Brian PaulEdmonton’s safety landscape has been improving, with the city’s latest crime rate dropping 6% year-over-year and shootings falling 47%. However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood, and some areas have crime rates 90% below the city average. This list, based on a three-year weighted analysis of Edmonton Police Service data across all 271 neighbourhoods, identifies the communities with the lowest crime rates per 1,000 residents.
TOP 10 SAFEST NEIGHBORHOODS IN EDMONTON
1. Windermere
Windermere has the lowest Crime Severity Index in Edmonton, with a crime rate of approximately 2,549 per 100,000—60% lower than the Alberta average. This newer master-planned community of about 12,800 residents sits near the North Saskatchewan River and Highway 216. Windermere is actually a collection of six sub-neighbourhoods: Ambleside, Glenridding Heights, Glenridding Ravine, Keswick, Windermere proper, and more. The average individual income here is $181,154, and homes average around $963,000—71% above the Edmonton average. With 57% of housing being low-density single-family homes, the area offers wide suburban streets and attached garages that make moving easy. The Greater Windermere Community League organizes free community swims, skating, and soccer. The area is also home to excellent schools, including Constable Daniel Woodall School and Joey Moss Public Elementary.
2. Ogilvie Ridge
Ogilvie Ridge ranks as the second-safest neighbourhood in Edmonton according to EPS data analysis. Located in the Riverbend area, this mature, established neighbourhood features tree-lined streets, large lots, and a quiet, settled feel. Homes primarily date from the 1970s–1990s, with single-family homes ranging from the mid-$400,000s for original homes to over $1 million for luxury properties with river views. The average price per square foot is $259. Residents have direct access to the North Saskatchewan River valley trail system, and the area benefits from 54% of its residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Ogilvie Ridge’s stable population and active community engagement contribute to its sustained safety record.
3. Bulyea Heights
Bulyea Heights is consistently in the top five safest neighbourhoods in Edmonton and is another key part of the Riverbend cluster. This mature, established area offers the same benefits as its neighbours: tree-lined streets, large lots, direct river valley trail access, and a quiet, settled feel. Homes here are primarily single-family from the 1970s–1990s, with terraced lots that take advantage of river valley views. Some homes have steep driveways due to the river valley terrain, making moves slightly more complex than in flatter parts of the city. Bulyea Heights’ strong community associations and proximity to excellent schools make it a top choice for families.
4. Glenridding Heights
Glenridding Heights is one of Windermere’s six sub-neighbourhoods and a top performer in safety rankings. Recent sales average around $487,300, making it more accessible than some other parts of Windermere. The area features newer construction, attached garages, and the same low crime rates as the broader Windermere community. Its location provides easy access to Highway 216 and the amenities of the Windermere area. Glenridding Heights is popular with families and professionals seeking a modern, secure community with excellent schools and recreational facilities.
5. Keswick
Keswick is another Windermere sub-neighbourhood that offers more affordable options with semi-detached and row housing. It is home to Joan Carr Catholic Elementary/Junior High and Joey Moss Public Elementary/Junior High, making it popular with families. Keswick features newer construction, a family-friendly atmosphere, and the same low crime profile that defines the entire Windermere area. The neighbourhood’s proximity to shopping, schools, and parks makes it a convenient and secure choice for families seeking a modern suburban lifestyle.
6. Magrath Heights
Magrath Heights is a master-planned residential neighbourhood in southwest Edmonton that consistently ranks among the safest in the city. With a population of approximately 6,000 residents across around 2,000 homes, crime rates sit roughly 60% below the Alberta average. Magrath Heights is bounded by the Whitemud Creek Ravine to the east, providing direct access to 6.7 kilometres of trails used year-round for hiking, cycling, and cross-country skiing. Home prices average between $692,000 and $765,000—about 19% above the Edmonton average—with estate homes commanding $1.5 million to over $2.5 million. The neighbourhood is served by Nellie Carson School (K–9) and Lillian Osborne High School, both within the community.
7. Terwillegar Towne
Terwillegar Towne is listed among the safest neighbourhoods in the southwest corridor and receives honourable mention in multiple safety analyses. With approximately 6,627 residents, 80% of the housing is single-family homes. The area offers a family-friendly atmosphere, good schools, and easy access to the Terwillegar Recreation Centre and the extensive trail system along the North Saskatchewan River. Terwillegar Towne’s strong community engagement and active residents’ association contribute to its sustained safety and high quality of life.
