The 10 Safest Suburbs in Sydney

The safest suburbs to live in Sydney by our overall Crime Score rating.

While there are inevitably going to be some suburbs that deal with higher rates of crime, on the whole the Greater Sydney region ranks as one of the safer global cities in the world.

It was ranked 5th out of the top 10 safest to visit during 2019 by the Economist Intelligence Unit, and outside of a few hotspots which can be “relatively” bad – yet nothing compared to many of the worst parts of major cities elsewhere in the world – is generally safe overall.

But among all of Sydney’s 658-some suburbs in total, which rank the absolute safest overall? We’ve created our unique “Crime Score” rating to deduce just that. Crime Score is based on the following formula:

Crime Score = Average No. of Incidents / year * Crime Rate per Capita

Before we dive in, here’s the full, sortable & searchable list of all Sydney suburbs ranked by Crime Score:

Safest Sydney Suburbs by Crime Score

Suburb	Total Crimes	Avg Incidents	Crime Rate per Capita	Crime Score
Middle Cove	13	0.23	0.02%	0.004
Kyle Bay	14	0.25	0.02%	0.006
Mount Vernon	19	0.34	0.03%	0.009
Wheeler Heights	31	0.55	0.02%	0.010
Northwood	19	0.34	0.03%	0.012
Port Hacking	20	0.36	0.03%	0.012
Bonnet Bay	32	0.57	0.02%	0.013
Westleigh	49	0.88	0.02%	0.017
Davidson	41	0.73	0.02%	0.018
Clontarf	31	0.55	0.03%	0.018
Annangrove	30	0.54	0.04%	0.020
Castle Cove	41	0.73	0.03%	0.020
Kearns	41	0.73	0.03%	0.020
Rodd Point	31	0.55	0.04%	0.021
Yarrawarrah	45	0.80	0.03%	0.023
Woodpark	35	0.63	0.04%	0.025
Oakville	40	0.71	0.04%	0.026
Maraylya	36	0.64	0.04%	0.028
Castlecrag	53	0.95	0.03%	0.031
Yowie Bay	58	1.04	0.03%	0.034
Lavender Bay	32	0.57	0.06%	0.035
Point Piper	41	0.73	0.05%	0.036
Cheltenham	61	1.09	0.03%	0.036
Kurrajong	61	1.09	0.03%	0.036
Lilli Pilli (Sutherland Shire)	41	0.73	0.05%	0.036
Birchgrove	64	1.14	0.03%	0.038
Clemton Park	46	0.82	0.05%	0.039
Warrawee	68	1.21	0.03%	0.039
Wareemba	44	0.79	0.05%	0.039
Fairlight	87	1.55	0.03%	0.040
Cabarita	50	0.89	0.05%	0.041
Kareela	67	1.20	0.03%	0.042
Ashbury	67	1.20	0.04%	0.042
Sandringham	41	0.73	0.06%	0.042
Bardwell Valley	59	1.05	0.04%	0.045
Breakfast Point	79	1.41	0.03%	0.047
Oyster Bay	91	1.63	0.03%	0.049
Mount Lewis	44	0.79	0.06%	0.050
Queenscliff	74	1.32	0.04%	0.050
Killarney Heights	85	1.52	0.03%	0.052
Riverview	78	1.39	0.04%	0.056
Wallacia	55	0.98	0.06%	0.058
Pitt Town	76	1.36	0.04%	0.060
Chiswick	76	1.36	0.04%	0.061
Beaconsfield	44	0.79	0.08%	0.063
Terrey Hills	80	1.43	0.05%	0.066
Northbridge	117	2.09	0.03%	0.068
Lugarno	110	1.96	0.03%	0.069
McMahons Point	74	1.32	0.05%	0.069
Woodbine	77	1.38	0.05%	0.069
Loftus	112	2.00	0.04%	0.071
Greenwich	112	2.00	0.04%	0.071
Russell Lea	107	1.91	0.04%	0.071
Dolls Point	61	1.09	0.07%	0.071
Denistone	96	1.71	0.04%	0.071
Kenthurst	106	1.89	0.04%	0.072
Castlereagh	53	0.95	0.08%	0.073
Naremburn	124	2.21	0.04%	0.082
Curl Curl	80	1.43	0.06%	0.083
Picnic Point	127	2.27	0.04%	0.086
Hammondville	96	1.71	0.05%	0.087
Waverton	98	1.75	0.05%	0.090
Wakeley	117	2.09	0.04%	0.091
Glenhaven	135	2.41	0.04%	0.092
Wollstonecraft	166	2.96	0.03%	0.096
Allawah	134	2.39	0.04%	0.097
Bardwell Park	121	2.16	0.05%	0.101
Mulgoa	80	1.43	0.07%	0.101
Cobbitty	85	1.52	0.07%	0.103
Woronora	87	1.55	0.07%	0.106
Normanhurst	137	2.45	0.04%	0.109
Holroyd	67	1.20	0.09%	0.112
Melrose Park	80	1.43	0.08%	0.116
Enfield	104	1.86	0.06%	0.116
Putney	128	2.29	0.05%	0.117
St Johns Park	150	2.68	0.04%	0.117
Newington	147	2.63	0.05%	0.118
Illawong	164	2.93	0.04%	0.119
Bangor	150	2.68	0.05%	0.123
