Canadas Most Dangerous Cities: Top 10 for 2025

Qayyum Rajan is a CFA Charterholder who has previously worked at CIBC, RBC Dominion Securities and Sentry Investments before creating his own fintech ventures. He has been a financial advisor, analyst and portfolio manager who is passionate about helping people reach their financial goals. Qayyum is the owner of Wealth Awesome where he writes financial content and creates tools for over 20,000 Canadian investors.

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Canada is globally admired for its safety and quality of life, but some of our cities are grappling with elevated crime rates.

Understanding the dynamics of Canada’s most dangerous cities, including Canadas most dangerous cities, provides a clearer perspective on the challenges these communities face.

This article explores Canadas most dangerous cities with the highest Crime Severity Index (CSI) in 2024, focusing on Canadas most dangerous cities, highlights contributing factors, and discusses solutions for building safer communities.

What is the Crime Severity Index (CSI)?

Canadas most dangerous cities often struggle with unique challenges that require tailored solutions.

The Crime Severity Index is a metric used by Statistics Canada to assess the severity of crimes across different regions. Unlike traditional crime rate measures, which only count incidents, the CSI assigns weight to various crimes based on their seriousness. This approach offers a nuanced understanding of the impact of crime, making it a key tool for policymakers and law enforcement.


Top Cities with High Crime Rates in Canada

Here is a closer look at Canadas most dangerous cities and the factors influencing their crime rates.

To understand better, we need to examine each of Canadas most dangerous cities in detail.

City/Area Crime Severity Index (CSI) Percentage Change Annually (CSI) Crime Rate (Per 100,000 People) Percentage Change Annually (Crime Rate)
Kamloops 165.3 10% 13,116 -2%
Chilliwack 156.2 24% 11,615 17%
Red Deer 146.9 -11% 12,765 -8%
Winnipeg 129.1 -6% 8,193 -6%
Lethbridge 129.1 7% 9,376 -1%
Nanaimo 125.5 -2% 10,200 -9%
Kelowna 118.6 -6% 9,423 -9%
Saskatoon 116.3 -1% 8,730 5%
Regina 111.6 7% 7,988 3%
Abbotsford–Mission 107.6 23% 6,725 15%

Kamloops, British Columbia

Known for its scenic beauty, Kamloops struggles with a CSI of 165.3, the highest in Canada. Despite a slight decrease in the overall crime rate, the severity of crimes, particularly violent offenses, has surged. The city faces challenges in addressing these complex issues despite ongoing efforts.

Crime in Kamloops - canadas most dangerous cities

Chilliwack, British Columbia

With a CSI of 156.2, Chilliwack is among Canadas most dangerous cities, seeing a troubling annual increase in crime severity and rate.

Red Deer, Alberta

Once celebrated, Red Deer is now one of Canadas most dangerous cities, facing significant crime issues.

Red Deer Landscape

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Winnipeg, one of Canadas most dangerous cities, has a CSI of 129.1. Recent efforts have reduced crime rates, but persistent issues like gang violence and drug-related crimes continue to challenge local authorities in Canadas most dangerous cities.

Crime Stats in Winnipeg

Lethbridge, Alberta

A vibrant city, Lethbridge is also categorized as one of Canadas most dangerous cities with a CSI of 129.1.

To help residents, understanding Canadas most dangerous cities is essential for local governance and safety planning.


Trends

Emerging Trends in Crime Across Canada

Over the past decade, trends in Canada’s crime landscape have shifted significantly:

  • Increased Violent Crime: Assaults and homicides have risen in many cities, overshadowing declines in non-violent crimes.
  • Substance Abuse Linkages: Drug-related offenses are a common thread in regions with high CSI scores.
  • Economic Disparities: Areas with higher poverty rates often report elevated crime levels, highlighting the role of socioeconomic factors.

Why Are These Cities Struggling with Crime?

Several underlying factors contribute to the high crime rates in these cities:

Economic Challenges

Economic instability, including unemployment and poverty, often correlates with increased crime. Residents facing financial hardships may resort to illegal activities out of desperation.

Substance Abuse and Addiction

Drug and alcohol abuse remain major drivers of crime. Cities like Vancouver and Winnipeg, where substance abuse is rampant, report high rates of violent and non-violent crimes linked to addiction.

Social and Mental Health Issues

Lack of access to mental health services can exacerbate crime rates. Domestic violence, petty theft, and other crimes often stem from untreated mental health issues.

Policing and Community Engagement

Inadequate law enforcement resources hinder crime prevention. Effective policing, coupled with strong community programs, is critical for reducing crime rates.


Impact on Residents and Local Economies

High crime rates influence various aspects of life in these cities, including:

Thus, Canadas most dangerous cities require focused efforts from both law enforcement and communities.

  • Safety Concerns: Residents often feel unsafe, leading to decreased quality of life.
  • Economic Impact: Businesses may face challenges in high-crime areas, and property values can decline.
  • Migration Trends: Families and individuals may choose to relocate, affecting local demographics and economies.

Which Canadian city has the highest crime rate?

Kamloops, British Columbia, currently has the highest Crime Severity Index (CSI) in Canada, standing at 165.3. Despite its natural beauty, the city faces significant challenges with serious crimes, highlighting the need for targeted community safety efforts.

Through community engagement, we can aim to reduce crime in Canadas most dangerous cities, fostering safer environments.

What is the #1 safest city in Canada?

Vancouver, British Columbia.

What are the top 5 crime cities?

Many initiatives are underway to improve conditions in Canadas most dangerous cities.
Based on the latest Crime Severity Index data, the top 5 cities with the highest crime severity in Canada are:

Kamloops, British Columbia (CSI: 165.3)
Chilliwack, British Columbia (CSI: 156.2)
Red Deer, Alberta (CSI: 146.9)
Winnipeg, Manitoba (CSI: 129.1)
Lethbridge, Alberta (CSI: 129.1)

Yes, while some cities are among Canadas most dangerous cities, the overall trend is still positive in terms of overall safety.

Yes, Canada is generally considered safer than the United States in terms of crime rates. While some Canadian cities face high crime severity in specific areas, the overall crime rate in Canada remains significantly lower than that of the United States. Factors such as stronger gun control laws and a focus on social welfare contribute to Canada’s relative safety.

Is Canada a safe place to live?

Yes, Canada is generally considered a safe place to live.

Is crime rising in Canada?

Crime trends in Canada show a mixed picture. While some cities have successfully reduced crime rates, others have experienced increases in their Crime Severity Index. Violent crimes, in particular, have seen a notable rise in several regions, driven by factors such as substance abuse and socioeconomic challenges. However, many cities are actively working to combat these trends through enhanced policing and community programs.

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