The Safest Suburbs to Build a Home in Perth in 2025

If safety is a key factor when considering where to build your dream home, you’re in the right place. As one of Perth’s most reputable home builders, we’ve updated our list of the top five safest suburbs to build a home in Perth for 2025. We’ve also analysed the latest crime data and included insights on the safest areas, comparing suburbs with the highest and lowest crime rates, to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re prioritising peace of mind, location, or lifestyle, this list will guide you in finding the perfect spot to settle in Perth.

safest suburbs to build a home in Perth 2023 introduction image with modern entryway

Top 5 Safest Suburbs to Live in Perth

1.      Sorrento

At the top of the list is Sorrento, a northern coastal gem that offers both security and lifestyle. Just 19 kilometres from Perth’s CBD, Sorrento is loved for its beachside atmosphere, well-regarded schools, and welcoming community.

Living in Sorrento means you’ll enjoy:

  • Easy access to Sorrento Beach and Hillarys Boat Harbour, with dining, shopping, and family activities on the doorstep.
  • A choice of parks, sporting clubs, and community facilities that create a strong neighbourhood feel.
  • Nearby schools such as Sacred Heart College, plus childcare and primary school options.
  • Convenient transport connections via Marmion Avenue and Warwick train station, keeping the CBD within easy reach.
  • A welcoming community atmosphere with plenty of local cafés, shopping centres, and sporting facilities.

Safety and Crime Stats

Sorrento is consistently ranked among Perth’s safer suburbs, with crime rates well below the metropolitan average. In 2024, property-related offences such as theft and damage decreased, and violent crime remained rare, making it a reliable choice for families and professionals who value safety and convenience.

Demographics and Community

A view of the beach in Sorrento, Western Australia. One of the safest suburbs to build a new home in Perth

2.     Burns Beach

Second on the podium of the safest suburbs in Perth is Burns Beach, a northern coastal suburb that blends modern living with a relaxed, beachside lifestyle. Popular with families and professionals, Burns Beach is known for its safety, community feel, and quality of housing.

  • Stunning ocean views and access to the Burns Beach coastal trail, perfect for walking, cycling, and sunset watching.
  • A modern community with new houses designed for families, such as our modern two storey home designs.
  • Proximity to shopping hubs like Lakeside Joondalup and local dining options.
  • Easy access to top schools and childcare centres in surrounding suburbs.
  • Strong transport links to Perth CBD via the Mitchell Freeway and Joondalup train line.

Safety and Crime Stats

Burns Beach consistently reports some of the lowest crime rates in Perth. In 2024, only 62 total crimes were recorded, translating to around 15 per 1,000 residents – far lower than the metropolitan average. The most common reports were minor property-related incidents, with no serious violent crimes.

Demographics and Community

  • Population: 4,082 (ABS 2021 Census)
  • Area: 2.2 km²
  • Median House Price: $1.1 million
  • Median Rent: $800 per week
An aerial drone shot of Burns Beach, Western Australia, one of the safest places to build a house in Perth

3.      Mount Hawthorn

Third on the list is a perfect suburb for those who prefer a lifestyle that’s connected to Perth’s inner suburbs.

Nestled just 6 kilometres from Perth’s CBD, Mount Hawthorn is a safe and vibrant suburb that combines inner-city convenience with a warm, community-focused atmosphere.

Known for its leafy streets, character homes, and growing number of modern builds, it’s a popular choice for young families and professionals who want security, lifestyle, and style all in one place. Whether you are hoping to fit right in with a traditional-style home or make a splash with a contemporary house design, the suburb offers some unique advantages.

Lifestyle perks include:

  • A bustling local café and dining strip along Scarborough Beach Road.
  • Easy access to local parks such as Menzies Park and Braithwaite Park, perfect for families.
  • A strong school catchment, including Mount Hawthorn Primary School and nearby high schools.
  • Quick transport connections to Perth CBD and neighbouring hubs like Leederville and North Perth.
  • A mix of charming heritage homes and new, design-led builds that make the suburb visually appealing and versatile.

Safety and Crime Stats

Mount Hawthorn enjoys a strong reputation for safety, with crime rates well below the Perth average. In 2024, reports of burglary and theft declined further, while violent crimes remained minimal. This makes Mount Hawthorn one of the most secure inner-city areas to consider building or buying.