Barden Ridge	131	2.34	0.05%	0.124
Killara	220	3.93	0.03%	0.124
Queens Park	113	2.02	0.06%	0.125
Longueville	90	1.61	0.08%	0.127
Blakehurst	165	2.95	0.04%	0.128
Como	169	3.02	0.04%	0.128
Meadowbank	145	2.59	0.05%	0.130
Parklea	119	2.13	0.06%	0.131
Raby	157	2.80	0.05%	0.134
Luddenham	91	1.63	0.08%	0.134
Mount Colah	198	3.54	0.04%	0.141
Darling Point	144	2.57	0.06%	0.145
Rossmore	106	1.89	0.08%	0.146
Mortlake	71	1.27	0.12%	0.148
Wilberforce	119	2.13	0.07%	0.148
Middleton Grange	154	2.75	0.05%	0.149
Roseville	227	4.05	0.04%	0.149
Orchard Hills	100	1.79	0.09%	0.153
Kirribilli	136	2.43	0.06%	0.155
Belrose	208	3.71	0.04%	0.155
Clovelly	152	2.71	0.06%	0.157
Seaforth	192	3.43	0.05%	0.157
Willoughby	177	3.16	0.05%	0.157
Galston	126	2.25	0.07%	0.158
Palm Beach	93	1.66	0.10%	0.158
Tamarama	93	1.66	0.10%	0.160
Wattle Grove	212	3.79	0.04%	0.162
Croydon	246	4.39	0.04%	0.178
Cromer	209	3.73	0.05%	0.183
Vaucluse	240	4.29	0.04%	0.185
Cammeray	206	3.68	0.05%	0.187
Freshwater	231	4.13	0.05%	0.190
Holsworthy	215	3.84	0.05%	0.191
Turrella	148	2.64	0.07%	0.192
Hoxton Park	176	3.14	0.07%	0.222
Pymble	288	5.14	0.04%	0.223
St Ives	348	6.21	0.04%	0.226
Hinchinbrook	283	5.05	0.04%	0.227
Cremorne	286	5.11	0.05%	0.232
Horsley Park	120	2.14	0.11%	0.234
St Andrews	206	3.68	0.06%	0.237
Hillsdale	200	3.57	0.07%	0.237
Monterey	191	3.41	0.07%	0.247
Pemulwuy	198	3.54	0.07%	0.251
Milperra	176	3.14	0.08%	0.255
Oatlands	213	3.80	0.07%	0.257
St Helens Park	233	4.16	0.06%	0.257
Dural (Hornsby)	249	4.45	0.06%	0.259
Beecroft	307	5.48	0.05%	0.260
Forestville	262	4.68	0.06%	0.260
Rushcutters Bay	149	2.66	0.10%	0.261
Kurnell	143	2.55	0.10%	0.266
Ramsgate	100	1.79	0.15%	0.268
Little Bay	195	3.48	0.08%	0.272
Asquith	192	3.43	0.08%	0.272
Winston Hills	314	5.61	0.05%	0.275
Darlington (Sydney)	173	3.09	0.09%	0.276
Banksia	184	3.29	0.08%	0.278
Turramurra	351	6.27	0.04%	0.280
Oatley	355	6.34	0.04%	0.282
Elderslie (Camden)	228	4.07	0.07%	0.283
Kyeemagh	108	1.93	0.15%	0.284
Wahroonga	411	7.34	0.04%	0.284
Milsons Point	153	2.73	0.11%	0.289
Cherrybrook	542	9.68	0.03%	0.294
Rose Bay	310	5.54	0.05%	0.294
Gordon	315	5.63	0.05%	0.300
Earlwood	417	7.45	0.04%	0.305
Harrington Park	317	5.66	0.05%	0.306
Marsfield	358	6.39	0.05%	0.306
Kings Langley	300	5.36	0.06%	0.306
East Hills	199	3.55	0.09%	0.306
Londonderry	193	3.45	0.09%	0.307
Chifley	185	3.30	0.10%	0.314
Bronte	262	4.68	0.07%	0.315
Haberfield	258	4.61	0.07%	0.315
Narraweena	258	4.61	0.07%	0.315
Bellevue Hill	328	5.86	0.05%	0.315
Frenchs Forest	365	6.52	0.05%	0.315
Narwee	272	4.86	0.07%	0.317
Watsons Bay	99	1.77	0.18%	0.318
Ruse	239	4.27	0.08%	0.321
Forest Lodge	220	3.93	0.08%	0.322
Girraween	239	4.27	0.08%	0.323
Hurlstone Park	240	4.29	0.08%	0.326
Silverwater (Parramatta)	209	3.73	0.09%	0.331
Avalon Beach	322	5.75	0.06%	0.331
Bella Vista	288	5.14	0.07%	0.336
Waitara	273	4.88	0.07%	0.337
Berala	315	5.63	0.06%	0.338
Pagewood	205	3.66	0.09%	0.345
Regents Park	242	4.32	0.08%	0.346
Woollahra	288	5.14	0.07%	0.347
Daceyville	116	2.07	0.17%	0.350
Lindfield	347	6.20	0.06%	0.359
Glenwood	428	7.64	0.05%	0.365
Heathcote	267	4.77	0.08%	0.368
Woodcroft	271	4.84	0.08%	0.370
Concord	416	7.43	0.05%	0.381
Dharruk	183	3.27	0.12%	0.390
Balgowlah	310	5.54	0.07%	0.394
North Rocks	312	5.57	0.07%	0.395
Rhodes	382	6.82	0.06%	0.396
Manly Vale	278	4.96	0.08%	0.397
Pennant Hills	319	5.70	0.07%	0.405
Dundas	245	4.38	0.09%	0.407
Millers Point	149	2.66	0.16%	0.417
Berowra	315	5.63	0.08%	0.430
Sefton	343	6.13	0.07%	0.432
Oakhurst	307	5.48	0.08%	0.436
Colebee	167	2.98	0.15%	0.453
Collaroy	341	6.09	0.08%	0.458
