Winnipeg Crime Statistics 2025: Patterns, Trends, and Insights
Key Insights
| Based on statistics from the Winnipeg Police Service 2023 Statistical Report, Winnipeg had the highest homicide rate among Canada’s largest cities, at 5.97 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The same report further indicates that in general, the number of crimes reported in Winnipeg during 2023 totaled 70,472, which is a 2.2% reduction from the 72,061 crimes in 2022. The Urban Violent Crimes Report illustrates how Winnipeg is among the cities with the highest increases in crime severity. Violent crime in the city increased from 13,451 in 2022 to 15,074 in 2023, which is an increase of 12.1%. Data from the Winnipeg Violent Crime Severity Index indicates that the severity of Winnipeg’s violent crime continued to rise by 2.2%, from 172.1 in 2022 to 175.9 in 2023. Statistics from the Winnipeg Police Service reveal that youth crime remains a serious problem in the city, with violent offenses, property crimes, and drug-related crimes on the rise. |
Winnipeg’s crime rates in 2023 present a mixed reality, with certain types of crime declining while others rise.
According to data from the Winnipeg Police Service 2023 Statistical Report, Winnipeg reported the highest homicide rate among Canada’s major urban centers at 5.97 cases per 100,000 people.
The same report also reveals that overall, the total number of crimes reported in Winnipeg in 2023 reached 70,472. This is favorable, as it marks a 2.2% decrease compared to the number of crimes reported in 2022, which was 72,061.
On the other hand, when comparing this to the recorded 70,124 crimes recorded in 2018, it is revealed that crime levels remain fairly consistent. This shows that over a period of five years, progress in crime reduction has been incremental.
The Urban Violent Crimes Report further highlighted how Winnipeg is one of the cities with the sharpest rise in crime severity over the past decade. Violent crimes in the city rose from 13,451 in 2022 to 15,074 in 2023, which is an increase of 12.1% in one year.
When compared to the number in 2018, which was 11,469 cases, this reveals an increase of 31.4% over a period of five years.
Meanwhile, other crimes have also shown notable trends over time. For instance, Winnipeg’s robbery rate reached 305.8 per 100,000 residents in 2023, which is an increase of 14.2% when compared to the 267.8 cases in 2022.
It is important to note that this rate is approximately three times higher than the average of other Canadian urban centers. For instance, the rate in Montreal is 124.4 per 100,000 residents while the rate in Calgary is 155.2 per 100,000 residents.
Criminal offenses linked to drugs showed greater fluctuations, with an increase of 10.9% in the same two-year period from 2022 to 2023. Reported incidents climbed from 412 cases in 2022 to 457 in 2023.
In contrast, violations of traffic and other minor infractions have shown little variation over this period, with only slight changes and a relatively steady trend.
Property crimes have also steadily decreased in recent years. In 2023, the number of reported incidents had dropped to 49,055, reflecting a 4.7% decrease compared to the 51,565 cases recorded in 2022.
This decline aligns with the broader downward trajectory observed since 2020 when property-related offenses reached 52,567 cases. This indicates a continued improvement in this category.
Shifting Trends in Winnipeg’s Crime Severity
The Winnipeg Violent Crime Severity Index (VCSI) shows that the severity of violent crime in Winnipeg continued to climb, rising from 2.2% from 172.1 in 2022 to 175.9 in 2023.
This increase coincides with the ongoing rising trend observed since 2018 when the number was at 143.6, reflecting a 22.5% increase over a period of five years. This highlights persistent challenges related to homicide, assault, and other violent crimes.
Meanwhile, the Non-Violent Crime Severity Index (NVCSI) has steadily declined, dropping from 131.2 in 2018 to 115.2 in 2023, marking a 12.2% decrease within the same period.
In 2023, the index dropped by 8.9%, decreasing from 126.5 in 2022 to 115.2. This decline is largely attributed to a reduction in property-related offenses and other non-violent crimes.
| Category | 2022 CSI | 2023 CSI | Change (2022 to 2023) |
| Total Crime Severity Index | 146.3 | 139.5 | -4.6% |
| Violent Crime Severity | 172.1 | 175.9 | +2.2% |
| Non-Violent Crime Severity | 126.5 | 115.2 | -8.9% |
Crime Severity Across Major Cities in Canada in 2023
Winnipeg continues to record significantly higher crime rates compared to other major Canadian cities, as outlined in the Urban Violent Crimes Report.