Demographics and Community

  • Population: 7,547 residents (ABS 2021 Census)
  • Area: 3.1 km²
  • Median Home Price: $1,300,000
  • Median Rent: $750 per week
A outside patio with pool, umbrella and stone table in a lower chittering home in one of Perths safest suburbs

4.     Carine

The family-friendly suburb of Carine is one of the safer suburbs in Perth, with a crime rate significantly lower than WA’s average.

Known for its highly regarded primary schools and high schools, Carine has a real sense of community, with regular local events and beautiful public spaces – in particular, Carine Regional Open Space.

Well-connected by public transport, Carine has easy access to some of Perth’s best beaches, as well as the CBD, via the Mitchell Freeway. Shops, cafés, restaurants and boutiques are all in abundance in Carine, making this a popular suburb to call home.

Safety and Crime Stats

Carine remains a safe and welcoming suburb for families, with crime rates well below the Perth average. In 2024, property crimes such as theft and burglary showed a decrease, and violent crimes remained rare. The community-oriented atmosphere, combined with a low crime rate, makes Carine a reassuring choice for those seeking a peaceful, secure lifestyle.

Demographics and Community

  • Population: 7,330 residents (ABS 2021 Census)
  • Area: 4.68 km²
  • Median House Price: $1,350,000
  • Median Rent: $820 per week

5.     Churchlands

Churchlands has long been considered one of Perth’s most desirable suburbs, and is definitely one of the safest. Churchlands ranks safer than 64% of Australian suburbs and 89% of Western Australian suburbs, making it an enviable suburb to live in.

The suburb is home to Churchlands Senior High School, one of Perth’s top public schools, and is close to private schools such as Hale, Newman, and Holy Rosary. There’s a good reason this suburb is popular with families!

As well as great schools, you’ve also got Herdsman Lake Regional Park for walking trails and picnics, and both City Beach and Floreat Beach just a short distance away.

With its tree-lined streets, low crime rate, and community atmosphere, Churchlands is a lovely place to live.

Safety and Crime Stats

Churchlands is widely regarded as one of Perth’s safest suburbs. In 2024, the suburb experienced a significant decrease in both violent and property crimes compared to the previous year. Violent crime rates dropped by 25.8%, and property crime rates decreased by 42.6%. The most commonly reported crimes are property-related, such as theft and property damage, with no reported homicides or assaults in 2024. This places Churchlands among the safest suburbs in Perth.

Demographics and Community

  • Population: 3,638 residents (ABS 2021 Census)
  • Area: 1.67 km²
  • Median House Price: $2,090,000
  • Median Rent: $1,250 per week
Birds eye view of Iluka showing the coast and homes of the safe Perth suburb

Safest Area in Perth to Live or Build

When choosing where to live or build your home in Perth, safety is undoubtedly a key consideration. Fortunately, there are plenty of areas in Perth that offer peace of mind, low crime rates, and excellent amenities. Generally, the northern and southern suburbs, along with coastal and regional areas, are known for being among the safest to settle in. These areas typically feature lower crime rates, well-established communities, and ample green spaces, ideal for families and those seeking a peaceful lifestyle.

To help guide your decision, we’ve analysed crime rate data provided by the Australian police for the period from July 2024 to March 2025. This data gives a clear picture of the relative safety across different districts in Perth and can be a valuable reference for understanding where crime is most prevalent and where safer communities thrive.

Here’s a breakdown of the crime rates by district:

  • Perth District: The highest crime rate in Perth, with 9,610.30 crimes per 100,000 people. Despite a smaller population, this area experiences a significant amount of reported crime.
  • Cannington District: Close behind with 8,800.20 per 100,000 people, indicating a higher crime rate relative to its population of 239,065.
  • Joondalup District: With a relatively low crime rate of 3,403.10 per 100,000 people, Joondalup stands out as a safer area with a large population of 399,140.
  • Mandurah District: Moderate crime rate at 5,957.30 per 100,000 people, with a population of 319,963.
  • Fremantle District: Another moderate area with 5,934.20 crimes per 100,000 people, home to 304,807 people.
  • Midland District: Crime rate of 5,114.50 per 100,000 people, with a population of 292,543.
  • Mirrabooka District: 4,955.40 per 100,000 people, placing it in the mid-range, with a population of 319,188.
  • Total Metropolitan Region: The overall crime rate for Perth’s metro area is 5,854.20 per 100,000 people, giving a broad view of crime levels across the city.