Constitution Hill	240	4.29	0.11%	0.470
Thornleigh	381	6.80	0.07%	0.471
Ropes Crossing	305	5.45	0.09%	0.485
Carlton	435	7.77	0.06%	0.491
Hunters Hill	380	6.79	0.07%	0.492
Lansvale	205	3.66	0.14%	0.499
Edgecliff	239	4.27	0.12%	0.499
Stanhope Gardens	382	6.82	0.07%	0.507
Wiley Park	431	7.70	0.07%	0.523
Annandale	411	7.34	0.07%	0.530
Spring Farm	272	4.86	0.11%	0.530
Malabar	300	5.36	0.10%	0.531
Summer Hill (Inner West)	360	6.43	0.08%	0.533
Sylvania	421	7.52	0.07%	0.537
Warriewood	356	6.36	0.08%	0.540
Newport	403	7.20	0.08%	0.551
Lane Cove	433	7.73	0.07%	0.554
Peakhurst	435	7.77	0.07%	0.559
Mortdale	489	8.73	0.07%	0.570
Bexley	608	10.86	0.05%	0.570
Gladesville	460	8.21	0.07%	0.579
Menai	443	7.91	0.07%	0.584
Panania	503	8.98	0.07%	0.590
Taren Point	183	3.27	0.18%	0.592
Wentworth Point	359	6.41	0.09%	0.596
Kings Park	255	4.55	0.13%	0.604
Penshurst	519	9.27	0.07%	0.617
Lewisham	254	4.54	0.14%	0.621
Sans Souci	449	8.02	0.08%	0.625
Engadine	584	10.43	0.06%	0.635
Prospect	306	5.46	0.12%	0.638
Condell Park	479	8.55	0.07%	0.639
Jannali	398	7.11	0.09%	0.650
Oxley Park	256	4.57	0.14%	0.653
Narrabeen	408	7.29	0.09%	0.654
Kellyville	757	13.52	0.05%	0.659
Lurnea	447	7.98	0.09%	0.681
Stanmore	416	7.43	0.09%	0.693
Botany	486	8.68	0.08%	0.696
Tempe	298	5.32	0.13%	0.697
Artarmon	473	8.45	0.08%	0.699
Birrong	409	7.30	0.10%	0.706
Mount Annan	510	9.11	0.08%	0.715
Neutral Bay	500	8.93	0.08%	0.722
Roselands	515	9.20	0.08%	0.726
Five Dock	475	8.48	0.09%	0.733
Greystanes	725	12.95	0.06%	0.734
Woolooware	359	6.41	0.12%	0.746
St Peters	283	5.05	0.15%	0.748
Llandilo	201	3.59	0.21%	0.749
Arncliffe	525	9.38	0.08%	0.767
Mona Vale	513	9.16	0.08%	0.770
West Ryde	579	10.34	0.08%	0.776
Enmore (Inner West)	308	5.50	0.14%	0.780
Eastlakes	422	7.54	0.10%	0.789
Lilyfield	447	7.98	0.10%	0.800
Bradbury	472	8.43	0.09%	0.800
Drummoyne	560	10.00	0.08%	0.815
Ermington	526	9.39	0.09%	0.821
Erskineville	477	8.52	0.10%	0.833
Harris Park	448	8.00	0.11%	0.842
Mosman	900	16.07	0.05%	0.856
Eastwood	694	12.39	0.07%	0.856
Rydalmere	427	7.63	0.11%	0.869
Rosemeadow	466	8.32	0.11%	0.885
Carlingford	845	15.09	0.06%	0.905
Petersham	502	8.96	0.10%	0.932
Bonnyrigg	507	9.05	0.10%	0.940
Brighton-le-Sands	502	8.96	0.11%	0.945
Epping	992	17.71	0.05%	0.947
Rozelle	537	9.59	0.10%	0.952
Minchinbury	413	7.38	0.13%	0.959
Canterbury	501	8.95	0.11%	0.995
Matraville	555	9.91	0.10%	1.000
St Leonards	535	9.55	0.10%	1.001
Lakemba	790	14.11	0.07%	1.008
Crows Nest	404	7.21	0.14%	1.026
Balmain	584	10.43	0.10%	1.058
Emu Plains	543	9.70	0.11%	1.060
Rosehill	361	6.45	0.17%	1.064
Padstow	721	12.88	0.08%	1.067
Prairiewood	332	5.93	0.18%	1.074
Oran Park	409	7.30	0.15%	1.086
Dulwich Hill	772	13.79	0.08%	1.095
Baulkham Hills	1133	20.23	0.06%	1.115
Kensington	721	12.88	0.09%	1.117
Kingsford	757	13.52	0.08%	1.121
Colyton	546	9.75	0.12%	1.138
Prestons	735	13.13	0.09%	1.141
Moorebank	595	10.63	0.11%	1.142
Jamisontown	441	7.88	0.15%	1.148
Bondi	898	16.04	0.07%	1.163
Plumpton	580	10.36	0.11%	1.177
Gymea	671	11.98	0.10%	1.190
Northmead	641	11.45	0.10%	1.190
St Clair (Penrith)	848	15.14	0.08%	1.198
Zetland	613	10.95	0.11%	1.216
Ambarvale	530	9.46	0.13%	1.220
Waverley	414	7.39	0.17%	1.226
Belmore	813	14.52	0.09%	1.293
Wentworthville	714	12.75	0.10%	1.331
Paddington	758	13.54	0.10%	1.346
Kingsgrove	830	14.82	0.09%	1.382
Canley Vale	702	12.54	0.11%	1.399
Hebersham	504	9.00	0.16%	1.432
Marayong	666	11.89	0.12%	1.477
Yagoona	937	16.73	0.09%	1.479
Pendle Hill	624	11.14	0.13%	1.487
Kirrawee	763	13.63	0.11%	1.511
Leichhardt	844	15.07	0.10%	1.543
Rosebery	711	12.70	0.12%	1.565
