Every city has its rough spots, and our city is no exception. While there are plenty of great neighbourhoods to explore, some areas are known for being less safe and having higher crime rates. 

So, which areas are the most dangerous ones in Winnipeg?

The top places to avoid in Winnipeg include locations like Lord Selkirk Park and Central Park. Spots like these are known for their high crime rates compared to other areas in the state.

And that’s only the tip of the iceberg. So, read on and let’s take a closer look at some of the neighbourhoods in Winnipeg that have a bit of a sketchy reputation. 

Lord Selkirk Park

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Lord Selkirk Park is located in the North End of Winnipeg and is named after the housing development built in the 1960s. It was originally designed as a low-income housing project to provide affordable homes for families in need.

It’s no secret that Lord Selkirk Park has struggled with crime—we are talking about theft, vandalism, and even violent crimes that have been reported in the area. Now, it is reported that the neighbourhood’s crime rate is 56% higher than Winnipeg’s overall. 

But don’t write off Lord Selkirk Park just yet. There are local organisations and initiatives focused on addressing the root causes of crime, providing support to families, and creating a safer environment for all. 

So, while it’s important to be aware of the crime rate, it’s also important to remember that there’s more to Lord Selkirk Park than just the numbers.

North Point Douglas

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North Point Douglas is a vibrant and historic neighbourhood but still has faced some challenges in terms of crime rates. It’s important to address that the crime rate index in the area is reported to be 49% higher than the Winnipeg average. 

The higher crime rate in North Point Douglas has been a concern for both residents and local authorities. Property crimes, thefts, and incidents of vandalism have been reported more frequently in this neighbourhood compared to other areas in Winnipeg.

When it comes to safety in North Point Douglas, it’s worth noting that there are areas within the neighbourhood that are considered safer than others. For instance, areas closer to the Red River and North Point Douglas Park are generally perceived as safer. 

These locations often have more foot traffic, increased community presence, and a greater sense of security.

East Elmwood

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The East Elmwood neighbourhood, located in the northeastern part of Winnipeg, is a diverse and lively community. The area is known for its crime rates, which is 24% higher than the city’s average.

In 2020, the reported crime incidents in East Elmwood included a mix of property crimes, such as mischief, breaking and entering, and motor vehicle thefts, as well as violent crimes like assault and sexual assaults.

According to AreaVibes, East Elmwood’s total crime rate is 79% of the national average, with property crime rates being 72% of the national average. 

While these numbers may seem concerning, it’s essential to note that the community has experienced a noticeable decrease in crime rates over the past few years. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of local organisations, residents, and authorities.

Centennial

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Although Centennial is considered a safe neighbourhood in the Denver metropolitan area, the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in this area is 1 in 11, according to AreVibes.

In comparison to the national average, Centennial’s crime rate is higher. The total crime rate in Centennial is 117% of the national average, with property crime rates being 108% of the national average. 

This demonstrates that visitors, as well as local residents, must take precautions when in  Centennial.

St. Matthews

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In the St. Matthews neighbourhood of Winnipeg, crime rates have been a concern for residents and local authorities. It’s worth noting that St. Matthew’s crime rate is 35% higher than Winnipeg’s average and 94% higher than the national average.

Property crime is one of the most prevalent types of crime in St. Matthews, with a total of 779 incidents reported as of December 2022.  This translates to a rate of 5,942 incidents per 100,000 people. 

While violent crime is less frequent than property crime, it is still a concern in St. Matthews. There have been a total of 236 violent crime incidents reported in the neighbourhood which corresponds to a rate of 2,261 incidents per 100,000 people.

Spence

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The Spence neighbourhood, located in the central part of Winnipeg, is home to a diverse community and has been a topic of concern for many residents and visitors due to its crime rates.

According to Statistics Canada, Spence has a crime rate that is 112% higher than the national average. In fact, the crime rate in Spence is 2.5 times higher than the average for the rest of the country!

In terms of specific crimes, Spence has a high rate of recorded property crimes such as break-ins and thefts. In addition, there have been a total of 360 reports of violent crimes such as assault and sexual assault.

Despite efforts to reduce crime in the area, the crime rate in Spence has remained relatively stable over the years. So it is important for residents and visitors to take precautions and be aware of the surroundings when in the area.

William Whyte

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The William Whyte neighbourhood, situated in the northwestern part of Winnipeg, is an area that has faced challenges with crime and safety. With a population of around 7,031 residents, the neighbourhood has experienced high crime rates in recent years.

In 2022, William Whyte has been dealing with a significant number of reported crime incidents, with property crimes having 997 and violent crimes having 638 according to the Winnipeg Police Service’s CrimeMaps.

Over the years, the crime situation in William Whyte has not shown significant improvement, with crime rates remaining relatively stable at 52% higher than the national average.

Downtown Winnipeg

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Downtown Winnipeg’s crime index is a topic of concern for many residents and visitors. According to recent statistics, the area has a crime rate that is 37% higher than the city’s average. 

cIn 2022, there were a total of 1,586 reported incidents in the area, with property crimes accounting for the majority of them. Specifically, there were 1147 property crimes reported, including break-ins and thefts. 

Meanwhile, there were 439 violent crimes reported, which included assaults, sexual assaults, and robberies. Despite efforts to reduce crime in the area, the number of reported incidents has remained relatively consistent over the years.

Central Park

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The area has a population of around 4,306 and like any urban area, Central Park has its share of crime.

According to AreaVibes, the crime rate in Central Park is 54% higher than the city’s average. In 2020, there were an estimated total of 1032 reported incidents in the area, which translates to 9391 incidents per 100,000 people. 

This is significantly higher than the city’s overall crime rate of 6088 incidents per 100,000 people.

Of the reported incidents in Central Park, property crimes make up the majority with 736 incidents. These include thefts, burglaries, and vandalism. Violent crimes, such as assault and robbery, accounted for 296 incidents.

Dufferin

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The Dufferin neighbourhood in Winnipeg, located in the central part of the city, has a population of around 2,241. The area is known to have its fair share of crime.

In fact, Dufferin has a higher crime rate compared to Winnipeg, Manitoba, and the national average according to AreaVibes. 

The neighbourhood’s estimated total crime rate is 9,097 incidents per 100,000 people, which is considerably higher than Winnipeg’s rate of 6,088 incidents per 100,000 people.

Despite the challenges faced by Dufferin, it is crucial to acknowledge the positive developments occurring within the neighbourhood. Furthermore, Dufferin is 2% safer than other Manitoban cities.