Suburbs with the Most Crime in Perth

While Perth offers many safe and family-friendly suburbs, there are areas with higher crime rates that may not be as ideal for those prioritising safety. Understanding the regions with elevated crime levels can help you make an informed decision about where to live or build your home. Based on recent data, the following areas have been identified as having the highest crime rates (note this is primarily based on suburbs with more than 2,000 residents):

  • Northbridge: With a crime rate of 2,072 crimes per 1,000 people, Northbridge stands out for its high crime levels, largely due to its status as a major nightlife and entertainment precinct. It’s a hotspot for incidents, especially during late hours.
  • Perth: Although it has a larger population of 13,670, Perth records the highest total number of crimes in 2024, with 11,014 incidents. This results in a crime rate of 806 per 1,000 people, making it one of the most crime-rich areas in Perth.
  • Armadale: With a population of 13,415, Armadale reports 4,333 crimes, leading to a crime rate of 323 per 1,000 people. It’s an area where property-related crimes are more frequent.
  • Midland: Midland, with a population of 6,335, has a relatively high crime rate of 543 per 1,000 people, making it one of the more crime-prone suburbs in Perth.
  • Cannington: This suburb reports 3,566 crimes with a population of 6,875, leading to a crime rate of 519 per 1,000 people.
  • Gosnells: Although it has a lower crime rate per capita (170 per 1,000 people), Gosnells reports 3,593 crimes, making it one of the higher total crime areas in Perth.
  • Rockingham: Despite its relatively moderate crime rate of 207 per 1,000 people, Rockingham reports a high total of 3,164 crimes, due to its larger population of 15,312.
  • Fremantle: Known for its lively cultural scene, Fremantle records 4,014 crimes, with a crime rate of 434 per 1,000 people.

Suburbs with the Least Crime in Perth

If safety is your top priority when choosing where to live or build a home in Perth, there are several suburbs that consistently report low crime rates, making them ideal for those seeking peace of mind. Generally, suburbs with lower crime rates are characterised by well-established communities, family-friendly environments, and ample access to amenities like parks, schools, and local services. Here’s a look at some of the safest suburbs based on crime data provided by the WA Police. When analysing this data we focused on suburbs with more than 2,000 residents:

  • Pearsall and Burns Beach stand out as two of the safest suburbs in Perth, each reporting just 62 total crimes in 2024, which translates to a very low crime rate of 15 per 1,000 people. These areas offer a quiet and secure environment, perfect for families and those seeking a peaceful lifestyle.
  • Winthrop also has an impressively low crime rate of 13 per 1,000 people, despite its larger population of 6,020. With just 80 total crimes reported, Winthrop offers a secure and family-friendly atmosphere with easy access to amenities and green spaces.
  • Rossmoyne, Churchlands, and Swanbourne report crime rates between 13 and 19 per 1,000 people, with 64 to 82 total crimes. These suburbs are known for their prestigious schools, beautiful parks, and family-oriented communities, making them ideal for those looking for a safe, suburban lifestyle.
  • Gwelup and Shelley also maintain low crime rates, with 121 and 111 total crimes, respectively, and crime rates of 21 to 23 per 1,000 people. These areas are slightly more populous but still offer a low-crime environment.

So, what are the best suburbs to live in Perth?

It all comes down to what you value the most. Some may prioritise location and seek a suburb close to the CBD, while others may long for a coastal suburb. Some may only be looking for a suburb that they feel fits their style and dream Perth home design, on the other hand, families often prioritise access to quality schools as a top deciding factor. And if safety is your number one concern, this blog has hopefully helped you narrow down your choices.

The truth is that whatever your needs, our recommendation is to identify what matters most to you as this will help make your vision of an ideal home reality. If you’re ready to kick-start your home-building journey or if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the team at Residential Attitudes. We’re here to support you and help you build a home in the suburb that truly speaks to you.