Safest Suburbs in Pietermaritzburg
Looking for the safest areas in Pietermaritzburg? Based on the latest SAPS crime statistics (2025), these are the Pietermaritzburg suburbs with the lowest crime rates, ranked from safest to least safe across all 25 police precincts.
All Pietermaritzburg Suburbs Ranked by Safety
| Rank | Precinct | Crime Rate | Violent Crime Rate | Safety Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rietvlei | 132 | 57 | A |
| 2 | Boston | 275 | 95 | A |
| 3 | Cramond | 342 | 121 | A |
| 4 | Mid Illovo | 407 | 168 | A |
| 5 | Harburg | 421 | 196 | A |
| 6 | Dalton | 459 | 241 | A |
| 7 | Bishopstowe | 534 | 233 | A |
| 8 | Nottingham Road | 556 | 115 | A |
| 9 | Wartburg | 720 | 407 | A |
| 10 | New Hanover | 923 | 459 | B |
| 11 | Thornville | 1,074 | 475 | B |
| 12 | Town Hill | 1,198 | 138 | B |
| 13 | Hilton-Kzn | 1,228 | 332 | B |
| 14 | Mpophomeni | 1,262 | 486 | B |
| 15 | Camperdown | 1,321 | 443 | B |
| 16 | Impendle | 1,362 | 593 | B |
| 17 | Prestbury | 1,386 | 405 | B |
| 18 | Mooi River | 1,483 | 560 | C |
| 19 | Richmond-Kzn | 1,699 | 979 | C |
| 20 | Howick | 2,847 | 718 | D |
| 21 | Taylors Halt | 4,174 | 1,794 | F |
| 22 | Alexandra Road | 7,751 | 2,102 | F |
| 23 | Pietermaritzburg | 11,048 | 3,437 | F |
| 24 | Mountain Rise | 11,993 | 4,516 | F |
| 25 | Plessislaer | 15,713 | 7,218 | F |
Crime rate = reported crimes per 100,000 people. Source: SAPS 2025.
Is Pietermaritzburg Safe to Live In?
Safety in Pietermaritzburg varies significantly depending on the suburb. Of the 25 police precincts in Pietermaritzburg, 17 are rated A or B (Safe to Very Safe), while 6 are rated D or F (High Risk to Very High Risk).
The safest suburb is Rietvlei with a crime rate of just 132 per 100,000 and a safety grade of A (Very Safe). In contrast, Plessislaer has the highest crime rate at 15,713 per 100,000, earning a grade of F (Very High Risk).
When choosing where to live in Pietermaritzburg, look for suburbs with an A or B safety rating. The top three safest areas are Rietvlei, Boston, Cramond — all with crime rates well below the city average.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest suburb in Pietermaritzburg?
Based on the latest SAPS crime statistics (2025), Rietvlei is the safest suburb in Pietermaritzburg with a crime rate of 132 per 100,000 people and a safety grade of A (Very Safe).
Is Pietermaritzburg safe to live in?
Pietermaritzburg has 25 police precincts with safety scores ranging from A (Rietvlei) to F (Plessislaer). 17 precincts are rated Safe or Very Safe, while 6 are rated High Risk or worse. Safety varies significantly by suburb.
What are the top 3 safest areas in Pietermaritzburg?
The three safest areas in Pietermaritzburg are Rietvlei (132 per 100k), Boston (275 per 100k), Cramond (342 per 100k).