Crime Rates for South Melbourne, VIC
⇌ Compare South Melbourne with another suburbAs of the Jun 2026 data release, The South Melbourne (3205) crime rate for the 2026 was calculated from 3561 reported criminal offences, equating to a rate of 30,837 offences per 100,000 people. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the population of South Melbourne, VIC in 2021 was 11,548. In the last 10 years, South Melbourne, VIC's crime rate has seen an increase. Recent data indicates that the rate of Assault and Robbery is 1 offence per 41 people. Regarding property crime (Burglary and Theft）, the rate is 1 offence per 5.6 people. In addition, the rate of total Community Safety (Stalking and Harassment) is 1 offence per 192.5 people. When considering these numbers, it is also important to consider the trends of these numbers compared to the greater melbourne area.
Most Common Crimes in South Melbourne for 2026: B Property and deception offences (2489), A Crimes against the person (434), E Justice procedures offences (294).
| Type/Year | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 2120 | 2251 | 2308 | 2174 | 2500 | 2694 | 2237 | 2409 | 2650 | 3113 | 3561 |
| A Crimes against the person | 228 | 256 | 274 | 294 | 272 | 309 | 279 | 297 | 324 | 363 | 434 |
| B Property and deception offences | 1500 | 1603 | 1579 | 1378 | 1619 | 1364 | 1417 | 1535 | 1830 | 2247 | 2489 |
| C Drug offences | 102 | 98 | 144 | 143 | 171 | 218 | 151 | 153 | 152 | 153 | 157 |
| D Public order and security offences | 141 | 124 | 114 | 129 | 113 | 141 | 101 | 150 | 100 | 137 | 174 |
| E Justice procedures offences | 148 | 169 | 195 | 223 | 314 | 248 | 255 | 274 | 241 | 206 | 294 |
| F Other offences | 1 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 11 | 414 | 34 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 13 |
In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 3561 total crime incidents. Over the period from 2016 to 2026, overall crime has increased. Cumulatively over this period, the most common crime type was 'B Property and deception offences' with 18561 reported cases.
- Overview
- Latest Crime Rates
- FAQ
- AI Analysis
- Crime Statistics
- What Others Say About Safety
- Victoria Overview
- Latest Crime
- Source
*Disclaimer: Information on this website is general and may not be accurate. Please verify independently. Read full disclaimer.
Latest Crime Rates
| Type | offences (2026) | offences (2025) | Changes(%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and related offences In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 262 reported cases of Assault and related offences. | 262 | 228 | 14.91% |
| Robbery In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 20 reported cases of Robbery. | 20 | 19 | 5.26% |
| Stalking, harassment and threatening behaviour In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 60 reported cases of Stalking, harassment and threatening behaviour. | 60 | 36 | 66.67% |
| Dangerous and negligent acts endangering people In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 31 reported cases of Dangerous and negligent acts endangering people. | 31 | 23 | 34.78% |
| crimes against the person In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 61 reported cases of crimes against the person. | 61 | 57 | 7.02% |
| Arson In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 16 reported cases of Arson. | 16 | 14 | 14.29% |
| Property damage In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 229 reported cases of Property damage. | 229 | 235 | -2.55% |
| Burglary/Break and enter In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 286 reported cases of Burglary/Break and enter. | 286 | 367 | -22.07% |
| Theft In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 1779 reported cases of Theft. | 1779 | 1436 | 23.89% |
| Deception In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 179 reported cases of Deception. | 179 | 195 | -8.21% |
| Bribery In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 0 reported cases of Bribery. | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
| Drug dealing and trafficking In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 15 reported cases of Drug dealing and trafficking. | 15 | 9 | 66.67% |
| Cultivate or manufacture drugs In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 10 reported cases of Cultivate or manufacture drugs. | 10 | 14 | -28.57% |
| Drug use and possession In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 132 reported cases of Drug use and possession. | 132 | 130 | 1.54% |
| Other drug offences In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 0 reported cases of Other drug offences. | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
| Weapons and explosives offences In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 100 reported cases of Weapons and explosives offences. | 100 | 76 | 31.58% |
| Disorderly and offensive conduct In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 49 reported cases of Disorderly and offensive conduct. | 49 | 34 | 44.12% |
| Public nuisance offences In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 21 reported cases of Public nuisance offences. | 21 | 25 | -16.00% |
| Public security offences In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 4 reported cases of Public security offences. | 4 | 2 | 100.00% |
| Justice procedures In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 62 reported cases of Justice procedures. | 62 | 41 | 51.22% |
| Breaches of orders In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 232 reported cases of Breaches of orders. | 232 | 165 | 40.61% |
| Regulatory driving offences In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 0 reported cases of Regulatory driving offences. | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
| Transport regulation offences In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 0 reported cases of Transport regulation offences. | 0 | 5 | -100.00% |
| Other government regulatory offences In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 9 reported cases of Other government regulatory offences. | 9 | 2 | 350.00% |
| Miscellaneous offences In 2026, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 4 reported cases of Miscellaneous offences. | 4 | 0 | 400.00% |
Overview
No of offences (As of Year 2026 Mar), people in 2021Crime rates are shown as offences per 100,000 people. These figures are based on the latest reported offences and population data from the last census (2021). As population numbers may have changed since 2021, the calculated rates may not accurately reflect current population levels or the current situation in each area (suburb, LGA, and state). Therefore, the rates should be used as an indicator rather than a definitive measure of whether a suburb is safe or unsafe.
