As Edmonton welcomed 2026, city officials highlighted a notable decrease in overall crime. However, a stark contradiction has emerged: despite the positive statistics, many residents report feeling increasingly unsafe in their own communities.
The Data: A Clear Downward Trend in Crime
This paradox is detailed in a safety and security report presented to Edmonton City Council. Deputy City Manager Jennifer Flamen emphasized that Edmonton's violent crime rate is now lower than both the national and provincial averages. The report, discussed by council on December 17, 2024, shows proactive policing is having an impact.
"Members are increasingly intervening in crime before it becomes a public complaint or escalates further," Flamen stated. She noted a 31.4 per cent increase in instances where police discovered and reported crimes in progress.
The numbers are compelling. Between 2019 and 2024, Edmonton's population grew by approximately 163,000 people, a 16 per cent increase. Yet, the crime rate, measured per capita, fell by six per cent. According to the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) annual report, violent crimes dropped 10 per cent from the previous year. The overall Crime Severity Index declined by five per cent, with a six per cent drop specifically in transit areas.
The Perception Gap: Visible Poverty and Social Disorder
Despite these encouraging trends, the lived experience for many Edmontonians tells a different story. The report cites the city's 2025 Service Satisfaction Survey, revealing that feelings of safety vary demographically and do not align with the statistical reality.
The core issue appears to be social disorder. Residents reported that visible signs of extreme poverty—including homeless encampments, open drug use, and people living on the streets—are primary factors making them feel less secure. This perception persists even as reports of severe crimes show a steady decline.
Flamen acknowledged this disconnect, telling council that while targeted initiatives like the guns and gangs strategy and transit safety partnerships are working, public sentiment is shaped by what people see daily in their neighbourhoods.
A Closer Look at Violent Crime Statistics
Digging deeper into the data reveals a more complex picture. Police have cautioned that while recent years show improvement, violent crime remains higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Key statistics from the EPS report include:
- Firearms incidents: 425 in 2024, compared to 321 in 2019.
- Knife violence: 979 incidents in 2024, up from 856 in 2020.
- Incidents involving caustic sprays (e.g., bear spray): 999 in 2024, a significant rise from 635 in 2019.
In total, there were 16,652 violent incidents in 2024, compared to 13,224 in 2019. However, EPS confirmed that the overall crime rate in 2024 was the lowest it has been in a decade, with nearly 2,500 fewer criminal incidents reported than in 2019.
The challenge for Edmonton now lies in bridging the gap between statistical reality and public perception. Addressing the visible symptoms of social disorder—homelessness, encampments, and public drug use—has become inextricably linked with the community's sense of safety, presenting a multifaceted policy issue for city leaders as they move forward.
