Is Toronto Safe? Exploring Crime Rates and Neighborhood Safety

Toronto is among the largest and most diverse cities in North America, attracting many residents, students, and tourists each year. With a strong economy, a multicultural population, and a downtown full of energy, there is a question people ask before visiting or moving to Toronto: Is Toronto safe?

Although there is no crime-free city of such size, Toronto has been, on average, a safe, great city in the world. Knowledge on crime patterns, neighborhood safety, and practical precautions will help you make informed decisions.

In this article, we will discuss whether Toronto is safe, the crime rate in Toronto, and where not to stay in Toronto. We will also discuss safety tips for Toronto.

Is Toronto Safe?

Toronto is considered a relatively safe major city, with crime levels lower than many North American metros. The violent crime rate is around 200, while property crime is approximately 1,750 per 100,000. Most incidents involve theft rather than serious violence.

Is Toronto Safe in the Daytime?

Toronto is quite safe during the day, especially in business districts, tourist spots, and residential neighborhoods. This high level of activity in itself helps to deter a great variety of crimes. Buses, trains, and Metro stations are patrolled, and the majority of the incidents are minor, like pick-pocketing.

Popular attractions such as museums, parks, markets, and waterfront areas are very welcoming during the day as well. Daytime activities in Toronto are considered low risk for the majority of the population, as long as you are aware of your surroundings and protect your personal property.

Is Toronto Safe at Night?

Toronto is quite safe at night, although the risk is slightly higher, a characteristic of most large cities. These include entertainment areas, night bars, and terminals, which experience increased incidences of alcohol-related situations, theft, and random attacks. One thing that the Toronto Police Service does is to be more vigilant in nightlife areas on weekends and on special occasions.

Where there is less traffic, or in places where you are not well familiar with, it is advisable not to take too much of a risk. Traveling long distances during dark hours it is preferable to use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services. In general, though Toronto is not unsafe during the night, the importance of personal awareness increases.

Crime Rate in Toronto

The crime rates in Toronto, according to the data provided by Protection Plus, create a mixed yet positive image over the last years. Violent crime (assault, robbery, and homicide) is also below many North American cities, but there have been variations. With the national average being over 260 crimes, Toronto is just above 200 per 100,000 people.

Violent crimes are not as prevalent as property crimes. There has been an increasing trend in stealing cars, especially in suburban and underground car parks. There are also large proportions of break-ins and theft-from-vehicles as the crime types that are reported. The national average is 2500 whereas Toronto has 1750 property crimes per 100,000 people.

According to crime trends, despite the fact that some crimes have been rising in the aftermath of the pandemic, the previous years have revealed positive shifts and provision of some stability. The community's policing, heightened surveillance and crime prevention programs have helped in improved results in a number of districts.

Where Not to Stay in Toronto?

Although most neighborhoods are safe in Toronto, certain neighborhoods are recorded to have high crime rates and might not be a good place to visit or meet people.

Regent Park

It has gone through a huge redevelopment, which has made it safer and more habitable. Nevertheless, it continues to suffer from high rates of brutal crime, being 145% over average, and police actions relative to the surrounding places.

Jane-Finch

It resides in the northwest of the city, and it is a long-time having crime and gun violence caused by gangs. Most of the residents live in tranquil environments, but the crime rates are higher than those of the city with 3X more homicides recorded.

Malvern

The eastern section of Toronto has also recorded a high crime rate, especially related to property and assault crimes. Tourists who are not conversant with the region ought to be careful, particularly during the night.

These localities are not totally unsafe but another place to stay might be more of a peace of mind.

Key Safety Tips to Stay in Toronto

The trick to being safe in Toronto is largely to be ready and to know what is going on around you. Risks can be minimized easily by following some basic habits, including:

• Always use the well-lit streets and busy places, particularly when walking in night.
• Do not take shortcuts by using alleys or parks at night.
• The personal belongings must be kept safe in space-constrained areas like transit stations, festivals, and shopping areas.
• Take a trusted ride-sharing or licensed taxi when one is travelling late at night.
• If you are driving a vehicle, lock your car and never leave valuable items in your vehicle.
• Home security is also significant, especially for houses and apartments with a ground floor. A smart security camera like Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi offers a clear and bright view with motion-activated lights, high-quality 4K video, and an alert system in real time. It prevents trespassing and provides an extra amount of peace to the homeowners, particularly in the urban setting.

FAQs

Is New York City safer than Toronto?

Toronto is considered to be safer than New York City as a great part in terms of violent crime. Both cities are safe according to international standards. Although Toronto records fewer violent incidents per capita, it has 40% higher crime rates.

Why are people moving away from Toronto?

The high cost of living, high housing prices, and traffic congestion are causing many people to leave Toronto. There are still residents who would opt to go to other lower-cost cities and do their work remotely.

Is downtown Toronto safe?

Yes, Toronto in general, and downtown in particular, is generally safe, particularly in the daytime. It is operational at night, though simple precautions are necessary, especially in and around nightlife places and transportation stations.

Is it safe to drive in Toronto today?

Toronto is a relatively safe place to drive, but traffic jams and road rage are enough to irritate. It is also necessary to follow road rules and pay attention to others during rush hours.

Is Toronto tap water safe to drink?

Yes, it is safe. It is frequently sampled and is considered one of the safest water supplies in the city.

Conclusion

Is Toronto safe? It is generally seen as a secure, well-controlled city, with relatively low violent crime and improving crime statistics. Most of the neighborhoods are safe both to the residents and visitors, even though there are others where the level of risk is higher.