The Gold Coast is famous for its beautiful beaches and lively urban areas. However, like any city, some suburbs have higher crime rates than others. This article highlights the Gold Coast suburbs with the most significant crime rates.
We’ve based our data on total offences reported to the Queensland Police Service over a 12-month period, up to October 2024. The crime rates are calculated per 1,000 residents using figures from the 2023 ABS Estimated Resident Population and Redsuburbs.com.au.
The data is sourced from the Redsuburbs.com.au and the Queensland Police Service.
Broadbeach: A Closer Look
Broadbeach, with a population of 6,786, is a popular suburb on the Gold Coast. In 2024, it saw 2,448 reported crimes, giving it a crime rate of 360.74 per 1,000 residents. This places Broadbeach with a Crime Rank of 44/100, where a higher number means more crime.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Violent Crimes: 119 incidents (17.54 per 1,000 people)
- Property Crimes: 749 incidents (110.37 per 1,000 people)
Broadbeach has 88.9% more violent crimes and 94.97% more property crimes than other Gold Coast suburbs. This prompts the question: is Gold Coast safe?
Even with these numbers, Broadbeach is still loved for its beaches, dining spots, and entertainment.
However, the suburb does face some challenges like the high cost of living ($770,000 median unit price), busy traffic, and limited parking, especially during peak tourist times. Noise can also be an issue during holidays.
Surfers Paradise: Beyond the Waves
Crime Rate: 248.9 per 1,000 residents. This represents a 6% increase from the previous year.
- Total Offences: 6,679 offences
- Crime Rank: 37/100 (higher number means more crime)
While Surfers Paradise is often in the limelight for its beaches and best suburbs in Gold Coast entertainment options, the crime statistics offer a more nuanced perspective.
The area’s crime rate stands at 248.9 per 1,000 residents. The reasons behind these numbers could range from its status as a major tourist hub to the transient nature of its population.
Apart from its crime rate, Surfers Paradise is often criticized for its commercialisation, which some feel detracts from its natural beauty.
The area, while bustling with nightlife and activities, can also be a bit overwhelming for those seeking a quieter residential experience. The high number of tourists can lead to overcrowded beaches and longer wait times at local amenities.
Southport: A Deeper Dive
Southport, with a population of 36,786, is a central hub on the Gold Coast. It recorded 6,014 crimes in 2024, giving it a crime rate of 163.49 per 1,000 residents, placing it 28th out of 100 suburbs in terms of crime (a higher number means more crime).
Here’s a quick summary of the crime stats:
- Violent Crimes: 454 incidents (12.34 per 1,000 people)
- Property Crimes: 3,049 incidents (82.88 per 1,000 people)
About 83.44% of Australian suburbs have fewer violent crimes than Southport.
While Southport is a busy area due to its central location and business activities, this leads to challenges like urban congestion, noise pollution, and fewer green spaces compared to other Gold Coast suburbs.
Despite its higher crime rate, many still enjoy Southport for its accessibility and vibrant lifestyle.
Broadbeach Waters: A Suburb of Contrasts
Broadbeach Waters, adjacent to the renowned Broadbeach and not far from some of the worst suburbs in southeast Queensland, offers a mix of residential tranquillity and commercial buzz, especially around the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.
Broadbeach Waters, with a population of 8,164, recorded 1,440 crimes in 2024. This gives it a crime rate of 176.38 per 1,000 residents, placing it 24th out of 100 suburbs for crime (a higher number means more crime).
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Violent Crimes: 53 incidents (6.49 per 1,000 people)
- Property Crimes: 1,093 incidents (133.88 per 1,000 people)
Around 71.32% of Australian suburbs have fewer violent crimes than Broadbeach Waters.
The presence of popular destinations like Pacific Fair Shopping Centre likely contributes to the crime rate, as areas with a mix of locals and visitors often experience more incidents.
While Broadbeach Waters offers highly sought-after waterfront properties, living near the water comes with challenges like occasional flooding and higher insurance costs.
Despite these issues, the suburb remains a peaceful and desirable place to live for those who enjoy waterfront living.