Quakers Hill	1324	23.64	0.07%	1.603
Leppington	511	9.13	0.18%	1.616
Rouse Hill	791	14.13	0.12%	1.672
Mount Pritchard	718	12.82	0.13%	1.674
Smithfield	802	14.32	0.12%	1.708
Lalor Park	639	11.41	0.15%	1.710
Cranebrook	915	16.34	0.10%	1.711
Yennora	346	6.18	0.28%	1.715
Chester Hill	909	16.23	0.11%	1.735
Telopea	562	10.04	0.18%	1.770
Greenacre	1165	20.80	0.09%	1.782
Leumeah	916	16.36	0.11%	1.847
Punchbowl (Canterbury-Bankstown)	1211	21.63	0.09%	1.970
Double Bay	578	10.32	0.19%	1.974
Homebush	703	12.55	0.16%	2.047
Schofields	637	11.38	0.18%	2.052
Rooty Hill	1075	19.20	0.11%	2.126
Claymore	427	7.63	0.28%	2.153
Ryde	1388	24.79	0.09%	2.235
Wetherill Park	667	11.91	0.19%	2.304
Ashfield	1458	26.04	0.09%	2.334
Rockdale	1281	22.88	0.11%	2.421
Casula	1146	20.46	0.12%	2.456
Coogee	1089	19.45	0.13%	2.489
Blackett	523	9.34	0.27%	2.535
Shalvey	523	9.34	0.27%	2.542
Westmead	1312	23.43	0.11%	2.590
Whalan	692	12.36	0.21%	2.591
Willmot	452	8.07	0.33%	2.653
Toongabbie	1185	21.16	0.13%	2.670
Castle Hill	1820	32.50	0.08%	2.712
Macquarie Park	852	15.21	0.18%	2.747
Elizabeth Bay	686	12.25	0.23%	2.775
Ultimo	898	16.04	0.17%	2.784
Chippendale	895	15.98	0.18%	2.816
Randwick	1711	30.55	0.10%	2.961
Marsden Park	594	10.61	0.29%	3.107
Richmond	857	15.30	0.22%	3.317
Revesby	1373	24.52	0.14%	3.370
Strathfield	1955	34.91	0.10%	3.428
Miller	638	11.39	0.33%	3.785
Emerton	522	9.32	0.41%	3.840
Guildford	1688	30.14	0.13%	3.930
Werrington	764	13.64	0.29%	3.956
Bidwill	759	13.55	0.31%	4.155
Wolli Creek	1734	30.96	0.14%	4.374
Glenfield	2388	42.64	0.11%	4.528
Lidcombe	2183	38.98	0.12%	4.777
Minto	1823	32.55	0.15%	4.794
Lethbridge Park	843	15.05	0.32%	4.801
Mascot	1557	27.80	0.18%	4.904
Tregear	792	14.14	0.36%	5.112
Doonside	1599	28.55	0.19%	5.534
Camperdown	1386	24.75	0.23%	5.576
North Sydney	1276	22.79	0.25%	5.601
Riverwood	1650	29.46	0.19%	5.716
Auburn	2853	50.95	0.11%	5.799
Cronulla	2284	40.79	0.14%	5.836
Ingleburn	2093	37.38	0.16%	5.871
Caringbah	1758	31.39	0.19%	5.987
Edmondson Park	1020	18.21	0.33%	5.991
Kogarah	2234	39.89	0.15%	6.173
Dee Why	2099	37.48	0.17%	6.413
Brookvale	845	15.09	0.46%	6.944
Riverstone	1316	23.50	0.30%	6.960
Seven Hills	2313	41.30	0.17%	7.059
Chatswood	2657	47.45	0.15%	7.082
Marrickville	2726	48.68	0.15%	7.408
Maroubra	2764	49.36	0.16%	7.709
Burwood	2094	37.39	0.22%	8.070
Hurstville	4066	72.61	0.11%	8.251
Manly	2119	37.84	0.23%	8.703
Macquarie Fields	1948	34.79	0.25%	8.766
Granville	2577	46.02	0.20%	9.137
Merrylands	2995	53.48	0.18%	9.491
Alexandria	1588	28.36	0.34%	9.585
Hornsby	3747	66.91	0.14%	9.684
Narellan	1060	18.93	0.51%	9.719
Sydenham	1558	27.82	0.36%	9.915
Waterloo	2158	38.54	0.26%	9.977
Miranda	3096	55.29	0.19%	10.243
Kingswood (Penrith)	1975	35.27	0.31%	10.760
Pyrmont	2187	39.05	0.29%	11.347
Sutherland	3007	53.70	0.22%	11.618
Campsie	3303	58.98	0.21%	12.322
Fairfield	3018	53.89	0.23%	12.464
Woolloomooloo	1283	22.91	0.55%	12.522
Cabramatta	4414	78.82	0.18%	14.174
Glebe	2329	41.59	0.35%	14.496
Eastern Creek	685	12.23	1.25%	15.235
Warwick Farm	2917	52.09	0.29%	15.324
Windsor	1237	22.09	0.71%	15.683
Darlinghurst	2580	46.07	0.35%	16.351
Newtown	3492	62.36	0.31%	19.206
Bankstown	6892	123.07	0.21%	25.599
Potts Point	4349	77.66	0.41%	32.039
Redfern	3966	70.82	0.47%	33.376
St Marys	7356	131.36	0.38%	49.581
Surry Hills	5188	92.64	0.55%	50.617
Blacktown	12912	230.57	0.23%	52.906
Mount Druitt	10654	190.25	0.35%	67.072
Parramatta	10116	180.64	0.40%	71.535
Penrith	8328	148.71	0.69%	102.748
Liverpool	15069	269.09	0.39%	104.798
Campbelltown	7913	141.30	0.78%	110.448
Haymarket	8742	156.11	0.75%	116.371

