Perth is a beautiful place, especially if you want more space, easier beach access, and a slightly more relaxed lifestyle.
As removalists in Perth, we see why so many people are drawn to WA. The pace can feel calmer, the coastline is hard to beat, and many suburbs offer a lot more breathing room.
But choosing the right suburb matters.
When we talk about the worst suburbs in Perth, we are not saying these areas are terrible, unsafe, or unsuitable for everyone. A suburb that feels wrong for one household might be perfectly fine for another.
What we really mean is that some areas may come with trade-offs, such as longer commutes, fewer public transport options, limited amenities, higher safety concerns, or a weaker lifestyle fit.
If you are moving interstate, your choice of suburb can affect your commute, rental options, school access, and your overall settling-in experience.
Your best option depends on your work location, budget, family needs, public transport, and whether you are renting or buying.
What Makes a Perth Suburb “Worst” for Interstate Movers?
Being removalists, we don’t like to say that any area is the worst suburb in Perth, as each one is good for someone. A young family might consider an area to be one of the suburbs to avoid in Perth, but it could be ideal for someone looking for lower rents, more space, or a shorter commute to work.
When we refer to the worst suburbs in Perth, we’re really talking about areas that could make it a little harder for people moving.
At The Smooth Movers, we look at the practical stuff first.
How far is the suburb from the Perth CBD or major employment hubs? Are there any good public transport services in the area?
Transperth’s JourneyPlanner takes into account travel time, walking distance, transfers, and bus, train, ferry, and school bus options, making it a useful tool if you are looking to buy property.
We also examine safety perception, but we should treat crime data with great care. It’s not difficult to find a search term such as ‘what’s the most dangerous suburb in Perth’ or ‘Perth’s dangerous suburbs,’ which can trigger panic.
However, the WA Police says that the size of the population, shopping centres, entertainment precincts, the season, how crimes are reported, or detected and the level of reporting can all have an impact on crime statistics.
Rental pressure is also a factor. With a rental vacancy rate of 2.0%, REIWA describes Perth as below the 2.5% to 3.5% range considered a ‘balanced market’, meaning availability may affect how easy it is to settle into a suburb.
Lastly, we consider schools, childcare, healthcare, shops, parks, and lifestyle fit. What may seem like a good deal on the surface, but if the suburb has high prices and long commutes, or poor access to amenities and other necessities, or a lot of daily stress.
Which is why it is best to include suburb research at the top of your moving house checklist before locking in a lease or moving date.
| Factor | Why It Matters | What Movers Should Check |
|---|---|---|
| Commute | A cheaper suburb can cost more in fuel and time | Peak-hour drive and public transport times |
| Public transport | Not every household will have two cars | Train, bus, school bus, and weekend services |
| Safety perception | Crime data needs context | WA Police suburb data and local street feel |
| Rental pressure | Low availability can limit choices | Current listings, vacancy rates, and inspection competition |
| Family needs | Schools and childcare affect daily life | Catchments, childcare access, parks, and healthcare |
| Lifestyle fit | Moving from Sydney or Melbourne can feel very different | Shops, beaches, cafés, parks, noise, and pace of life |
Worst Suburbs in Perth for People to Research Carefully
Before we proceed to the list, I should make it clear that we are not suggesting that these suburbs are not for everyone. We are removalists, so we know there are definitely people who enjoy living in each suburb. This list reflects the actual challenges encountered when relocating.
The Smooth Movers always remind their clients that moving house is more convenient when the suburb aligns with their lifestyle.
| Rank | Suburb | Main Concern | May Still Suit | What to Check First |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Armadale | Commute, safety perception, suburb pockets | Budget-conscious movers | Exact street, schools, train access |
| 2 | Midland | Busy hub, traffic, safety perception | Eastern-corridor workers | Noise, local pocket, commute |
| 3 | Gosnells | Commute, affordability trade-offs | Budget-focused households | School access, transport |
| 4 | Balga | Safety perception, local variation | Renters on tighter budgets | Street feel, amenities |
| 5 | Cannington | Traffic, density, retail activity | People wanting convenience | Parking, noise, peak traffic |
| 6 | Kwinana | Distance, industrial pockets | Southern workers | Commute and daily costs |
| 7 | Rockingham | Distance from CBD | Coastal lifestyle movers | Work location and travel time |
| 8 | Mirrabooka | Traffic, safety perception | Access-focused renters | Buses, shops, street feel |
| 9 | Maddington | Mixed-use surroundings | Local workers | Noise, transport, schools |
| 10 | Thornlie | Mixed pockets | Families needing affordability | Catchments and commute |
Armadale, 6112
Armadale is frequently mentioned in lists of the worst suburbs in Perth, but I would not judge it solely by reputation. For those seeking less expensive homes on the fringes of the South-East, it can be an attractive option.
