If you’ve been wondering where the safest place to live in Ontario is, the numbers are in – and once again, Halton Region takes the crown.
Located between Toronto and Hamilton, Halton (which includes Burlington, Oakville, Milton, and Halton Hills) officially had the lowest overall crime severity in 2024 compared to every other large metropolitan area in the province.
What the Numbers Show
According to Statistics Canada data released by Halton Regional Police, Halton ranked first among Ontario’s “Big 12” policing jurisdictions, a group that includes Durham, Peel, York, Ottawa, Toronto, London, Hamilton, Niagara, Waterloo, Windsor, and Greater Sudbury.
Halton recorded the lowest violent crime severity index (CSI) and the lowest non-violent crime rates across the board.
For those keeping track, this marks 17 straight years that Halton has topped the charts for safety.
The CSI measures how severe crime is in a given year, factoring in both the number and seriousness of reported offenses. And while most regions fluctuate, Halton has remained consistently at the top for nearly two decades.
What Police Are Saying
Halton Police Chief Stephen Tanner says he’s proud of the region’s track record but emphasizes there’s always more work to do.
“While we’re pleased that Halton once again recorded the lowest Crime Severity Index in Ontario, we’re acutely aware of the impact of serious crimes such as home invasions, auto theft, and gang activity,” said Tanner. “We’ll continue deploying resources to keep our community safe.”
The good news? Crime in Halton is actually dropping.
In the first half of 2025, overall crime fell by 11.7% per 100,000 residents, while property crimes like break-ins and vehicle thefts decreased by 15.9% year-over-year.
Key Stats You Should Know
Here’s how 2025 is shaping up for Halton so far:
- 🚗 Auto theft down 32% (254 fewer vehicles stolen)
- 🏠 Break and enters down 26%
- 💳 Fraud cases down 13%
- 💥 Mischief down 21%
- 🛍️ Thefts down 4% overall
- 📉 Property crime incidents down 12.5%
While violent crime is up slightly (2%), it actually drops by 2% when population growth is factored in.
What Makes Halton So Safe?
Experts say Halton’s success comes from a mix of strong community engagement, proactive policing, and collaboration between local residents and government.
The region’s crime-solving rate is also improving – up from 34.5% to 37.8% this year. That means more offenders are being caught and held accountable.
“Halton’s strong safety record reflects the combined efforts of our residents, police, governments, and community partners,” said Jeff Knoll, Chair of the Halton Police Board. “But crime remains too high, and we can’t become complacent.”
The Bottom Line
Halton continues to set the standard for community safety in Ontario, and with crime rates dropping across multiple categories, it’s easy to see why so many people are choosing Burlington, Oakville, Milton, and Halton Hills as their home base.
If you’re house-hunting or planning a move, it might be time to keep Halton Region at the top of your list.
source: Insauga
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