Australia Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Australia
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated May 30, 2025
Australia recorded 0.8 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is among the lowest in the world. That places Australia #159 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Oceania average of 5.9 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (1.1 per 100,000 in 2013, 0.8 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Australia at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
0.8 /100k
Safety Rank
#37 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (1.1 per 100,000 in 2013, 0.8 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Australia Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Australia, the homicide rate for men is 2.2× higher than the rate for women — 1.2 vs 0.5 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
Australia has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
1(2018)
Military Spending
1.9% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Australia:
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise normal precautions in Australia. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Australia. If you decide to travel to Australia: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Australia. Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler's Checklist . Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Australia
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated June 02, 2025).
Terrorism
Terrorists have targeted Australia. Australia has an alert system for possible terrorist attacks. The threat levels range from “Not expected” to “Certain.” The Australian National Security website has up-to-date information about the current terrorism threat level. You may also contact the Australian National Security Hotline at +61-01-800-123-400. You should: Check local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans. Stay aware of your surroundings. Stay alert in tourist spots. For more information, see our Terrorism page .
Crime
Robberies, burglaries, assault, and auto theft can occur in Australia’s larger cities. Foreign visitors in popular tourist areas are targets for pickpockets, purse-snatchers, and petty thieves. Most petty crime can be avoided with basic security precautions. Stay alert when visiting bars or clubs in the entertainment areas of major cities. “Bar brawls” and other assaults sometimes occur. Watch out for drink spiking when drinking alcohol with unfamiliar people.
Demonstrations
Australian law protects the right of individuals and groups to protest peacefully and publicly express their views. Demonstrations and political rallies are generally approved by local authorities and are well publicized. Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on politically significant holidays and during international events. Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Some past demonstrations have turned violent. Check local media for updates on traffic advisories.
Scams
Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Australia. Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information.
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police at 000 and contact the U.S. Consulate in your district. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care. Assist you in reporting a crime to the police. Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion. Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. Provide information about Australian Victim Assistance programs. Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution. Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy or the nearest Consulate for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is generally regulated. Rules with regards to general practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs. Trained staff are usually there to help with organized activities. If someone gets hurt, they can usually get medical help anywhere in the country. In smaller cities, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and assist. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Australia Population & Demographics
Population of 27,196,812, growth trends, economy, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Australia safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Australia at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The homicide rate of 0.8 per 100,000 is among the lowest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Australia?
Australia has an intentional homicide rate of 0.8 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #159 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Australia?
Australia is currently at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Australia compare to other countries?
Australia's homicide rate of 0.8 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Oceania average of 5.9.