While B.C. is known for its stunning landscapes and coastal charm, certain neighbourhoods, particularly in major cities, continue to face elevated crime risks. Here’s an evidence-based look at the highest‑risk areas, with CSI data, local reporting, and what it means for residents and homebuyers.
🧠 How We Determined This Ranking
Our analysis is grounded in:
- Statistics Canada Crime Severity Index (CSI), 2023
- Local police crime mapping and annual reports
- Media coverage of hotspot areas, including overdose incidents, property crimes, and street-level violence
Focusing on specific neighbourhoods (census tracts or policing divisions) helps highlight true hotspots, not entire cities.
🔥 Top 4 Most Dangerous Neighbourhoods in B.C.
1. Downtown Eastside (DTES) – Vancouver
- Clear national outlier with a CSI exceeding 700
- High concentration of violent crime, drug offenses, assaults, and stealing
- Deep-rooted crisis in housing, addiction, and public safety
2. Surrey City Centre – Surrey
- CSI around 150, above provincial averages
- Ongoing issues: gang-related shootings, carjackings, and property crime
- Media has reported clusters of high-fatality incidents in recent years
3. East Vancouver – Strathcona/Olympic Village
- CSI around 120–130
- Rising violent incidents and vehicle thefts near transit hubs
- Challenged by homelessness nodes and public disorder
4. Victoria Inner Harbour – Downtown Core
- CSI around 110–115
- Issues include repeat theft, assaults related to nightlife, and local intoxication zones
- Tourist and transient population contributes to stacked incident rates
📋 Summary Table
| Rank | Neighbourhood | City | Estimated CSI | Major Crime Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Downtown Eastside | Vancouver | 700+ | Drug overdose/homelessness cluster, violent crime |
| 2 | Surrey City Centre | Surrey | ~150 | Gun violence, gang activity, auto theft |
| 3 | East Vancouver (Strathcona) | Vancouver | ~125 | Property crime, homelessness, transit impact |
| 4 | Victoria Inner Harbour (Downtown) | Victoria | ~115 | Nightlife crime, theft, repeat service calls |
⚠️ What Does This Mean?
- CSI scores allow comparison across regions with different populations and crime severity profiles
- High CSI neighbourhoods are exceptions within their cities, not reflective of the city as a whole
- Urban planning and social programs impact local safety long-term, beyond immediate CSI numbers
🧱 Key Takeaways for Homebuyers and Renters
- Vet neighbourhood-level crime data instead of relying on city averages
- Look for promising areas with falling CSIs due to redevelopment or active community programs
- Visit in person, talk to residents or community groups, and explore city safety initiatives
- Understand risk in context– some downtown neighbourhoods are major tourist areas that attract policing based on foot traffic
✅ Final Thought
B.C.’s most challenging neighbourhoods reflect deep-rooted social issues, but they stand apart from much of the province’s livability appeal. Whether you’re buying, renting, or just curious, knowing these hotspots and the local factors behind them is key to making informed decisions in 2025.
📚 References
- Statistics Canada – Crime Severity Index by Census Tract, 2023
- Vancouver Police Department Crime Map and Annual Reports
- Surrey RCMP Community Crime Data & Alerts
- Victoria Police Service Calls for Service and Annual Statistics
- Local media coverage for DTES overdoses, Surrey shootings, and Downtown Victoria crime trends
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