Is Ipswich a safe place to live? Your guide to living in Ipswich
If you’ve been asking yourself, “Is Ipswich a safe place to live?” or wondering whether living in Ipswich, QLD is the right move for your family, you’re not alone. This fast-growing region west of Brisbane often pops up in relocation searches, but it can also attract some mixed opinions.
The truth is, like any city, Ipswich has its pros and cons. But it's also a city on the rise with growing infrastructure, strong community ties and increasingly popular suburbs for families, professionals and retirees.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at safety, liveability and lifestyle in Ipswich so you can make an informed decision about moving to the area.
Understanding safety: What does it mean for residents?
When people think about safety, they often picture crime rates, but feeling safe in a suburb is about more than just numbers. It’s about:
- A sense of community and belonging
- Walkable streets and local parks
- Safe roads and pedestrian areas
- Suitable public transport
- Feeling comfortable at home and in public spaces
While Loan Market doesn't provide specific crime statistics, as this data can be sensitive and quickly outdated, we focus on broader indicators of safety that affect daily life. These include the condition of public spaces, the presence of community programs and how comfortable residents feel using local amenities.
Addressing common perceptions about Ipswich safety
Ipswich, like most urban centres, has suburbs with different reputations. While some areas might report higher crime rates than others, this pattern isn’t unique: it happens in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and beyond.
Ipswich City Council and local police work with residents through programs like:
- Neighbourhood Watch groups, which promote awareness and safety
- Community policing partnerships, where officers actively engage with locals
- Investment in public spaces, such as CCTV in busy areas and lighting upgrades
- Youth programs and community events, helping to reduce anti-social behaviour
These efforts aim to foster a strong Ipswich community feel. Locals regularly point to the friendliness of neighbours, active sporting clubs and regular community events as key reasons they love living here.
Is Ipswich, QLD, a good place to live? The broader picture
Safety is just one part of the decision. So, is Ipswich, QLD, a good place to live overall? Here’s a closer look at what life in the region can offer:
Affordability
Compared to suburbs in Brisbane’s middle ring or lifestyle hotspots like the Gold Coast or Redlands Coast, living in Ipswich, QLD, can offer more home for your money, whether you're after a new build, a bigger block or simply a foot on the ladder.
For instance, according to Domain, the median value of a three-bedroom house in Ipswich is $726,000 compared to $1.2million for the same size in Brisbane. While living in Brisbane offers city amenities, Ipswich is becoming increasingly attractive for buyers who want similar lifestyle benefits, like public transport, schools, green space and shopping, without the inner-city price tag.
Similarly, Robina on the Gold Coast has a median house value of $996,000 for a three-bedroom. While Robina and Ipswich both offer family-friendly neighbourhoods, growing infrastructure and access to schools and shopping centres, Ipswich delivers these benefits at a more accessible price point, making it a strong option for budget-conscious buyers.
Lifestyle and amenities
Ipswich has a lot going for it:
- Parks and green spaces: The city is home to over 550 parks, including the historically significant Queens Park and the modern Orion Lagoon. These provide ample opportunities for recreation, relaxation and connecting with nature.
- Shopping, dining and entertainment venues: Ipswich offers a growing mix of retail, food and leisure options. Riverlink Shopping Centre is a major retail hub with supermarkets, fashion outlets, department stores and casual dining. The Nicholas Street Precinct in the CBD offers an eclectic mix of dining and entertainment options with regular markets.
- Cultural highlights: Ipswich has a rich cultural heritage and an active arts scene. The Ipswich Art Gallery is one of the most visited regional galleries in Australia, known for its engaging exhibitions and family-friendly programs. The city also hosts events like the Ipswich Show and a range of food and music events throughout the year, which bring the community together and celebrate local talent.
- Healthcare access: Ipswich is well-served by a combination of public and private healthcare facilities. Ipswich Hospital provides a wide range of essential services and is one of the region’s major hospitals, while St Andrew’s Ipswich Private Hospital offers specialist and elective care. A growing number of medical centres, allied health providers and specialists are located throughout the city, making quality healthcare accessible.
Education
Ipswich has a solid educational infrastructure, with a good selection of public and private schools catering to primary and secondary students. Additionally, the city is home to several universities, offering a range of fields of education.
Employment and economy
Ipswich continues to grow, with new housing estates, industrial developments and retail hubs creating jobs. Major employers include logistics, health, defence and education, and infrastructure spending is driving future opportunities.
Transport and connectivity
Ipswich is well-connected, offering convenient transport options for commuters and travellers. A comprehensive road network links Ipswich to Brisbane and other surrounding areas. Public transport, particularly train services, provides a reliable and efficient way to travel between Ipswich and Brisbane’s CBD, making it an attractive option for those working in the capital. Bus services also connect various Ipswich suburbs.
