Safety is a top priority when choosing a place to call home. Whether you’re a single homeowner, raising a family, or simply looking for peace of mind, understanding property crime rates can help you make an informed decision. Using data from the Fraser Institute’s recent report, Comparing Recent Crime Trends in Canada and the United States: Urban Areas, Zoocasa analyzed property crime rates and Canadian Real Estate Board housing prices to find the safest places to own a home in the country and how much it will cost to buy there.
Where Are the Safest Places to Own a Home in Canada?
According to the report, Quebec is the safest province for property ownership, with five cities ranking among the lowest property crime rates. In addition to earning top ranks for safety, Quebec remains one of the most affordable provinces for homeownership, with cities like Saguenay, Trois-Rivières, and Quebec City offering budget-friendly options. Even in larger cities like Montreal and Sherbrooke, home prices are more accessible than in many Ontario markets. Additionally, Quebec has the lowest violent crime rates and a strong sense of community, contributing to its overall appeal for homeowners seeking safety and affordability.
Sherbrooke and Gatineau stand out as great alternatives for buyers who want affordability within the $500,000 mark without being too far from major economic hubs. Gatineau, in particular, benefits from its proximity to Ottawa, allowing residents to work in the capital while taking advantage of Quebec’s lower home prices and cost of living.
Saint John, New Brunswick, stands out as one of the most affordable and safest places to own a home. The average price of a home there is $332,480—the second-lowest on the list and almost half of the average cost in Canada.
Ontario’s real estate market is known for its higher home prices, but safety remains a key consideration. Barrie, Belleville, St. Catharines-Niagara, and Toronto are some of the safest places in the province to be a homeowner.
Understanding Property Crime Trends in Canada
Property crime includes break-and-enter incidents, theft, and motor vehicle theft. According to the Fraser Institute report, on average, Canadian urban areas experience a property crime rate of 2,588 per 100,000 residents—8% lower than their U.S. counterparts at 2,821 per 100,000. However, certain Canadian cities report significantly higher rates.
Lethbridge, Alberta, had the highest property crime rate in Canada, with 5,521 incidents per 100,000 people—more than twice the national urban average of 2,513 per 100,000. Vancouver ranked sixth among the country’s largest cities, followed by Calgary in seventh. Toronto had 28th place and Montreal in 30th, making these two major cities some of the safest places for property crimes.
The Rising Concern of Package Theft
With the surge in online shopping, package theft has become a growing concern for Canadian homeowners. A 2024 FedEx Holiday Shopping survey revealed that 69% of Canadians worry about stolen deliveries, with 24% having experienced package theft in the past year. In Ontario, this number jumps dramatically to 66%. Although the Fraser Institute study didn’t account for package thefts, these incidents can still impact a person’s sense of security at home. As a result, more homeowners are investing in security measures like video doorbells, alarm systems, and access control systems to protect their properties.
Why Safety Matters More Than Ever
Safe neighborhoods are more important than ever as more people stay single longer and prioritize security. With single women buying homes at record levels and Canada’s aging population of 85 and older predicted to triple by 2073, safety is a key factor in choosing where to live or downsize. Investing in a property located in a low-crime area not only provides peace of mind but also helps protect long-term property value.
Encouraging trends are emerging in property crime, signaling a shift in the right direction. As reported by Statistics Canada, break-and-enter-crimes decreased by 5% from the previous year, reaching 326 incidents per 100,000 people. While there were still 130,748 reported incidents within the year, this decline suggests that preventative measures, improved security, and community awareness efforts are making an impact.
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This shift is significant because breaking and entering has long contributed to the overall Crime Severity Index (CSI) more than any other type of violation. A continued decrease in these crimes could mean that neighborhoods are becoming safer and that law enforcement strategies are proving effective. Vehicle theft, a significant property crime, has increased in recent years. In response, the federal government launched the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft in May 2024. This initiative aims to reduce theft rates through stronger enforcement, cross-border cooperation, and advancements in vehicle security technology. With these efforts, growing public awareness and improved security measures, the sharp rise in auto theft may soon face an improved solution.
Although crime is inevitable in any city, choosing a home in a lower-crime area can greatly enhance your quality of life. While challenges persist, the decline in break-ins and new national efforts to combat vehicle theft offer encouraging signs. With continued collaboration, innovation, and proactive measures, Canada is moving toward safer streets and stronger, more secure communities. Understanding property crime rates alongside living costs can help you choose a safer and more affordable place to live.
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