Whether you are buying your first home, relocating with a young family, or looking for a quieter place to retire, safety is one of the most practical factors in choosing where to live. Queensland is a large and diverse state, and crime rates vary significantly from one region to the next. Using the latest police crime data compiled by RedSuburbs (sourced from the Queensland Police Service), we have identified the 10 safest local government areas in Queensland to help narrow your search.
How Queensland compares overall
Across the state, Queensland recorded an average of 88.73 offences per 1,000 residents in 2024, including approximately 8.10 violent incidents and 44.75 property crimes per 1,000 people. The regions on this list sit well below those averages, offering some of the lowest crime rates in the state. (Source: RedSuburbs - QLD Crime Data, 2024)
The 10 safest regions in Queensland
The following local government areas (LGAs) ranked lowest for crime across Queensland in the most recent data. RedSuburbs ranks each LGA on a severity-weighted composite score from 0 to 100, where a lower number means less crime. This accounts for both the volume and seriousness of offences, which is why the ranking order may differ slightly from raw offence counts.
| Rank | LGA | Key Towns | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barcoo Shire | Jundah, Windorah, Stonehenge | Western QLD |
| 2 | Blackall-Tambo | Blackall, Tambo | Central West |
| 3 | Bulloo Shire | Thargomindah, Hungerford | South West QLD |
| 4 | Noosa Shire | Noosa Heads, Tewantin, Cooroy | Sunshine Coast |
| 5 | Quilpie Shire | Quilpie, Eromanga | South West QLD |
| 6 | Redland City | Cleveland, Victoria Point, Capalaba | South East QLD |
| 7 | Scenic Rim | Beaudesert, Tamborine Mountain | South East QLD |
| 8 | Sunshine Coast | Caloundra, Maroochydore, Nambour | South East QLD |
| 9 | Livingstone Shire | Yeppoon, Emu Park, Byfield | Central QLD |
| 10 | Isaac Region | Moranbah, Clermont, Dysart | Central QLD |
A closer look at the top 10
1. Barcoo Shire
Barcoo Shire in far western Queensland ranks as the safest LGA in the state with just 22.65 offences per 1,000 residents. With a small population spread across remote pastoral communities including Jundah and Windorah, the region records virtually no violent crime. It is one of the most sparsely populated shires in Australia, and its isolation and tight-knit community contribute to its consistently low crime figures.
2. Blackall-Tambo
Another central western region, Blackall-Tambo records 37.04 offences per 1,000 residents. Covering the towns of Blackall and Tambo - both small pastoral service centres - strong community ties and low population density contribute to minimal crime. The region is known for its historical wool industry and outback character.
3. Bulloo Shire
Bulloo Shire, centred on the town of Thargomindah near the NSW border, records 29.85 offences per 1,000 residents. With a population of just a few hundred, crime is exceptionally rare. The shire is best known for its Channel Country landscapes and cattle stations.
4. Noosa Shire
Noosa is the highest-ranking coastal and lifestyle-focused LGA on the list, recording 44.82 offences per 1,000 residents. While Quilpie Shire (ranked 5th) has a lower raw offence rate of 38.57, Noosa ranks higher because RedSuburbs weights offences by severity - and Noosa's offences skew toward less serious categories such as minor property crime, while its violent crime rate is very low for a region of its size. Encompassing Noosa Heads, Tewantin, Cooroy and the hinterland, it combines a tourism economy with a stable, affluent residential population. High owner-occupier rates and an engaged community support low crime figures despite the region's popularity with visitors. For property buyers, Noosa offers the combination of coastal living, low crime and strong long-term demand.
5. Quilpie Shire
Quilpie Shire, the gateway to Queensland's Channel Country, records 38.57 offences per 1,000 residents. Like other outback shires, community bonds and low population density keep crime rates well below state averages. The town of Quilpie has attracted attention in recent years for its affordable housing and local incentive programs aimed at encouraging new residents.
6. Redland City
Redland City is the first major metropolitan-adjacent region on the list, with 51.52 offences per 1,000 residents. Located southeast of Brisbane, it includes established suburbs such as Cleveland, Victoria Point and Capalaba, as well as the Southern Moreton Bay Islands. High owner-occupier rates, good transport links and a strong sense of community make Redland a standout for families wanting safety and proximity to Brisbane.
7. Scenic Rim
The Scenic Rim covers the hinterland south of Brisbane, taking in Beaudesert, Tamborine Mountain, Boonah and Canungra, and records 51.75 offences per 1,000 residents. Characterised by rural acreage, national parks and small-town living, the region records some of the lowest property crime rates in South East Queensland. It is a popular choice for families and retirees seeking space without moving far from the Gold Coast or Brisbane corridors.
8. Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is one of Queensland's fastest-growing regions, stretching from Caloundra to Coolum and inland to Nambour, with 51.95 offences per 1,000 residents. Despite its growing population, it maintains crime rates well below the state average. Strong community infrastructure, suburban planning and high owner-occupier rates contribute to its position in the top 10. For buyers, the Sunshine Coast offers a mature property market with established schools, health services and employment options.
9. Livingstone Shire
Livingstone Shire, centred on the coastal town of Yeppoon near Rockhampton, records 54.14 offences per 1,000 residents. Emu Park and Byfield are also part of the shire. Lower population density and a community-focused lifestyle keep crime figures low. It offers an affordable coastal option for families looking outside the South East Queensland corridor.
10. Isaac Region
The Isaac Region in central Queensland records 55.89 offences per 1,000 residents. Anchored by the mining towns of Moranbah, Clermont and Dysart, its economic stability and employer-supported housing contribute to low crime rates. For property investors, the region offers affordable entry points and steady rental demand driven by the resources sector.
What about the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast as a whole recorded 84.92 offences per 1,000 residents in 2024 - below the state average of 88.73 but above the levels recorded in the regions listed here. Within the city, safety varies significantly. The southern hinterland areas such as Currumbin Valley (23.51 offences per 1,000 residents) and Tallebudgera (26.92 offences per 1,000 residents) sit well below the city average, making them among the safest pockets in the entire state. Tourist precincts such as Surfers Paradise record higher per-capita figures, partly because visitor numbers are not included in resident population counts, which can inflate the crime rate.
Family-friendly new suburbs on the Gold Coast
For families looking at newer, master-planned communities on the Gold Coast, these suburbs stand out for combining lower crime rates with modern infrastructure, schools and parks - all below the citywide average of 84.92:
- Ormeau Hills - 26.54 offences per 1,000 residents. A quiet, family-oriented suburb with new housing estates, local parks and proximity to the M1.
- Pacific Pines - 31.69 offences per 1,000 residents. A well-established master-planned community with schools, shopping and sports facilities designed into the suburb layout.
- Upper Coomera - 46.76 offences per 1,000 residents. One of the Gold Coast's largest growth suburbs with major retail, schools and easy M1 access.
What this means for property buyers
Crime rates are just one factor in choosing where to buy, but they matter. Areas with lower crime tend to attract long-term owner-occupiers, which supports more stable property values over time. For families, retirees and investors focused on capital preservation, understanding the safety profile of a region is a practical part of your research.
For buyers in South East Queensland, the standout accessible options from this list are Redland City, Scenic Rim, Noosa and the Sunshine Coast - all of which combine low crime with established property markets and proximity to employment.
If you are looking to buy in Queensland and want to understand how location fits into your borrowing and property strategy, get in touch with our team. We work with buyers across the state and can help you navigate both the finance and the research side of your purchase.
Data source: RedSuburbs QLD Crime Data (based on Queensland Police Service statistics, 2024). All figures quoted are correct as at the date of this article.