8. Wedgewood Heights
Wedgewood Heights ranks as the eighth-safest neighbourhood in Edmonton and is another member of the Riverbend cluster. Like its neighbours, this mature, established area features tree-lined streets, large lots, and direct access to the North Saskatchewan River valley trail system. The homes are primarily single-family from the 1970s–1990s, offering a quiet, settled feel that appeals to families. Wedgewood Heights’ strong community ties and proximity to excellent schools make it a popular choice for those seeking a safe, established neighbourhood.
9. Henderson Estates
Henderson Estates is the ninth-safest neighbourhood in Edmonton and part of the broader Riverbend area. This mature, established community offers the same benefits as other Riverbend neighbourhoods: tree-lined streets, large lots, and direct access to the North Saskatchewan River valley trail system. Its location provides easy access to Riverbend and Terwillegar Drive, the primary access routes for the southwest. Henderson Estates’ stable population and active community engagement contribute to its sustained safety and desirability.
10. Magrath (Mactaggart Area)
The broader Magrath area, including the Mactaggart neighbourhood, receives honourable mention in safety analyses for its consistently low crime rates. This master-planned community offers newer homes, good schools, and access to the Whitemud Creek Ravine system. Its location in the southwest corridor provides residents with convenient access to shopping, recreation, and major roadways while maintaining a safe, family-friendly environment. Magrath’s strong community associations and well-maintained public spaces contribute to its reputation as one of Edmonton’s safest areas.
COMPARISON TABLE
| Rank | Neighborhood | Key Safety Metric | Primary Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Windermere | Crime rate 2,549/100k; 60% below AB avg | Master‑planned; upscale; 6 sub‑neighbourhoods |
| 2 | Ogilvie Ridge | #2 safest; Riverbend area | Mature; established; river valley access |
| 3 | Bulyea Heights | Top 5 safest; Riverbend | Quiet; settled; large lots |
| 4 | Glenridding Heights | Windermere sub‑neighbourhood | Newer construction; family‑friendly |
| 5 | Keswick | Windermere sub‑neighbourhood | Affordable; row housing; good schools |
| 6 | Magrath Heights | 60% below AB crime avg | Master‑planned; ravine trails; $692k–$765k |
| 7 | Terwillegar Towne | Southwest corridor; honourable mention | Family‑friendly; 80% single‑family |
| 8 | Wedgewood Heights | #8 safest; Riverbend | Mature; established; quiet |
| 9 | Henderson Estates | #9 safest; Riverbend area | Mature; established; river valley access |
| 10 | Magrath (Mactaggart) | Honourable mention | Master‑planned; ravine access |
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TIPS FOR UNDERSTANDING EDMONTON’S SAFETY LANDSCAPE
Check Official Crime Data: The Edmonton Police Service provides a Community Safety Data Portal and interactive crime map that allows residents to view reported incidents by neighbourhood and crime category, with data available for the previous 90 days. The portal provides summary statistics for the current year and enables comparisons between neighbourhoods, wards, and the city as a whole.
Safety Is Concentrated in the Southwest: The top 10 safest neighbourhoods in the three-year weighted analysis are all in southwest Edmonton. The Riverbend area cluster—including Ogilvie Ridge, Bulyea Heights, Wedgewood Heights, and Henderson Estates—is consistently ranked among the safest in the city.
Consider Edmonton’s Surrounding Communities: Nearby communities like St. Albert, Beaumont, and Spruce Grove are consistently recognized as some of the best places to live in Alberta, with St. Albert noted for its reputation for safety, strong schools, and graduation rates above the provincial mark.
Visit at Different Times: A neighbourhood that feels safe during the day can have a different character at night. Visit potential areas in the evening and on weekends to get a true feel for the environment.
CONCLUSION
Edmonton’s safest neighbourhoods are overwhelmingly concentrated in the southwest part of the city, where master-planned communities and mature, established areas with tree-lined streets and direct river valley access consistently post the lowest crime rates. Windermere leads the pack with the lowest Crime Severity Index in Edmonton, while Ogilvie Ridge and Bulyea Heights round out the top three. For families seeking safety alongside excellent schools, the Windermere area offers Constable Daniel Woodall School, Joey Moss Public Elementary, and Joan Carr Catholic Elementary.
While Edmonton’s overall crime rate has been declining, with shootings down 47% and property crime down 6.5%, choosing a neighbourhood with active community engagement and checking current crime data provides the best foundation for a secure place to call home.