Is White Rock BC a Safe Place to Live? Crime Stats You Want to Know

How safe is White Rock BC? A Deep Dive into Crime Stats and Community Safety

If you’re considering moving to another community, you might be wondering: How safe is it really? But before you make any decisions, let’s break down the real safety numbers and give you the full picture.


Crime Severity Index: How does the city rank to the rest of British Columbia

Crime, vandalized cars
Photo of a crime, vandalized cars

In 2020, Maclean’s ranked White Rock as one of the most dangerous cities in Canada. But should that really scare you? Let’s take a closer look at the actual crime data to understand what’s really going on.

The Crime Severity Index (CSI) is a tool used to measure the seriousness of crimes in a given area. In 2020:

  • White Rock ranked 82nd out of 237 cities in Canada for overall crime.
  • Violent crime: White Rock crime ranked 127th.

Here’s the good news:

  • Violent crime rate is actually lower than the Canadian average.
  • In 2020, the city registered zero homicides and zero firearm offences.

But what about non-violent crime?

  • General Crime Severity Index: Scored 83 (higher than the national average of 75).

What Types of Crimes Are Happening in White Rock?

crime, police presence
Image that depicts police presence in small cities like White Rock BC

White Rock does have some property crimes, which make up a large portion of its overall crime rate. These include:

  • Theft (including vehicle theft and property break-ins)
  • Impaired driving
  • Fraud

In the first quarter of 2023, the crime breakdown looked like this:

untitled design (2)
  • 54%: Property crime
  • 26%: Disturbance or breach
  • 14%: Personal offenses
  • 5%: Criminal driving
  • 1%: Drug offences

How White Rock Compares to Other Cities in the Lower Mainland

It’s helpful to compare White Rock’s crime data with other cities in the region to understand how it stacks up.

  • Compared to cities like Vancouver, Surrey, and Langley, White Rock fares much better in terms of violent crime.
  • When it comes to overall crime, White Rock is lower than many nearby cities, such as Maple Ridge, Abbotsford, and Whistler.

Is Vehicle Theft a Major Concern in White Rock?

Vehicle theft is something that happens in most cities, and White Rock is no different. In 2022, there were:

  • 51 stolen vehicles
  • 227 thefts from vehicles

However, most of these incidents happened when vehicles were parked on the street or in driveways, rather than in secure garages.


What About Break-ins and Burglaries?

a realistic depiction of a robber standing outside a home, peering through a window at night. the scene is illuminated by moonlight, showing the shado
a realistic depiction of a robber peering into someone’s home through a window at night.

Good news here: Residential break-ins are relatively rare in White Rock. In 2022, there were only:

  • 39 residential break-ins
  • 10 in the first quarter of 2023

For commercial properties, there were only 16 break-ins reported in Q1 of 2023.


Other Noteworthy Crime Stats

Here are a few other statistics from the RCMP’s Q1 2023 report that you might find interesting:

  • 43 mental health calls
  • 16 impaired drivers removed from the streets
  • Less than 5 sexual offences reported
  • 50% of reported crimes were related to uttering threats or criminal harassment (not physical altercations)

How safe is White Rock BC to live?

So, how dangerous is it really? Based on the data, it’s not as bad as it might seem at first glance.

  • While property crimes exist, violent crime is relatively low.
  • Zero homicides, no firearm offences, and low levels of serious personal crime suggest that White Rock is a relatively safe place to live.

How safe is White Rock BC at night?

Well I’ve personally lived here for years and have always felt safe in the community, whether I’m out for a late night stroll on the white rock pier with my family or enjoying the local businesses. We have never felt uncomfortable being out at night.


Final Thoughts: Is White Rock Right for You?

Homebuyer doing research on their next home purchase or sale
Homebuyer doing research on their next home purchase or sale

If you’re wondering whether its a safe place for your family, the answer is clear: Yes, it’s generally a safe and welcoming community. No security guards needed 🙂

While there are some property crimes (like theft and vehicle break-ins), these are common in many cities and are generally lower than the crime rates in nearby areas. If you’re looking for a peaceful, family-friendly environment with beautiful beaches and a vibrant community, this could be the perfect place for you in the entire Metro Vancouver Area


What if I have any questions about moving to White Rock, BC?

Selecting an excellent real estate professional is key to a successful home purchase. The Germyn Group, with our deep understanding of White Rock and its real estate dynamics, is committed to guiding you every step of the way.

We invite you to book a consultation with us. During our meeting, we’ll discuss your needs, preferences, and any questions you might have about the White Rock real estate market.

As you embark on this exciting journey, remember that the right home is more than just a property; it’s a foundation for your future. With the Germyn Group by your side, let’s make your dream of homeownership a beautiful reality.


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