While each of these highly safe suburbs are located in multiple different regions all over Sydney, they typically have a few things in common – lower-density housing and a lack of highrise apartments, limited amenities or public services, and a lack of heavy rail train connectivity are all consistent themes to varying degrees.

With all that said, let’s take a look at the 10 safest suburbs in Sydney here.

10. Clontarf

Region: Northern Beaches

Crime Score: 0.018

Part of the initial gateway to Sydney’s Northern Beaches region, Clontarf is a land of pristine, secluded bays and miniature sand beaches dotted with many gorgeous, high-end homes. You’d be forgiven for thinking that suburbs with high pricetags such as this would dominate the low-crime rankings, however that’s often far from the case.

Clontarf is a relatively low-population suburb, both due to a generally low-density housing profile as well as significant portions of it being taken up by a mix of parkland, reserves, foreshore areas and walking tracks.

It’s also largely lacking in amenities, or anything “to do” in general outside of its pretty natural offerings – combine this with limited public transport options, and there’s little of the typical drawcards that bring in crime overall.

“Clontarf is a land of pristine, secluded bays and miniature sand beaches dotted with many gorgeous, high-end homes.”

Merely jump over one suburb to neighbouring Balgowlah, and a massive uptick in crime rate takes place – yet Clontarf escapes the bulk of any of the major crime indicators.

Clontarf is still worth a visit, however, as visitors can spend time on its lovely little stretches of sand such as Clontarf Beach and Sandy Bay (although parking is limited), or do the walk down to Grotto Point Lighthouse and admire the views across the water to Middle Head and beyond.

