crime index updates and rankings at Numbeo Canada Crime Index.
Conclusion: Toward Safer Canadian Cities
Crime trends in Canada for 2025 reveal both areas of concern and hope. While cities like Surrey and Kelowna continue to face high crime levels, initiatives at municipal and provincial levels are driving improvements. Meanwhile, cities such as Quebec City and Oakville demonstrate that proactive community planning and social cohesion can significantly enhance safety.
Staying informed, engaged, and supportive of community programs is essential for every resident, whether living in a high-crime or low-crime area.
Stay informed. Stay safe. This guide aims to empower Canadians with factual, updated insights into urban safety in 2025.
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