Based on the source data available to us, Homicide, Sexual Offences, Abduction, and Blackmail & Extortion are not shown separately at the suburb level in Victoria. These categories are available at the LGA and Victoria state levels, but not separately at the suburb level.
How safe do you feel in South Melbourne, VIC?
There are currently no community safety votes for South Melbourne, VIC. Be the first to share how safe you feel living in the area.
FAQ About Crime in South Melbourne, VIC
How common is car theft in the South Melbourne, VIC?
As of Year 2026 Mar, there were 178 motor vehicle theft offenses recorded, averaging 0 offense(s) every day.
What are the most commonly stolen property items in burglary/break and enter and theft offences in South Melbourne, VIC?
As of Year 2026 Mar, the most commonly stolen items in South Melbourne, VIC are Cash/Document (5464), Personal Property (4560), Car Accessories (2655), Electrical Appliances (2412) and Tools (1509).
What is the crime rate in South Melbourne, VIC?
South Melbourne, VIC has a crime rate of 3561 reported criminal offences.
Is South Melbourne, VIC a safe suburb?
Based on official statistics, South Melbourne, VIC may be considered less safe compared to the overall state average, as its crime rate of 30,837 offenses per 100,000 people is higher than the overall crime rate in Victoria.
What is the most common crime in South Melbourne, VIC?
In 2026, the most common crime type in South Melbourne, VIC was B Property and deception offences with 2489 reported offences.
Has crime in the South Melbourne, VIC increased or decreased in the past 5 years?
Crime rates in South Melbourne, VIC have increased by 32% compared to five years ago.
What is rate of criminal against person in South Melbourne, VIC?
As of Year 2026 Mar, there were 434 offenses against persons in South Melbourne, VIC, including robbery, assault, stalking, and other crimes.
What is the rate of property crime in South Melbourne, VIC?
As of Year 2026 Mar, there were 2310 property crime offenses in South Melbourne, VIC, including arson, theft, burglary, and other related crimes.
What is the number of drug offenses in South Melbourne, VIC?
As of Year 2026 Mar, South Melbourne, VIC recorded 157 drug offenses, including drug dealing, drug use, drug manufacturing, and other related crimes.
Community Snapshot – South Melbourne (2021)
South Melbourne is a vibrant suburb with 11548 people. While families are part of the community, only about 29.5% of households are couple families with children, and the average household size is 1.9 people. The median household weekly income is $2101, though the unemployment rate stands at 5.2%. While 59% of people were born in Australia, the area still reflects a multicultural spirit through its people, food, and events
Population Overview
- Total People (2021)
- Total People (2025 estimate)
- Couple Families with Children
- Average Household Size
Income & Employment
- Median Household Weekly Income
- Unemployment Rate
Cultural Diversity
- Born Australia
Crime Statistics
Safest suburbs around South Melbourne, VIC
If you’re considering living near South Melbourne , you might also be interested in these nearby suburbs, which consistently report lower crime rates and offer family-friendly amenities.
- Middle Park - 297 offences (0.07425 per 100,000 people)
- St Kilda West - 288 offences (0.09759 per 100,000 people)
- Albert Park - 758 offences (0.12541 per 100,000 people)
- South Yarra - 3400 offences (0.13585 per 100,000 people)
- Southbank - 4725 offences (0.20878 per 100,000 people)
- East Melbourne - 1150 offences (0.23489 per 100,000 people)
- Docklands - 4039 offences (0.26066 per 100,000 people)
- Melbourne - 25911 offences (0.47162 per 100,000 people)
- South Wharf - 409 offences (5.76056 per 100,000 people)
*Unincorporated/Out Of Council - Areas that are not governed by a local government authority
Source: Crime Statistics Agency (CSA), NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, Australian Bureau of Statistics
Voices from South Melbourne
Read what locals and visitors say about feeling safe or not in the area.
How Do You Feel About the Safety of South Melbourne in 2026?
Tell us your story or share your experience about safety in South Melbourne. Please keep your comments respectful and do not include personal information.
Please follow these guidelines when submitting your story:
* Due to some users using real names or identifying nicknames, we have updated our privacy settings to maximize protection for everyone. Any nickname provided by a user when submitting a comment will automatically be shown using only the first two letters, for example: A.C. The original nickname provided by the user will not be publicly displayed.
We show crime statistics sourced from third-party providers (CSA Victoria, BOCSAR) and do not independently verify this data. Found a discrepancy? Let us know and we'll correct it. For questions about the source data itself, please contact the relevant agency directly.