9. Davidson

Region: Northern Suburbs

Crime Score: 0.018

Part of what’s known as the “Forest District”, Davidson is a charming if unassuming residential suburb surrounded by a healthy dose of greenery courtesy of the ample surrounding slices of national park. Highly family-oriented, it’s home to generally large and upper-tier homes on roomy blocks which sit on largely peaceful back streets that offer a good degree of privacy to boot.

Much of the suburb as a whole sits in an elevated position, with many of its homes able to garner views all the way across to the Sydney CBD which lies some 20-ish kilometres away.

It’s long been popular for families – many are long-term residents who haven’t moved for decades – not only for its high degree of safety, but also access to its own duo of public schools as well. All combined, its communal atmosphere is a large contributing factor to its safety and low crime rate.

“It’s home to generally large and upper-tier homes on roomy blocks which sit on largely peaceful back streets that offer a good degree of privacy to boot.”

It’s otherwise lacking in amenities outside of small-scale minor local cafes and restaurant options, however a 10+ minute drive is all it takes to access the main retail and dining area of Frenchs Forest nearby. Its lack of public transport connectivity is a factor; expect about a 1 hour ride into Town Hall on a good day.

Aside from its obvious immediate access to significant helpings of bushland, Davidson’s other main calling card is its popularity during the Christmas holiday season.

It’s become increasingly renowned for its Christmas Lights displays, with streets such as Borgnis Street and Cambage Street ranking amongst the best in all of Sydney and turning the usually-serene suburb into a cavalcade of families looking to soak in the impressive spectacle.

8. Westleigh

Region: Northern Suburbs

Crime Score: 0.017

Boasting a peaceful and friendly “village” feel that feels escapist without sacrificing an extreme distance to services and amenities, Westleigh in the north is another highly safe suburb enshrouded by thick Aussie bushland.

Home to a range of great options for enjoying the outdoors – including its own slice of an epic walking track, mountain bike trails, and plenty of good spots for a picnic – it’s another relatively unknown and undervisited part of Sydney that few ever talk about.

This is despite its location still being pretty convenient relative to how peaceful it is. Westleigh has no train station of its own, yet the drive in to neighbouring Hornsby not far away is easily doable. Westleigh also experiences no through-traffic noise, yet allows people to still hop on a train or for drivers to simply jump on the motorway and head down into the city by car instead.

“This is another relatively unknown and undervisited part of Sydney that few ever talk about.”

Plenty of greenery and bird life combine with excellent parks – one with more of a “wild” as opposed to “manicured” feel in Westleigh Bush Park – to make for a nature-oriented streetscape alongside its continuingly developing array of low-density housing. Unlike many other of the safest suburbs on this list, it’s not an amenity-wasteland, either.

The Westleigh Village shopping centre is a solid, balanced local shopping facility with a healthy mix of stores and services without being overblown like a Westfield, which is also still available 10 minutes or so away in Hornsby should you have need of one.

Add in access to some of the North Shore’s top schools not too far away, and this is an underrated suburb for Sydney families in general that’s not only extremely safe, but walks the line between seclusion and access quite well.

7. Bonnet Bay

Region: Sutherland Shire

Crime Score: 0.013

Is there a direct correlation between great Christmas lights displays and safety as far as Sydney suburbs go? While it’d be hard to prove, Bonnet Bay is another secluded and green slice of suburbia that’s long been renowned for its spectacularly-lit homes, with this writer in particular having some fond memories of driving around here back in his youth.

While it’s not what it once was display-wise, that’s nothing to take away from the physical attractiveness of the suburb itself.

Perched above the banks of the pretty Woronora River in Sutherland Shire, this cute little suburb not only experiences next to no crime, but has a strong multi-generational family community with the increasing occasional dashes of newer blood creeping in.

It’s eminently green, from the streets themselves dotted with mid size and large homes to its inherent bushland environment which runs right down to the waterfront.

“It’s highly peaceful and serene, with direct access to the water via boat ramp and multiple slices of gorgeous waterfront parkland.”

It’s highly peaceful and serene, with direct access to the water via boat ramp and multiple slices of gorgeous waterfront parkland in both the Bonnet Bay and Lakewood City Reserves which are particularly well-equipped for kids. It’s wrapped in raw bushland too, with multiple quality bush tracks for walking enthusiasts and those who just want some fresh air.

Due to its tucked-away nature it experiences no through-traffic, while both its quality local school and small-scale shopping village equipped with a local supermarket prevent it from being an amenity no-man’s-land.

While it’s not directly connected to the city, Jannali Station is just up the road, and makes for a fairly viable commute for somewhere that’s otherwise escapist and roughly 30km away from the Sydney CBD.

6. Port Hacking

Region: Sutherland Shire

Crime Score: 0.012

Perhaps better-known for the body of water of the same name, the actual suburb of Port Hacking ranks as one of the most expensive suburbs in Sutherland Shire for a reason. Sitting in an elevated position, much of the suburb offers sweeping, impressive views of the vivid waters of its surrounding estuary and further across to the dense greenery of Royal National Park on the other side of the bank.

