Is Wendouree (VIC) Safe?

Wendouree is moderately safe, a regional Victorian suburb where crime clusters on specific streets but residential neighbourhoods offer reasonable protection.

Worst for theft near Forest Street and Howitt Street

Wendouree records 13,166 crimes per 100,000 residents across 486 blocks. The 17-times variation between safest and most dangerous blocks is significant. Highest-crime streets are Learmonth Road, Forest Street, Howitt Street, Selkirk Drive, Norman Street, and Trewin Street. Commercial blocks average 6,098 crimes per 100,000, more than three times the residential rate of 1,803 per 100,000. Property crime in commercial zones hits 2,790 per 100,000. Violent crime reaches 626 per 100,000 in commercial areas, nearly three times the residential average of 241 per 100,000. Drugs offences spike at 1,024 per 100,000 in commercial precincts.

The safest residential streets include Grevillea Road, Lincoln Street, Wyndholm Crescent, Rowan Parade, and Violet Grove. Crime rates here drop dramatically. Residential property crime averages just 901 per 100,000, less than a third the commercial rate. Violent crime in safer areas reaches only 241 per 100,000. Drugs offences fall to 307 per 100,000, manageable for a regional location.

Quieter around Forest Street and Grevillea Road

The 17-times variation between safest and most dangerous blocks is substantial. Learmonth Road faces 17 times the crime exposure of Grevillea Road. Property crime shifts from 2,790 to 901 per 100,000, a 3.1 times gap. Violent crime fluctuates from 626 to 241, a 2.6 times difference. Drugs offences range from 1,024 to 307 per 100,000.

17x crime gap between streets

Wendouree has 11,064 residents with a SEIFA score of 860, indicating socioeconomic disadvantage. Average income sits at just 990 per week. Public housing comprises 8.7 per cent of housing, with 22.6 per cent welfare dependent. Renters account for 27 per cent. Overseas-born parents comprise just 13 per cent. These demographics point to a struggling established community with limited mobility.

For buyers, Wendouree requires careful location selection. Avoid Learmonth Road, Forest Street, and commercial precincts. Target Grevillea Road, Lincoln Street, and quiet residential pockets instead. Crime in safer areas remains above comfortable levels for many buyers, but manageable for regional Victoria. The 22.6 per cent welfare dependency and 990-dollar income suggest ongoing economic stress. Investors must budget for slower capital growth and higher maintenance costs.

Crime Breakdown