Brian PaulMontreal has long been recognized as one of the safest major cities in North America. Recently, the city recorded just 31 homicides across its territory—the lowest rate among major North American cities at 1.16 per 100,000 residents in Greater Montreal—alongside a more than 50% decline in armed-violence incidents since 2021.
According to Numbeo’s Crime Index, Montreal ranks as the fourth safest major city in Canada with a score of 33.0, reflecting active neighbourhood policing, strong public transit safety measures, and a dense, walkable urban layout that supports natural surveillance.
While downtown and the Ville-Marie core show the heaviest concentration of incidents by a wide margin, the city’s residential boroughs—particularly those on the western and eastern edges of the island—offer exceptionally low crime rates. This list identifies the ten safest neighbourhoods in Montreal, drawing on SPVM data, neighbourhood rankings, and local insights.
TOP 10 SAFEST NEIGHBOURHOODS IN MONTREAL
1. L’Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève
L’Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève ranks among Montreal’s safest boroughs, with police data confirming lower numbers of break-ins, thefts, and vehicle thefts than the rest of the city. Located on Montreal’s western side, this large island bordered by Lac des Deux Montagnes and Rivière des Prairies is known for its green spaces, semi-rural atmosphere, heritage homes, and family-friendly character.
With only 780 residents per km², it experiences fewer disturbances and a generally quieter environment. The borough is home to the Bois-de-l’Île-Bizard nature park, several golf courses, and a local CEGEP, offering a unique balance of tranquility and community amenities.
2. Anjou
Anjou ranks as one of Montreal’s safest boroughs according to SPVM data, performing exceptionally well on safety metrics. The area has the lowest number of break-ins (34 vs. city average of 119), motor vehicle thefts, and thefts from vehicles across the city. Located in the eastern end of the Island of Montreal, Anjou is a tranquil, family-friendly borough that offers a suburban escape without sacrificing urban convenience.
It features tree-lined streets, several parks, and the popular Galeries d’Anjou, one of eastern Montreal’s largest shopping centres. Its suburban layout and distance from downtown contribute to fewer opportunistic property crimes.
3. Baie-D’Urfé / Beaconsfield / Kirkland (PDQ 1)
The PDQ 1 police district, covering Baie-D’Urfé, Beaconsfield, and Kirkland, ranks third among Montreal’s safest neighbourhoods with only 281 mapped incidents in a recent year.
These affluent West Island suburbs are characterized by large lots, mature trees, and a quiet, residential atmosphere. The area’s low crime rate reflects its distance from downtown, high property values, and strong community engagement. Residents enjoy easy access to the waterfront, parks, and the REM light rail network, while maintaining a peaceful, secure environment.
4. Dollard-Des Ormeaux (PDQ 4)
Dollard-Des Ormeaux ranks fourth among Montreal’s safest neighbourhoods with 319 mapped incidents in a recent year. This West Island suburb is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, and abundant green spaces.
The area’s low crime rate is supported by its residential character, active community associations, and distance from the city’s busiest commercial corridors. Residents enjoy convenient access to shopping, dining, and recreational facilities while maintaining a quiet, secure environment.
5. Lachine
Lachine ranks among Montreal’s safest boroughs, with 2025 SPVM data showing lower rates of break-ins, thefts from vehicles, and motor vehicle thefts than most areas. Robbery incidents (12 vs. city average of 32) and mischief also fall below average.
Located in the southwest of the Island of Montreal along the St. Lawrence River, Lachine is known for its historic canal, waterfront parks, and cultural attractions. The area offers old-world charm and a mix of residential, recreational, and community spaces, making it an attractive and secure place to live.
6. Métro (PDQ 50)
The Métro police district, which covers Montreal’s subway network, ranks second among the safest areas with 183 mapped incidents. While this district serves the transit system rather than a residential neighbourhood, its low incident count reflects the effectiveness of transit safety measures.
The SPVM notes that many events occurring in the metro are attributed to the neighbourhood police stations that have stations on their territory. For residents and visitors, this indicates that Montreal’s public transit system is generally safe and well-monitored.
7. Pierrefonds / Île-Bizard (PDQ 3)
The PDQ 3 district, covering Pierrefonds and Île-Bizard, ranks eighth among Montreal’s safest areas with 543 mapped incidents recently. Pierrefonds-Roxboro, located in the northern part of Montreal’s West Island, is recognized for its vast nature parks, including the Cap-Saint-Jacques nature park, green spaces like the Bois de Roxboro, and quality schools.
The borough displays lower rates of serious violent crimes and thefts, making it a relatively safe sector. Its suburban atmosphere and family-oriented services offer a pleasant combination of residential tranquility and practical access to amenities.
8. Verdun
Verdun ranks among Montreal’s safer boroughs, with most crimes at or below the city average. The borough recorded zero offences causing death, 30 robberies (below the city average of 32), and 117 break-ins (slightly below the average of 119). Located on Montreal’s southwestern edge along the St. Lawrence River, Verdun is known for its shoreline, parks, and active transportation routes.
The area has experienced significant revitalization, with Rue Wellington named the best street in the world by Time Magazine in 2022. With 38% families, it is one of Montreal’s most family-friendly neighbourhoods, offering solid schools and a relaxed atmosphere.
