Karsten SturmayEdmonton is one of the most populated cities in Canada, but is it safe to live in?
Edmonton is considered a moderately safe city. To illustrate, it only had a crime severity index of 106.2 in 2021. Compare this to the ten towns with the highest crime severity index in Alberta, the worst being Elk Point (524.7) and the best being Valley View (251.6)
This places it only 42nd among the cities and towns in Alberta with the highest crime severity index, which is essentially middle-of-the-pack.
In addition, according to Numbeo, the current safety index in Edmonton is 52.93. This means that the safety level in the city is moderate. Meanwhile, Edmonton’s crime index is 47.07, so its crime level is also moderate.
As the safety index and crime index in Numbeo are based on the results of surveys, this is a good indication that even Edmontonians are of the opinion that the city is relatively safe.
What is the crime rate in Edmonton?
The crime rate in Edmonton in 2022 is 8,874 per 100,000 people. The total crime reported last year was 96,624, and the population is around 1.1 million, so the total crime rate reported per 100,000 people is around 8,874.
Remember that the crime rate is simply the number of police-reported incidents divided by the population. The result is then multiplied by 100,000 since in Edmonton and for most parts of Canada, the crime rate is expressed as a rate per 100,000 population.
Now, you might be wondering – “Is the crime rate different from the crime index?”
Well, the crime rate is different from the crime index because the former disregards the type or the relative seriousness of the offense. That’s why both the crime rate and crime index can measure the volume of crime, but only the latter can track the changes in the severity of police-reported crimes from year to year.
Nonetheless, Edmonton’s crime rates have decreased for the past years, but the volume of violent crimes in Edmonton increased alarmingly in 2022.
According to the EPS Information Management and Intelligence Division’s report, 2022 has the highest number of violent crime trends, and it will continue to escalate in 2023. Most incidents are caused by issues involving drug addiction, mental health, and housing.
The table below shows the crime incidents with the highest increases in 2022.
On the other hand, here are the crime incidents that decreased in 2022.
The relatively high crime rate in our city might seem alarming, but violent crimes are not rampant. Still, if you live in some of the dangerous downtown areas in Edmonton, you have to watch out for property crimes, gang fights, robberies, or pickpockets.
What are the crime risks in Edmonton?
Drug use problems, violent crimes, and property crimes are the prevalent crime risks in Edmonton.
According to the Edmonton Journal, the city recorded at least 627 deaths caused by opioid or drug poisoning in 2022. The most common substances that cause acute accidental drug poisonings are fentanyl, methamphetamine, carfentanil, cocaine, and alcohol.
Property offenses, including theft, fraud, possession of stolen property, and breaking and entering, are also common in Edmonton.
On the other hand, based on the Edmonton Police Department’s executive director’s report, at least 15,040 violent crimes were reported in Edmonton last year. Most of these reports are assaults, robberies, and intimidation.
Most interestingly, the data also suggests that at least two of every ten violent crimes happened in downtown Edmonton.
Is it safe to walk in Edmonton at night?
Most Edmontonians agree that walking in Edmonton at night is considered generally safe. However, you have to watch out for pickpockets, especially in the downtown areas or crowded tourist attractions.
If you decide to go for a walk or bike outside at night, we suggest you avoid hidden trails or shortcuts that don’t have well-lit paths because, drawing from our experience, those spots are where trouble usually lurks.
Nonetheless, whether it’s day or night, it’s essential to remain vigilant and cautious, especially when going out alone in Edmonton.
What are the most dangerous neighborhoods in Edmonton?
The northeastern neighborhoods and downtown areas in Edmonton are considered the most dangerous. This includes Blackmud Creek Ravine, Yellowhead Corridor East, McCauley, Maple Ridge, Boyle Street, Central McDougall, Westview Village, Winterburn Industrial Area, Eastwood, and Abbottsfield.
The table below shows the neighborhoods with the highest violent and property crime index per 100,000 people based on Areavibes’ data.
As you can see, the chances of becoming a victim of crime in these neighborhoods are still fairly low. Still, it’s higher compared to other neighborhoods in Edmonton.
So, if you live in one of these neighborhoods, we suggest you get security cameras installed or, better yet, hire a security company to help keep you and your family safe.
But if you can still choose a different location, we suggest you look into our recommendations for the best and safest neighborhoods in Edmonton.
What are the safety measures taken in Edmonton to prevent crime?
Here are some of the safety initiatives, groups, and strategies implemented in Edmonton to reduce crime risks.
- Edmonton Police Service
- Transit Facility Safety and Security
- Park Rangers
- Traffic Safety
- Community Safety
- Community Safety & Well-being Strategy
- Community Standards Enforcement Officers
- Edmonton’s Downtown Core and Transit System Safety Plan
- Emergency Preparedness
- Fire Safety
- Problem Property Initiative
- Edmonton Comunity Drug Strategy
- Gender-based Violence and Sexual Assualt Prevention and Initiative
The government, police, crown prosecutors, and the community are the agencies in Edmonton that work together to ensure public safety and prevent crime.
Moreover, high-risk offenders in Edmonton are monitored in the community they are in. The government of Alberta provides risk assessments, release plans, and supervision arrangements with strict conditions to reduce safety risks.
Our city has also partnered with 19 community groups under the banner of Partner in Drug Poisoning Prevention to prevent accidents and deaths caused by drug overdose.
Nevertheless, it’s best to know whom to call in case an unexpected situation arises. Listed below are the important emergency and non-emergency numbers you should have in your contacts.
