Safest Suburbs in Durban (eThekwini)
Looking for the safest areas in Durban (eThekwini)? Based on the latest SAPS crime statistics (2025), these are the Durban (eThekwini) suburbs with the lowest crime rates, ranked from safest to least safe across all 42 police precincts.
All Durban (eThekwini) Suburbs Ranked by Safety
| Rank | Precinct | Crime Rate | Violent Crime Rate | Safety Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Umsunduzi | 375 | 187 | A |
| 2 | Hammarsdale | 465 | 233 | A |
| 3 | Inchanga | 733 | 318 | B |
| 4 | Umbumbulu | 780 | 388 | B |
| 5 | Malvern | 1,058 | 226 | B |
| 6 | Kwandengezi | 1,063 | 572 | B |
| 7 | Lamontville | 1,075 | 562 | B |
| 8 | Folweni | 1,225 | 667 | B |
| 9 | Mayville-Kzn | 1,454 | 494 | C |
| 10 | Bellair | 1,473 | 417 | C |
| 11 | Berea | 1,688 | 364 | C |
| 12 | Bayview | 1,754 | 520 | C |
| 13 | Westville | 1,803 | 235 | C |
| 14 | Montclair | 1,930 | 645 | C |
| 15 | Brighton Beach | 1,931 | 507 | C |
| 16 | Wentworth | 1,969 | 575 | C |
| 17 | Umkomaas | 2,085 | 776 | C |
| 18 | Cato Manor | 2,133 | 1,157 | C |
| 19 | Newlands East | 2,160 | 845 | D |
| 20 | Point | 2,278 | 675 | D |
| 21 | Bhekithemba | 2,313 | 1,316 | D |
| 22 | Mpumalanga KZN | 2,347 | 1,338 | D |
| 23 | Kwamakhutha | 2,362 | 1,189 | D |
| 24 | Mariannhill | 2,388 | 1,220 | D |
| 25 | Amanzimtoti | 2,429 | 555 | D |
| 26 | Kwadabeka | 2,497 | 1,449 | D |
| 27 | Isipingo | 2,662 | 1,087 | D |
| 28 | Tongaat | 2,731 | 1,015 | D |
| 29 | Sydenham | 2,987 | 1,033 | D |
| 30 | Hillcrest | 2,999 | 880 | D |
| 31 | Umbilo | 3,030 | 980 | D |
| 32 | Greenwood Park | 3,187 | 1,152 | D |
| 33 | Kwamashu E | 3,549 | 1,532 | F |
| 34 | Durban North | 3,805 | 562 | F |
| 35 | Ntuzuma | 3,896 | 2,433 | F |
| 36 | Umlazi | 5,903 | 3,327 | F |
| 37 | Verulam | 6,155 | 2,361 | F |
| 38 | Pinetown | 6,543 | 1,738 | F |
| 39 | Inanda | 7,337 | 4,093 | F |
| 40 | Phoenix | 7,921 | 2,343 | F |
| 41 | Chatsworth | 7,953 | 2,837 | F |
| 42 | Durban Central | 9,915 | 3,273 | F |
Crime rate = reported crimes per 100,000 people. Source: SAPS 2025.
Is Durban (eThekwini) Safe to Live In?
Safety in Durban (eThekwini) varies significantly depending on the suburb. Of the 42 police precincts in Durban (eThekwini), 8 are rated A or B (Safe to Very Safe), while 24 are rated D or F (High Risk to Very High Risk).
The safest suburb is Umsunduzi with a crime rate of just 375 per 100,000 and a safety grade of A (Very Safe). In contrast, Durban Central has the highest crime rate at 9,915 per 100,000, earning a grade of F (Very High Risk).
When choosing where to live in Durban (eThekwini), look for suburbs with an A or B safety rating. The top three safest areas are Umsunduzi, Hammarsdale, Inchanga — all with crime rates well below the city average.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest suburb in Durban (eThekwini)?
Based on the latest SAPS crime statistics (2025), Umsunduzi is the safest suburb in Durban (eThekwini) with a crime rate of 375 per 100,000 people and a safety grade of A (Very Safe).
Is Durban (eThekwini) safe to live in?
Durban (eThekwini) has 42 police precincts with safety scores ranging from A (Umsunduzi) to F (Durban Central). 8 precincts are rated Safe or Very Safe, while 24 are rated High Risk or worse. Safety varies significantly by suburb.
What are the top 3 safest areas in Durban (eThekwini)?
The three safest areas in Durban (eThekwini) are Umsunduzi (375 per 100k), Hammarsdale (465 per 100k), Inchanga (733 per 100k).