9. Pointe-aux-Trembles / Montréal-Est (PDQ 49)
The PDQ 49 district ranks tenth among Montreal’s safest areas with 589 mapped incidents recently. Located on the eastern tip of the Island of Montreal, Pointe-aux-Trembles is a residential neighbourhood known for its waterfront access along the St. Lawrence River and its family-oriented character.
The area’s low crime rate reflects its distance from downtown, stable residential population, and strong community ties. Residents enjoy easy access to parks, schools, and local amenities while maintaining a quiet, secure environment.
10. Ville-Marie Ouest / Westmount (PDQ 12)
The PDQ 12 district, covering western Ville-Marie and Westmount, ranks ninth among Montreal’s safest areas with 563 mapped incidents in a recent year. Westmount is one of Montreal’s most affluent and prestigious neighbourhoods, known for its historic mansions, tree-lined streets, and low crime rate.
The area’s safety is supported by high property values, active neighbourhood associations, and a strong police presence. Despite its proximity to downtown, Westmount maintains a quiet, residential character that attracts families and professionals seeking security and exclusivity.
COMPARISON TABLE
| Rank | Neighbourhood | Key Safety Metric | Primary Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | L’Île‑Bizard–Sainte‑Geneviève | Lowest break‑ins, thefts in city; 780 residents/km² | Semi‑rural, family‑friendly, green spaces |
| 2 | Anjou | Lowest break‑ins (34 vs. 119 avg); low vehicle thefts | Suburban, tranquil, shopping access |
| 3 | Baie‑D’Urfé / Beaconsfield / Kirkland | 281 mapped incidents (2025) | Affluent West Island, quiet, waterfront |
| 4 | Dollard‑Des Ormeaux | 319 mapped incidents (2025) | Family‑friendly, good schools, green spaces |
| 5 | Lachine | 12 robberies vs. 32 avg; 59 break‑ins vs. 119 avg | Historic canal, waterfront parks, charm |
| 6 | Métro (PDQ 50) | 183 mapped incidents (2025) | Transit system, well‑monitored |
| 7 | Pierrefonds / Île‑Bizard | 543 mapped incidents (2025) | Suburban, nature parks, family‑oriented |
| 8 | Verdun | Most crimes at or below city average | Family‑friendly, shoreline, revitalized |
| 9 | Pointe‑aux‑Trembles / Montréal‑Est | 589 mapped incidents (2025) | Residential, waterfront, quiet |
| 10 | Ville‑Marie Ouest / Westmount | 563 mapped incidents (2025) | Affluent, historic, prestigious |
TIPS FOR UNDERSTANDING MONTREAL’S SAFETY LANDSCAPE
Check Official Crime Data: The SPVM provides a monthly crime report through the Ville de Montréal open data website, with an interactive visualization tool that allows users to explore crime statistics by neighbourhood police station, month, quarter, and year. The “Vue sur la sécurité publique” tool allows residents to zoom in on their specific street or neighbourhood to see exactly how many incidents have been reported nearby.
Crime Is Concentrated Downtown: The SPVM’s crime map shows the heaviest concentration of incidents in downtown and the Ville-Marie core by a wide margin. Beyond downtown, the next-largest clusters sit in the city’s north end, particularly around Montreal North, Rivière-des-Prairies, and the Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension corridor. The western and eastern edges of the island consistently record the lowest incident counts.
Break-Ins Are Trending: Montreal recorded over 6,000 break-ins throughout 2025, a 6% increase over 2024. Recently, there have been 994 break-and-enter incidents, averaging roughly 14 per day. However, if the current pace holds, we could see a drop to around 5,000 to 5,200 break-ins. The most targeted areas are Ville-Marie, Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Plateau-Mont-Royal, Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension, and Montréal-Nord.
Montreal Is Among Canada’s Safest Cities: According to Numbeo’s Crime Index, Montreal ranks as the fourth safest major city in Canada with a score of 33.0, behind Quebec City (21.9), Burlington, and Ottawa. Montreal also placed 19th out of 173 cities in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s recent Global Livability Index with a score of 93.8.
Safety Varies Block by Block: A neighbourhood’s overall safety grade is an average. Crime can be concentrated on specific streets or blocks. Using the SPVM’s interactive crime map to check block-level data before committing to a neighbourhood is essential.
CONCLUSION
Montreal’s safest neighbourhoods are concentrated on the western and eastern edges of the island, where low population density, residential character, and distance from downtown contribute to crime rates well below the city average. L’Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève leads the rankings with the lowest break-in and theft rates in the city, followed closely by Anjou and the West Island suburbs of Baie-D’Urfé, Beaconsfield, and Kirkland. Lachine and Verdun offer a balance of safety, amenities, and affordability, while Westmount provides affluent, historic living with a strong security record.
With Montreal ranking as one of the safest major cities in North America—recording just 31 homicides recently, and a homicide rate of 1.16 per 100,000—residents can find a secure home across a range of neighbourhoods. By checking the SPVM’s block-level crime data and focusing on residential areas with active community engagement, residents can find a safe and welcoming home in Montreal.