If work or family is close by, some households might consider this. Those who prefer a more inner-suburban atmosphere may think it’s too far from the CBD.
Mover check: Visit during school pick-up and evening hours before applying.
Midland, 6056
Midland is not automatically a bad suburb in Perth, but it does require some research. It offers shopping, public transport, services and access to the eastern corridor of Perth. That’s convenient for some folks.
The downside is that it may be hectic. There are commercial areas, traffic, and different pockets that can feel very different from one another. If you’re coming in from interstate, do not just take Midland because it is conveniently positioned on the map.
Mover check: Walk the surrounding streets, check train access, and compare traffic at peak times.
Gosnells, 6110
If you’re on a budget, whether you’re renting or purchasing, Gosnells can be a good choice. It has begun to provide services and transport access in parts, but it still needs a closer look before you commit.
Gosnells might be mentioned in searches for the worst suburbs in Perth or Perth suburbs to avoid. I would treat that as a prompt to research, not a final answer.
Mover check: Compare the property’s exact location with the nearest train station, schools, and shops.
Balga, 6061
Balga is mentioned for its lower cost compared to other inner, coastal, and northern suburbs. That affordability is what’s most attractive to some renters. Others focus on safety perceptions and differences from street to street.
This is where correct inspection comes in handy. The feel of one pocket may differ from that of another. Before making a decision, always first check the street, nearby parks, transport facilities, and general upkeep.
Mover check: Do not judge Balga from one online comment or one rental listing. Visit first if you can.
Cannington, 6107
The convenience of Cannington is a two-edged sword. It has extensive retail, transport access, and everyday services, which are useful when establishing your home. But it can also be busy due to shopping traffic, density and commercial activity.
However, Cannington might not be the first choice if you’re looking for quiet streets and a more residential environment. It could still be a viable option if convenience is a priority.
Mover check: Test the drive during peak shopping periods and weekday commute hours.
Kwinana, 6167
If you’re seeking budget-friendly property south of Perth, then Kwinana is for you. It can also be used by people who are working in employment or industrial areas. The primary concern is to know the actual living expenses in that area.
If you have to spend more on fuel, spend more time in traffic, or feel too far from family, it can make a cheaper rental less desirable. This is where a poor suburb fit can contribute to moving house stress in the first few months after moving in, particularly.
Mover check: Compare rent savings against fuel, commute time, school access, and weekend travel.
Rockingham, 6168
Rockingham is a good example of why “worst” depends on lifestyle. It is coastal, and could be appropriate for beach visitors, seniors, or those who live or work south of Perth. For those who live close to the CBD or the northern suburbs, it can be tiring.
A gorgeous seaside location doesn’t imply the suburb is right for your lifestyle. If you are moving from Sydney or Melbourne and expect everything to feel close, Rockingham may feel farther than expected.
Mover check: Do a weekday commute test before deciding.
Mirrabooka, 6061
Goods, buses, and services are available in Mirrabooka, making it useful for some households. However, always take into account safety perception, traffic, and local pocket variations.
Mover check: Look at bus frequency, evening transport, and nearby shopping access.
Maddington, 6109
Maddington has a practical aspect in some respects, but a mixed-use vibe in others. Residential streets are located in the vicinity of commercial or industrial property, and may not be suitable for all movers.
It can be logical for those who are working nearby. For families relocating from outside the state, I would look at noise levels, truck routes, public transport, school access, and the actual surrounding streets before applying for a property.
Mover check: Visit at different times of day, not just during the inspection window.
Thornlie, 6108
Thornlie has mixed appeal. Some pockets are functional and viable, others may have issues with commute, traffic, or lifestyle compatibility.
If a home looks affordable, check what your daily life would actually look like.
Mover check: Compare multiple pockets within Thornlie before ruling it in or out.
How to Research a Perth Suburb Before You Move
Before calling any area one of the worst suburbs in Perth, we always suggest doing a proper suburb check.
It may seem shabby on the internet, but a suburb can be a totally different place the minute you step inside the door of the actual street. On the other hand, a low-cost area might have longer commutes, fewer rental properties, and fewer schools or public transport options.