It’s a highly sought after area for aquatic activities as a result, with the likes of boating, kayaking, and fishing all popular, with access to the water granted via Wally’s Wharf in adjacent Dolan’s Bay just to the north.

Port Hacking is also a bit of a hidden gem for snorkelling and scuba diving, with an array of soft corals, eels, a variety of fish and more all easily visible from local landmark Shiprock Reserve (named after its rock formation that is shaped exactly like what you’d expect).

“It’s a highly sought after area for aquatic activities as a result, with the likes of boating, kayaking, and fishing all popular.”

Port Hacking itself is a small suburb as a whole; with a population of around 1,100, it ranks as one of the smallest on this list. The streetscape that it boasts is anything but however, with some truly towering and impressive homes – particularly the closer you get down towards the waterfront.

As a result, there’s not much in the way of amenities here outside of a couple of local restaurants and small-scale stores; most of the shopping is done by heading up the road either to Lilli Pilli (smaller) or Caringbah (larger) for the appropriate shopping needs.

Port Hacking is generally quiet both due to its strict parking rules and a relative lack of through-traffic, although things typically pick up on weekends as people visit to make use of its waterfront areas. It’s particularly popular for fishing enthusiasts, with snapper a popular catch and many other species abundant in the nearby waterways.

5. Northwood

Region: Lower North Shore

Crime Score: 0.012

Who ever said that money can’t buy happiness? It certainly can buy safety, at the very least, as the residents of the tiny yet exclusive suburb of Northwood on Sydney’s Lower North Shore can attest to. This is another suburb that comes with a premium pricetag, with a quality of living, amount of room, and impeccable aspect that comes along with it.

Statistically home to the highest percentage of freestanding homes of any suburb in Sydney (i.e: all of them) and a wealthy level of household income to match, Northwood is exclusive in multiple ways.

Not only do significant portions of the suburb offer pretty views across the boat-dotted waters of Woodford Bay and the Lane Cove River, but it’s physically close enough to business centres in both North Sydney and the Sydney CBD to make for an enviable commute.

” This is another suburb that comes with a premium pricetag, with a quality of living, amount of room, and impeccable aspect that comes along with it.”

Multiple waterfront reserves coexist alongside many striking high-end homes and historic mansions, while its ferry wharf gives Northwood an alternative form of public transport access befitting its premium feel and connecting through to Circular Quay.

It’s purely residential, however, with the closest shop of any kind being a small IGA in neighbouring Greenwich; for major shopping, most head up Longueville Road to Lane Cove instead.

It’s physically miniscule – second only to the microscopic Beaconsfield as the smallest suburb in all of Sydney – but packs a lot of prestige into a small physical area. Northwood is the embodiment of the “Good things, small packages” cliche in a single Sydney suburb; and one for which you’ll have to pay an exceedingly high price of admission.

4. Wheeler Heights

Region: Northern Beaches

Crime Score: 0.010

Only re-established as an actual separate suburb relatively recently, Wheeler Heights on the Northern Beaches had historically flip-flopped between this status since the 1970’s until being official re-designated as such back in 2011. In the present day it again proudly stands on its own, and boasts a lot to like in terms of a peaceful yet still accessible spot to capitalise on the benefits of the Northern Beaches.

Aside from having easy access to the water with close proximity to the beaches at Collaroy and Dee Why – along with an elevation that gives it great views of these to boot – there’s an abundance of other natural opportunities just a stone’s throw away as well.

It’s dotted with reserves and biking tracks, particularly along South Creek Reserve which leads on to the extensive Narrabeen Lagoon Trail which in turn can head all the way around to the beach as well, providing wonderful water views of the lagoon itself along the way.

“Wheeler Heights is primarily family-oriented and provides easy access to multiple quality schools.”

Fitting for a suburb that originally derived its name from the school of the same name, Wheeler Heights is primarily family-oriented and provides easy access to multiple quality schools (both regular and pre-schools) itself and in suburbs nearby. It’s again mostly low-density residential homes of both mid to high tier, with a high quality of street pride and maintenance overall.

In addition, while it’s far from “cheap”, it’s much more reasonably-priced than many of the gaudier brand-name Northern Beaches suburbs which are not much further away. Amenity-wise it’s rather bare-bones outside of its schools, although amenities for supermarket shopping are available right on its border with Collaroy Plateau.

For bigger shops, drive down to the centre in Brookvale or across to Dee Why for more comprehensive everyday needs. To get down into the city, either jump on the highway and deal with the unpleasant traffic conditions, or go via Manly and catch the ferry over into the harbour.

3. Mount Vernon

Region: Western Suburbs

Crime Score: 0.009%

The only entry among Sydney’s Western Suburbs to make the list, Mount Vernon is “west” in name yet not in stereotypical atmosphere.