Main Beach: The Coastal Enigma
Main Beach, famous for its high-rise apartments and stunning coastline, has a population of 3,998 and recorded 528 offences in 2024. This gives it a crime rate of 132.07 per 1,000 residents, ranking it 20th out of 100 suburbs for crime (a higher number indicates more crime).
Key crime stats include:
- Violent Crimes: 33 incidents (8.25 per 1,000 people)
- Property Crimes: 266 incidents (66.53 per 1,000 people)
76.02% of Australian suburbs have fewer violent crimes than Main Beach, and it also ranks relatively high for property crimes.
While the suburb’s mix of residential and commercial spaces attracts both locals and tourists, the data highlights the importance of staying vigilant and adopting proactive safety measures to keep this beautiful suburb safe for everyone.
Coolangatta: The Southernmost Suburb
Coolangatta, the Gold Coast’s southernmost suburb, is famous for its surfing spots and shared history with Tweed Heads. With a population of 6,491, the suburb recorded 979 offences in 2024, giving it a crime rate of 150.82 per 1,000 residents.
It ranks 25th out of 100 suburbs for crime, with higher rankings indicating more crime.
Key crime stats include:
- Violent Crimes: 73 incidents (11.25 per 1,000 people)
- Property Crimes: 566 incidents (87.20 per 1,000 people)
While 81.73% of suburbs across Australia experience fewer violent crimes, Coolangatta’s status as a tourist hotspot likely contributes to these figures. The influx of visitors, combined with the vibrant nightlife, plays a role in the higher crime rates.
Despite these challenges, Coolangatta remains popular for its stunning beaches and festivals, though locals may encounter traffic congestion and crowded beaches during peak tourist seasons.
Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Heads is known for its stunning beaches and bushland, attracting both nature lovers and those seeking a vibrant commercial scene. However, despite its charm, the suburb recorded 1,241 offences in 2024, giving it a crime rate of 117.39 per 1,000 residents. It ranks 19th out of 100 suburbs for crime.
Key stats include:
- Violent Crimes: 85 incidents (8.04 per 1,000 people)
- Property Crimes: 674 incidents (63.75 per 1,000 people)
With a population of 10,572 and a growing reputation, Burleigh Heads has seen rising property prices and rental rates. While it’s celebrated for its family-friendly beaches and national park, its popularity has brought concerns about overdevelopment, which could affect its natural beauty.
Residents enjoy the perks of accessibility to both nature and shopping, but they must also manage the challenges of living in a busy, popular area.
Suggested reading: Enhance your understanding of Australian residential zones by exploring the best suburbs in Australia.
FAQs on Worst Suburbs in Gold Coast
Q: Where not to live in Queensland?
A: Fortitude Valley, Bowen Hills, Herston and Newstead in Brisbane, and Cairns are some of the most dangerous suburbs in Queensland, according to 4BC.
Q: Is Gold Coast safe to live in?
A: Yes, the Gold Coast is a safe place to live, but crime can still occur. It is important to be alert and vigilant of your surroundings to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime. (source: Gold Coast City Council)
Q: Is the Gold Coast a rich area?
A: The Gold Coast has a similar proportion of high-income and low-income households to the rest of South East Queensland. (source: id.com.au)
Q: What is the fastest growing suburb in Gold Coast?
A: Maudsland and Pimpama are the fastest growing suburbs in the Gold Coast, with rent growth of 19.3% and 18.9% in 2022 respectively. (source: OpenAgent)
Q: Does Gold Coast have a drug problem?
A: Yes, the Gold Coast has a high demand for alcohol and other drugs, particularly in the northern region. There is a strong correlation between mental health problems and alcohol and other drug use. (source: Gold Coast Health)
Please note that this is just a sample of FAQs about the Gold Coast. There are many other factors to consider when choosing a place to live, such as proximity to work, schools, and amenities. It is important to do your own research and talk to people who live in the area to get a better understanding of what it is like.
We’d like to highlight that our intention in exploring the suburbs of Gold Coast is purely analytical, and we encourage our readers to approach the data themselves, recognising that every community is multifaceted and ever-evolving.