At The Smooth Movers, this is the process we recommend before choosing where to live in Perth:
Check the Crime Data, but Do Not Panic Over It
A quick search for the most dangerous suburbs in Perth or unsafe suburbs in Perth can cause one to worry.
Use WA Police crime statistics as a starting point, but read them with context.
Remember too that areas with heavy traffic, shopping centres, nightlife venues, and transport hubs are more likely to pick up more incidents due to the increased volume of people travelling through.
Test the Commute During Peak Hour
Please don’t only look at the distance from Perth CBD. Verify the actual drive time against the time you would need to drive.
Look at:
- Morning peak traffic
- School drop-off traffic
- Parking near work
- Travel time to major employment hubs
- Whether you would need a second car
An area is not necessarily a bad suburb in Perth, but if the daily commute takes its toll, then it might not be the right place.
Check Transperth Routes and Frequency
Transportation can be an issue, particularly if you are travelling with teenagers, in one vehicle, or to cut down on expenses. Transperth’s JourneyPlanner displays journey options on maps, provides information on the connections, and fare information.
Check:
- Nearest train station
- Bus frequency
- Weekend services
- Night services
- Walking distance to stops
Review School Catchments Early
School zones can be a dealbreaker or dealmaker in a suburban choice for families. WA Schools Online provides information about public schools, including local intake areas for enrolments.
If you’re interested in renting, first check whether your address is within your desired school catchment.
Crawley
Not all of the worst Perth suburbs for moving are unsafe. Some are just difficult to rent in, too costly for the quality, or just too competitive.
There is a more or less balanced rental market when vacancy rates are between 2.5% and 3.5%, according to REIWA. For this reason, it is important to understand vacancy levels before moving, as they provide a clear idea of the rental market’s pressure.
Visit the Suburb if You Can
- Go there at different times:
- Weekday morning
- School pick-up
- Evening
- Weekend
- After dark
This gives you a better feel than online comments alone.
Ask People Who Know the Area
Join local Perth Facebook groups, but don’t just go by opinions about Perth suburbs to avoid. Talk to the locals, property managers, and removalists who move people around the community.
After selecting your suburb, do your change of address tasks first and take time to find the best removalists before finalising dates. The Smooth Movers will help make the moving process easier, but selecting the right suburb first will save you from all the stress later on.
Better Perth Suburb Alternatives to Compare
Don’t simply dismiss an area as one of the worst suburbs in Perth; make sure to compare it with other suburbs in the area that have the same budget, commute, and lifestyle as you do.
As removalists, we see this all the time at The Smooth Movers. A street can be bustling and not seem like the place you want to live, while another street five minutes away can seem a lot less crowded and better suited for you.
Here’s a simple way to compare your options without turning this into a “best suburbs” list:
| If You Are Unsure About… | Compare Nearby Options Like… | What to Check First |
|---|---|---|
| Armadale | Kelmscott, Seville Grove, nearby pockets | Commute time, school access, local streets |
| Midland | Bassendean, Guildford, Woodbridge | Train access, traffic, noise, budget |
| Balga | Westminster, Nollamara, Dianella | Safety perception, rental quality, amenities |
| Rockingham | Spearwood, Coogee, parts of Cockburn | Distance to work, beach lifestyle, travel time |
| Cannington | Queens Park, East Cannington, Beckenham | Traffic, shopping-centre activity, transport |
So, is Perth dangerous? Generally, that is too broad a question.
A better question to ask would be, does this suburb, street, commute, school zone, and rental price fit your lifestyle? Even bad suburbs in Perth have strong and weak pockets.
The “Worst” Perth Suburb Depends on Your Lifestyle
The worst suburb in Perth is not always the cheapest, furthest, busiest, or the one people talk about online.
In our experience as removalists, the real problem is choosing a suburb that does not fit your everyday life.
You might find a cheaper rental, but if it adds an hour to your commute, makes school drop-off harder, or leaves you too far from shops, healthcare, parks, and public transport, it can quickly become stressful.
That is why searches should only be a starting point. They should not be the final decision-maker.
Compare commute time, safety perception, school access, transport options, rent, amenities, and lifestyle. Add suburb research to your moving checklist early so you don’t make rushed decisions once applications, packing, and moving dates start piling up.
Once you have chosen the right Perth suburb, The Smooth Movers can help make the move itself feel more manageable. We can assist with planning, packing, loading, transport, and delivery, even storage, so you don’t have to juggle everything alone while settling into a new state.
Ready to make your Perth move easier? Get in touch with us today and let us help you plan a smoother, safer, and less stressful move from start to finish.