The table below illustrates the crime rate in Winnipeg in contrast to other major Canadian cities in 2023, with a focus on violent and property crimes. The rates indicated are the numbers per 100,000 residents.
| City or Region | Homicide Rate | Robbery Rate | Property Crime Rate | Violent Crime Rate |
| Winnipeg | 5.97 | 305.8 | 3,541 | 1,086 |
| Brandon (Manitoba) | 1.45 | 85.3 | 2,150 | 510 |
| Vancouver | 3.45 | 198.3 | 3,275 | 745 |
| Montreal | 2.65 | 124.4 | 2,630 | 712 |
| Toronto | 2.15 | 146.7 | 2,917 | 645 |
The city’s homicide rate reached 5.97 cases per 100,000 residents, which surpasses Vancouver’s rate of 3.45 and Toronto’s rate of 2.15, demonstrating Winnipeg’s persistent struggle with violent crime.
Additionally, the rate for robbery in 2023 hit 305.8 cases per 100,000 residents, far exceeding Montreal’s rate of 124.4 and Calgary’s rate of 155.2.
These elevated crime levels are often attributed to socioeconomic struggles, rising poverty, and increased activity in organized crime.
By contrast, smaller areas like Brandon in Manitoba report significantly lower crime rates, with only 510 violent incidents per 100,000 residents, further suggesting that crime patterns vary widely across different regions.
Most Dangerous Areas in Winnipeg in 2025
The Canada Crime Index provides insights into the top 10 areas with the highest crime rates in Winnipeg in 2025.
| Rank | Neighborhood | Population | Violent Crimes per 100,000 Residents | Crime Rate Compared to City Average (1,678 incidents per 100,000 residents) |
| 1 | Lord Selkirk Park | 1,809 | 2,624 | 56% higher |
| 2 | Central Park | 4,305 | 2,543 | 52% higher |
| 3 | William Whyte | 6,610 | 2,517 | 50% higher |
| 4 | Centennial | 2,725 | 2,489 | 48% higher |
| 5 | Dufferin | 2,255 | 2,475 | 47% higher |
| 6 | North Point Douglas | 2,025 | 2,466 | 46% higher |
| 7 | Portage – Ellice | 1,755 | 2,451 | 45% higher |
| 8 | Spence | 4,637 | 2,469 | 47% higher |
| 9 | Logan – CPR | 468 | 2,424 | 44% higher |
| 10 | Dufferin Industrial | 110 | 2,375 | 42% higher |
In 2025, certain neighborhoods in Winnipeg exhibit notably higher violent crime rates compared to the city average of 1,678 incidents per 100,000 residents.
Lord Selkirk Park leads the list with a violent crime rate of 2,624 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 56% higher than the city’s average rate.
Following this are the areas of William Whyte and Central Park, with rates of 2,517 and 2,543 respectively, which are both still 50% over the city average.
Higher crime levels in these areas are frequently associated with socioeconomic problems, unemployment, and restricted access to community resources.
In contrast, areas like Dufferin Industrial and Logal CPR have lower, though still problematic, rates of violent crime. These areas respectively show rates of 42% and 44% higher than the city’s average.
However, it is also important to note that the comparatively smaller populations in these areas can make per-capita crime rates higher, even with a relatively small number of crimes.
Youth Crime in Winnipeg
General Insights Into Youth Crime in Winnipeg
Data from the Winnipeg Police Service and the Winnipeg Violent Crime Severity Index (VCSI) show that youth crime continues to be a critical issue in Winnipeg, with fluctuating trends in violent offenses, property crimes, and drug-related infractions.
The table below illustrates trends in youth crime in Winnipeg from 2018 to 2023.
| Year | Total Youth Violent Crimes | Total Youth Crimes |
| 2018 | 1,142 | 1,909 |
| 2019 | 978 | 1,750 |
| 2020 | 785 | 1,370 |
| 2021 | 629 | 1,160 |
| 2022 | 846 | 1,668 |
| 2023 | 980 | 2,054 |
Youth crime in Winnipeg dropped substantially between 2018 and 2021, dropping from 1,909 to 1,370 respectively. This coincided with stronger law enforcement efforts and mobility restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, this trend was reversed in 2022 and 2023. In 2023, youth crime reached 2,054 cases, which is an increase of 76.9% from 1,668 cases in 2022.
Meanwhile, violent youth crimes showed a downward trend from 2018 to 2021, with cases falling from 1,142 to 629. This shows a decrease of 44.9% over a period of four years.
Yet, violent crimes then increased by 55.8% over the next two years, with cases rising to 846 and 980 in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
This trend is alignment with recent reports regarding higher youth participation in violent crimes such as assault, robbery, and gang violence.
Youth Crimes Involving Weapons
| Year | Cases Involving Weapons |
| 2018 | 347 |
| 2019 | 275 |
| 2020 | 259 |
| 2021 | 212 |
| 2022 | 338 |
| 2023 | 490 |
Youth crime involving weapons decreased from 347 cases in 2018 to 212 in 2021, showing a decrease of 38.90% over this period.