Technically part of the greater Penrith area, it couldn’t be more different from the urban sprawl of the region’s central areas. Instead, Mount Vernon is largely rural and hilly, with an aspect that can grant views that extend all the way out to the Blue Mountains further west.

While it lies a robust 42km outside the Sydney CBD, its proximity to both the M4 and M7 give it more direct and immediate access to both the city and centres such as Blacktown (30 minutes), Parramatta (35 minutes) and Penrith itself (likewise) within a reasonable timeframe. It’s a location that, on a good day, can even make a sub-50-minute drive into Town Hall a real possibility.

“There are still roomy pockets of land available on multiple acres for relatively reasonable prices as far as Sydney goes.”

It may just be a price worth paying if it’s a safe, peaceful and more laid-back lifestyle you’re after as well. If you’re the type for whom the prospect of seeing Aussie wildlife jump around on the back of your acreage property without being in true “regional” Australia is appealing, this is the type of environment Mount Vernon can offer.

Due to its mix of size and low population density, there are still roomy pockets of land available on multiple acres for relatively reasonable prices as far as Sydney goes. While it still doesn’t have too much to offer amenity-wise, schools as well as supermarket shopping are available in its neighbouring suburbs while traffic is still at refreshingly minimal levels.

With the upcoming development of the Western Sydney Airport at Badgery’s Creek not physically far away, things only look to continue to develop in and around Mount Vernon – although how that will affect its extremely low crime rate remains to be seen.

2. Kyle Bay

Region: Southern Suburbs

Crime Score: 0.006

A compact little suburb on the water not too far south of Hurstville in the St. George region of Sydney, Kyle Bay derives its name from its neighbouring bay. It’s another of these high-end, unassuming and slightly disconnected slices of suburbia in Sydney that people tend not to visit – which both keeps its crime rate incredibly low, and its locals happy that it remains a hidden gem.

Kyle Bay boasts the lowest figures in Sydney for home break-in related crimes and burglaries, yet unlike some of the other purely-residential suburbs on this list has a number of local little attractions that make it actually worth visiting.

Its namesake Bay itself offers some nice views without being overly spectacular, with the adjoining Merriman Reserve providing a highly peaceful spot to soak in the views across the Georges River to Kangaroo Point.

“Unlike some of the other purely-residential suburbs on this list has a number of local little attractions that make it actually worth visiting.”

It’s home to a handful of high-quality, small-scale cafes and restaurants (as well as a larger-scale function venue in Jaaks overlooking the water) that make for a buzzing little back street dining scene, while its various reserves, parks and playgrounds add strong desirability points for families. Everyday amenities aren’t its strong suit, with a drive up to South Hurstville required for shopping and grocery needs.

Some historic local landmarks and various green reserves help diversify its mostly large-home-heavy streetscape, and it’s as peaceful and leafy as you might expect for a suburb of its price this far south relative to the city.

Its position for accessing the city is reasonable if not ideal (driving involves a route through the traffic-heavy Rockdale or Mascot areas) and it lacks rail connectivity, but the sacrifices may be worth it if the combination of peace & safety are your primary goals.

And the award for Safest Sydney Suburb goes to…

1. Middle Cove

Region: Lower North Shore

Crime Score: 0.004

As a regular Sydneysider, you’d be forgiven for being blissfully unaware of the existence of many of the suburbs on this list.

This extends to our #1 Safest Sydney Suburb as well; tucked away behind Chatswood on Sydney’s North Shore, Middle Cove is dominated by a hefty dose of greenery courtesy of its Harold Reid Reserve which represents one of the finest clusters of natural bushland in this part of Sydney.

It couldn’t be a more different topography than the built-up, shopping-centric aspect of its immediate neighbour. Home to an array of walking tracks, numerous wildlife species such as wallabies, owls, goannas, sugar gliders, echidnas and more, and offering great views stretching out to Fig Tree Cove and beyond, it’s a refreshingly untouched bit of paradise that sets the scene for the rest of this highly-safe suburb as a whole.

“Middle Cove is secluded, serene and green yet also boasts the benefits of having one of Sydney’s largest and most diverse shopping and dining hubs nearby.”

Similar to many of the other suburbs above, Middle Cove is secluded, serene and green yet also boasts the benefits of having one of Sydney’s largest and most diverse shopping and dining hubs right in its figurative backyard. This is no distant, isolated burb; few suburbs in Sydney can grant such an idyllic balance between such abundant nature offerings and retail opportunities as this.

While the pricetag for admission here is fairly steep and supply is limited given its relatively small size, it’s not exorbitantly so by Sydney standards given everything it offers. Schooling options are solid as well in its neighbouring duo of “Castle” suburbs, and its proximity to jump on the M1 and head southbound makes for a fairly enviable commute given how secluded Middle Cove otherwise is.

With near-bottom rankings for all major crime indicators and a mere handful of incidents across the board, Middle Cove makes for about as safe an environment as one could want when living in Sydney.

Honourable mentions: Annangrove, Castle Cove, Kearns, Rodd Point, Yarrawarrah