Rural crime in Canada is rising sharply, with violence and property theft outpacing urban areas. Discover what’s driving the surge and how communities are responding.
When you think of rural Canada, you likely picture peaceful fields, friendly neighbours, and slow-paced living. But a new report from Statistics Canada paints a much darker picture — one where crime isn’t just present, it’s alarmingly high.
Rural Crime Outpaces Cities
In 2023, the crime rate in rural communities was 34% higher than in urban centres. Even more concerning: the violent crime rate — including assaults, homicides, and domestic violence — was 1.7 times higher in rural areas than cities. Tim Brodt, chairperson of the Saskatchewan Rural Crime Watch Association, doesn’t mince words: “It’s scary, to say the least.”
Saskatchewan Tops the Crime Charts
The Crime Severity Index (CSI), which measures the seriousness and frequency of crimes, placed Saskatchewan at the top in rural crime with a score of 204. Manitoba (184) and Alberta (145) weren’t far behind. Only Prince Edward Island, Ontario, and Quebec bucked the trend, showing lower rural crime rates compared to urban areas.
The disparity is even more stark in northern regions, where rural crime rates triple those seen in southern Canada.
Rural Residents on Edge
Brodt points to gang activity and drugs as major drivers of the surge, particularly in northern Saskatchewan. “People are driving onto properties and firing warning shots through front doors,” he said, describing a chilling new reality for rural families.
Even emergency services aren’t spared. In Delisle, Saskatchewan, thieves broke into a fire hall over Christmas, stealing thousands of dollars worth of life-saving equipment — including a battery-powered jaws of life.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said fire chief Mike Given. “The same people we might have to rescue are stealing the tools we need to save lives.”
Rural Policing Stretched Thin
With RCMP detachments covering vast territories, response times can stretch over an hour — a dangerous gap that criminals exploit. Bill Huber, president of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), calls for increased funding and legal reforms to bolster rural policing.
The provincial government has responded by launching a new marshals service to support the RCMP, but many advocates say it’s not enough. Brodt and others are demanding more direct investment in law enforcement and community programs to turn the tide.