However, this trend was reserved in 2022 and 2023, with cases increasing to 338 and 490 respectively – an increase of 131.1% in two years.
This trend coincides with increasing concerns over greater access to illegal firearms and violent youth confrontations.
Youth Property Crime
| Year | Property Crimes |
| 2018 | 1,056 |
| 2019 | 780 |
| 2020 | 639 |
| 2021 | 487 |
| 2022 | 625 |
| 2023 | 720 |
Youth property crimes declined in the period from 2018 and 2021, with cases dropping from 1,056 to 487. This illustrates a decrease of 53.9%.
In 2022 and 2023, however, this number rose again. Youth property crimes reached 720 cases in 2023, reflecting a 47.9% increase in two years.
This rate is reflected by increases in shoplifting and higher vehicle theft rates among the youth.
Public Perceptions of High Crime Rates in Winnipeg
The 2024 Citizen Satisfaction Survey, provided by the Praire Research Associates, measured how Winnipeg residents rate their safety and overall quality of life amidst increasing crime rates.
The survey reveals that although most residents have a positive view of the city, issues regarding policing and crime continue to be among their top concerns.
| Metric | Percentage of Population |
| Feel safe walking alone at night | 62% |
| Overall quality of life rated as good or very good | 82% |
| Satisfaction with city services | 76% |
| Crime and policing cities as areas for improvement | 36% |
62% of residents reported feeling safe walking alone at night, indicating that although most still feel secure, a significant portion of the population still has safety concerns.
Meanwhile, 82% of those surveyed indicated a good or very good quality of life, showing that most residents have a positive perception of living in Winnipeg in spite of crime concerns.
City service satisfaction is also still high at 76%, but crime and policing were mentioned as the second most critical areas to improve on in the city. 36% of residents cited this as a primary consideration in making Winnipeg more livable.
Addressing Crime in Winnipeg
Winnipeg has introduced multiple measures to tackle rising crime rates and improve public safety in the city.
The city introduced a $10-million safety initiative in July 2023 to tackle crime in downtown Winnipeg.
This plan involves the deployment of 24 more officers, enhanced street lighting, the installation of 75 new CCTV cameras, and the creation of a centralized crime prevention center.
These steps are intended to enhance police presence and response times, as well as discourage criminal activity in high-risk zones.
Meanwhile, the Winnipeg YGPF Projects are programs aimed at gang prevention and social support for at-risk youth.
For example, the Circle of Courage project emphasizes skill development, cultural reclamation, and mentoring for young people.
Further, other programs such as Turning the Tides and West Central Youth Outreach focus on community service, mentoring, and work preparation to assist young people in abandoning dangerous lifestyles.
The Future of Crime and Safety in Winnipeg
As Winnipeg continues to implement law enforcement strategies and community-based crime prevention programs, the City of Winnipeg expects to see gradual improvements in public safety over the next five years.
The expansion of CCTV surveillance, increased police presence, and youth intervention programs are all anticipated to reduce violent crime and property offenses, especially in the most high-risk areas.
However, rising socioeconomic challenges can still present obstacles to these developments, necessitating further investment in long-term crime prevention efforts.
References
- CBC News. (2024, August 15). Winnipeg youth crime rates remain high, police report shows. CBC News. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/youth-crime-police-statistics-report-winnipeg-1.7239648
- City of Winnipeg. (2022). City of Winnipeg 2020 annual report. Retrieved from https://www.winnipeg.ca/sites/default/files/2022-06/2020AR.pdf
- City of Winnipeg. (2024). 2024 Citizen satisfaction survey. Retrieved from https://www.winnipeg.ca/city-governance/documents-reports/2024-citizen-satisfaction-survey
- Macdonald-Laurier Institute. (2024, September). Urban violent crime report. Retrieved from https://macdonaldlaurier.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240812_Urban-violent-crime-report_SnowAudas_REPORT-v7-FINAL.pdf
- Public Safety Canada. (n.d.). Crime prevention inventory: Winnipeg Youth Gang Prevention Fund (YGPF) projects. Retrieved from https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/cntrng-crm/crm-prvntn/nvntr/dtls-en.aspx?i=10065
- Winnipeg Police Service. (2023). Winnipeg Police Service 2023 statistical report. Retrieved from https://wps-2023-statistical-report-wpsgis.hub.arcgis.com/
- Winnipeg Police Service. (2024, July 24). Crime rate in Winnipeg sees continued rise, calls for urgent action. Global News. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/9864257/winnipeg-violent-crime-urgent-action-needed/
- Winnipeg Crime Index. (2024). Winnipeg crime rate and trends. Retrieved from https://canadacrimeindex.com/winnipeg-crime-rate/