Ever wondered which Calgary communities experience the most crime? You might be surprised by some of the names on this list. Using the latest Calgary Police Service data for all of 2023 & 2024, here are the neighbourhoods by total reported crimes.
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10. Bowness – 634 reported crimes
- Bowness is a historic northwest Calgary community along the Bow River that feels like a small town in the city. It features a mix of older war era houses and newer infills on tree lined streets, plus the famous Bowness Park and other green spaces that draw families.
- The neighbourhood has a strong community spirit, but some pockets have faced socio economic challenges. Its somewhat isolated location and mix of housing mean property crime and mischief persist in parts, even as residents work hard to keep Bowness friendly and safe.
9. Bridgeland – 624 reported crimes
- An inner city community just northeast of downtown, Bridgeland has transformed into a trendy neighbourhood with cool cafes, eateries, and boutiques attracting young professionals. Despite new condos popping up, it still retains a village like feel with close knit community events and very walkable streets.
- The area blends old and new – historic character homes and affordable housing alongside modern developments. Its revitalization has improved the vibe, but being so central, it still sees urban challenges and petty crime typical of a busy, dense district.
8. Manchester Industrial – 640 reported crimes
- Manchester Industrial isn’t a residential neighborhood at all, it’s a large industrial/commercial district near Macleod Trail in central Calgary. Here you’ll find warehouses, auto shops, and storage yards instead of homes. After business hours, the area’s quiet, wide streets can become targets for break ins.
- With few residents and many commercial properties, most incidents here involve property crime (like theft of equipment or copper wire) and trespassing. The lack of constant foot traffic or eyes on the street at night makes it a crime prone zone after dark, despite being minutes from downtown.
7. Saddle Ridge – 657 reported crimes
- Saddle Ridge is a rapidly growing suburb in the far northeast, known for its newer houses and diverse community. Many families here are first or second generation Canadians, giving the area a vibrant multicultural feel. It’s close to the airport and major roads, with a mix of single family homes, condos, and shopping plazas.
- As a sprawling residential area, Saddle Ridge generally feels quiet. However, its high population (one of the larger communities in the NE) means a higher volume of calls, from vehicle break ins to the odd home burglary in its quieter streets.
6. Marlborough – 735 reported crimes
- Marlborough is an established northeast neighbourhood featuring modest bungalows and townhomes. It’s anchored by Marlborough Mall, a major shopping center that draws crowds from across east Calgary. The area’s residents are a mix of longtime owners and newcomers, giving it a diverse character.
- With its aging housing and busy commercial spots, Marlborough faces typical urban fringe crime issues like shoplifting and vehicle theft around the mall, and some property crime on residential streets.
5. Sunridge – 757 reported crimes
- Sunridge is a bit unique on this list, it’s a major retail and institutional hub in the NE rather than a typical residential community. The area is home to Sunridge Mall and the Peter Lougheed Hospital, plus clusters of big box stores and restaurants.
- The high crime count here comes mostly from its busy commercial nature. Crowded parking lots and retail stores mean more opportunities for vehicle break ins, shoplifting, and other property crimes. With so many people coming and going, Sunridge sees crime typical of a shopping district.
4. Forest Lawn – 866 reported crimes
- Forest Lawn is a long struggling community in East Calgary, famous for its stretch of 17th Avenue SE known as International Avenue. Here you’ll find a multicultural mix of mom and pop shops, ethnic restaurants, and markets reflecting the many immigrant communities who call Forest Lawn home.
- Forest Lawn has dealt with poverty and higher crime rates for decades. The area has many older rental properties, and has a reputation for drugs and violence in certain pockets. Recent improvements and new community centers aim to uplift Forest Lawn but it remains a hotspot for police activity compared to most suburbs.
3. Downtown East Village – 882 reported crimes
- Downtown East Village has undergone one of Calgary’s most dramatic transformations. For years, East Village was plagued by crime and homelessness, known for its transient population and dilapidated buildings. In the late 2000s, a massive redevelopment initiative added modern condos, the Central Library, the National Music Centre, and riverwalk parks, breathing new life into the area.
- Today, East Village is a mix of stylish high rises and hip eateries blocks away from the Drop In Centre homeless shelter. While redevelopment has greatly improved safety, the area still sees above average crime, from petty theft and drug related incidents near the shelters, to occasional vandalism around new condos. It’s a neighborhood in transition: much safer and busier than before, but still overcoming its gritty past.
2. Downtown Commercial Core – 1,892 reported crimes
- The Downtown Commercial Core is Calgary’s central business district, a dense grid of office towers, shopping malls, and hotels. By day, tens of thousands of workers and tourists pack these few blocks; by night, the sidewalks get quiet as commuters head home. Downtown Calgary’s streets can feel deserted after hours.
- As the heart of the city, the Downtown Core logs a high number of crimes. Many are downtown specific issues: bike and vehicle theft, shoplifting, drug related offences, and incidents near transit stations or late night bars. While most crime is non violent, the sheer volume makes this Calgary’s second highest crime zone.
1. Beltline – 2,551 reported crimes
- The Beltline is Calgary’s most densely populated neighborhood and a hub for nightlife, restaurants, events, and urban living. Stretching from 17th Avenue SW to the Stampede Grounds, it’s home to high rise condos, historic buildings, bars, music venues, and trendy spots that draw crowds day and night.
- With its mix of residential towers, nightlife, and proximity to downtown, Beltline naturally sees more reported incidents. Crimes range from property offences and public intoxication to drug related activity and occasional assaults, especially near bars and nightclubs on weekends. Still, many residents love the walkable lifestyle, the energy, and the constant activity the Beltline offers.
In Summary: Is Calgary A Safe Place To Live?
Yes, Calgary is still definitely a safe place to live, with crime rates lower than many other major Canadian cities.
While some areas experience higher crime rates, most neighbourhoods in Calgary are very safe, family friendly, and offer a high quality of life.
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