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Preston Melbourne Suburb Guide: Crime Rate, Safety, Schools & Rent (2026)
Preston suburb guide for families: crime patterns, safety, rent ranges, school checks, commute times, and the trade-offs of living in Melbourne’s inner north.
Preston is one of Melbourne's best-known inner-north suburbs. It attracts many renters and young families because of its proximity to the CBD, markets, and public transport.
However, one of the most common questions people ask before moving here is:
Is Preston Melbourne safe?
This guide breaks down crime statistics, rent prices, schools, and commute times so you can decide whether Preston is the right suburb for you.
Quick Overview
| Factor | Summary |
|---|---|
| Safety | Crime Rank 28/100; property crime is the main pressure point |
| Rent | Mid-range for inner-north Melbourne |
| Schools | Several primary schools nearby; secondary zoning varies |
| Commute | ~20-25 minutes train to Melbourne CBD |
| Best for | Renters, young professionals, and people wanting inner-north lifestyle |
Is Preston Melbourne Safe?
Preston sits within the City of Darebin, an inner-north municipality with dense housing, nightlife, and public transport hubs.
Based on RedSuburbs 2024 data for Preston (VIC 3072), the suburb is ranked 28/100 for crime (higher number means more crime).
That pattern usually reads like this for everyday life: property crime is the bigger concern, while violent crime is lower than property crime in total volume.
Preston crime snapshot (2024)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Population (ABS 2021) | 33,790 |
| Area size | 11.41 km2 |
| All crimes | 5,234 |
| Crimes per 1000 people | 154.90 |
| Violent crimes | 397 |
| Property crimes | 3,639 |
| Violent crimes per 1000 people | 11.75 |
| Property crimes per 1000 people | 107.69 |
| Suburbs with less violent crime | 81.45% |
| Suburbs with less property crime | 94.85% |
Top reported crime types in Preston (2024)
| Crime type | Reported cases |
|---|---|
| Theft | 2,725 |
| Burglary / Break and enter | 512 |
| Property damage | 381 |
| Assault and related offences | 348 |
| Deception | 315 |
Crime in Preston increased by 44.15% from 2023 to 2024, based on the same RedSuburbs dataset.
Victim chance data users usually care about
| Category | Preston | VIC | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime (2024) | 1 in 85 | 1 in 133 | 1 in 89 |
| Property crime (2024) | 1 in 9 | 1 in 24 | 1 in 26 |
In short, the numbers suggest Preston's biggest risk is still property crime (especially theft-related incidents).
What locals often mention
Local residents frequently describe Preston as street-dependent.
Areas closer to busy commercial streets such as High Street or Northland Shopping Centre tend to have more activity at night, while quieter residential pockets feel calmer.
If you want to explore crime patterns visually, you can view suburb crime maps on RedSuburbs.
Official data can also be accessed from Crime Statistics Victoria.
Crime Rate Compared with Nearby Suburbs
| Suburb | Commute | Typical Rent | Crime Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preston | ~20-25 min | mid-range | moderate |
| Thornbury | ~15-20 min | higher | similar |
| Reservoir | ~30 min | lower | slightly lower |
Inner-north suburbs generally record higher property crime due to density, while outer suburbs often show lower numbers.
Rent in Preston
Preston has become one of Melbourne's most popular rental suburbs thanks to its location and lifestyle.
As of early 2025, typical rental prices are approximately:
| Property | Weekly Rent |
|---|---|
| 2 bedroom unit | $500-$600 |
| 3 bedroom house | $650-$750 |
Prices vary depending on renovations, distance to train stations, and proximity to High Street.
Many houses in Preston are older weatherboard homes, while newer apartment developments have increased supply in recent years.
To see current rental listings in Preston, you can browse properties on realestate.com.au.
Schools in Preston
Families living in Preston have access to several schools nearby.
Primary schools include:
- Preston Primary School
- Preston South Primary School
- Bell Primary School
Secondary school zoning depends on the exact address.
Families typically verify zoning through the official Find My School Victoria tool.
School performance data such as NAPLAN results and ICSEA scores can also be reviewed through the My School website.
Transport and Commute
Preston offers strong public transport access.
Trains run from Preston Station on the Mernda Line, with travel times of about:
| Route | Time |
|---|---|
| Preston -> Flinders Street Station | ~20-25 minutes |
Trams and buses also connect Preston with Thornbury, Northcote, and Coburg.
You can estimate your commute time using the official journey planner from Public Transport Victoria.
Who Preston Is Good For
Preston may suit people who:
- want a suburb close to the CBD
- enjoy cafes, markets, and nightlife
- rely on public transport
Many young professionals choose Preston for its inner-north culture and accessibility.
Who Preston May Not Suit
Preston may not be ideal for people who:
- prefer very quiet suburban environments
- want newer housing estates
- prioritise lower population density
Because of its popularity, some parts of Preston can feel busier than outer suburbs.
Comparing Preston with Nearby Suburbs
| Suburb | Commute | Rent | Crime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preston | ~20-25 min | mid-range | moderate |
| Thornbury | ~15-20 min | higher | similar |
| Reservoir | ~30 min | lower | slightly lower |
If you are comparing nearby areas, you may also want to explore:
- Thornbury suburb guide
- Reservoir suburb guide
- Coburg suburb guide
FAQ
Is Preston Melbourne safe?
Preston's RedSuburbs rank is 28/100 in 2024, and the main pressure is property crime. Violent crime exists, but the larger volume comes from theft and other property-related offences.
What is the crime rate in Preston VIC?
Key 2024 indicators include 5,234 total crimes and 154.90 crimes per 1000 people. Property crimes (3,639) are much higher than violent crimes (397).
Is Preston good for families?
Preston can suit families who want access to schools, public transport, and amenities close to the CBD. School zoning should always be checked before renting or buying.
How far is Preston from Melbourne CBD?
Trains from Preston Station to Flinders Street Station typically take around 20-25 minutes on the Mernda Line.
Data last updated: March 2026
Sources: RedSuburbs (2024), Crime Statistics Agency Victoria, ABS Census 2021, realestate.com.au, Public Transport Victoria
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