Community spirit
From junior footy clubs to seniors’ groups, Ipswich community life is active and welcoming. New residents often comment on how friendly people are, something that goes a long way in helping you feel at home.
Specific suburbs to consider for safety and liveability
When considering a move to Ipswich, exploring specific suburbs known for their positive attributes can be very helpful. Here are a few Ipswich suburbs often highlighted for their lower crime rates, strong community feel and family-friendly environments:
Augustine Heights
Known for its modern homes and a distinctly family-oriented atmosphere, Augustine Heights is a relatively new (officially named in 2003) and well-planned suburb. It offers a quiet residential feel with good access to local amenities and schools, contributing to a sense of security and community.
Raceview
Located just southeast of the Ipswich CBD, Raceview is a well-established and family-friendly suburb known for its convenience and community feel. It offers a mix of housing, from older, well-maintained properties to more modern residences, catering to various budgets and family sizes. Raceview is home to Raceview State School, has several local parks and a shopping precinct on Raceview Road, providing essential services and retail. Its close proximity to the Ipswich CBD and major shopping centres like Booval Fair offers easy access to a wider array of amenities, including healthcare and entertainment.
Ripley
One of Ipswich’s fastest-growing areas, Ripley, is seeing significant investment in new infrastructure and family amenities. It offers a range of modern housing options and is designed with future growth in mind, including new schools, shopping precincts and community hubs. Ripley has several established transport routes, and it holds a key position in the proposed Ipswich to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor, which will further enhance its liveability and appeal.
Silkstone
One of the older suburbs in Ipswich, Silkstone features a mix of beautifully restored and contemporary family homes on generous blocks, appealing to a wide range of buyers, including first home buyers and growing families. The suburb has a friendly community atmosphere and convenient access to essential amenities, including schools, shopping centres like Booval Fair and Silkstone Village, and public transport links to Ipswich and Brisbane.
Springfield Lakes
This master-planned community is highly regarded for its meticulously designed green spaces, recreational lakes and modern community facilities. It offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a strong emphasis on outdoor living. Housing largely consists of contemporary homes, and residents benefit from easy access to the Orion Springfield Central shopping centre and the bus and train services.
Yamanto
An established suburb, Yamanto offers a mix of housing styles and is known for its good local facilities and a quieter, more relaxed pace of life. It provides convenient access to shops like the Yamanto Central shopping precinct, schools and parks, making it a comfortable and practical choice for families and individuals.
People Also Ask:
What are the safest suburbs in Ipswich?
While official Ipswich crime rate data can vary over time, suburbs like Augustine Heights, Ripley, Raceview, Springfield Lakes, Silkstone and Yamanto are often highlighted for their family-friendly environments, well-kept streets and strong community feel.
Which Ipswich suburbs have the lowest crime rate?
Crime rates can shift and are influenced by many factors, but newer, master-planned areas such as Springfield Lakes and Ripley are frequently noted for their layout, lighting, local engagement and general upkeep – all of which contribute to a greater sense of safety and wellbeing. Established suburbs like Silkstone and Raceview also enjoy strong reputations for livability.
Where should I avoid in Ipswich?
It’s more useful to focus on the positives when choosing where to live. Every city has pockets that are more suited to certain lifestyles than others. A good approach is to visit the suburbs that interest you, talk to locals and explore what each area has to offer. Many suburbs across Ipswich focus on infrastructure, parks, schools and local services, helping foster safer, more vibrant communities for residents.
Making an informed decision about moving to Ipswich
Whether you’re moving for work, lifestyle or affordability, it pays to do your homework. Here are some tips for weighing up your decision:
- Visit suburbs at different times of day to get a real feel for them.
- Talk to locals like your potential neighbours, shop owners and other parents at school drop-off. This can provide insights into daily life, community dynamics and the overall atmosphere.
- Join community groups online to see what issues and events are top of mind.
- Speak to a local mortgage broker, who can help you understand the market and find areas that suit your goals.
Remember, living in Ipswich, QLD, will look different for a young couple than for a family of five or a retiree. The good news? There’s a mix of housing and lifestyle options to suit a wide range of people.
Conclusion: Your home in Ipswich awaits
So, is Ipswich a safe place to live? Like any city, it has its complexities, but it also has a lot to offer. With growing infrastructure, diverse suburbs and a strong community spirit, many are finding that moving to Ipswich ticks all the boxes.
If you're ready to explore your home loan options, a Loan Market broker can help you navigate the market with confidence. Whether you're buying your first home or relocating for a fresh start, we’re here to support your journey.
Whether you're moving to Ipswich for its affordability, lifestyle, or community, understanding your home loan options is crucial. Get in contact with a Loan Market broker today to discuss your borrowing capacity and make your move to Ipswich a smooth one.
Sources
https://www.domain.com.au/suburb-profile/
https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/explore/parks_reserves_precincts
https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/explore/getting_around
https://queenslandplaces.com.au/