Is Dundee Safe, Pros and cons of living in Dundee

Dundee, a city with a rich industrial past, offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Situated on the north bank of the Firth of Tay, it is Scotland’s fourth-largest city. Dundee’s development from a medieval burgh to a major trading port and industrial center, particularly known for its jute production, has shaped its unique character. Today, it is recognized as the “City of Discovery,” embracing innovation and research.

Dundee presents a diverse demographic profile, with a population estimated at 149,880 as of mid-2024 (National Records of Scotland). The city’s population has seen a slight decrease of 0.1% between 2023 and 2024, though it has grown by 3.0% since 2001 (National Records of Scotland). Females constitute a slightly larger portion of the population, making up 51.2% of residents (National Records of Scotland). The largest age group is between 25 and 44 years old, with 42,099 individuals (National Records of Scotland).

The climate in Dundee is temperate maritime, characterized by mild winters and cool summers. Average daily high temperatures typically range from 4.8°C (40.6°F) in winter to 17.2°C (63°F) in summer (Weather Atlas). Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with an average of 64 mm in September and October, and 61 mm in December (Scotland). Sunshine hours are more abundant in summer, with an average of 5 hours per day in August, decreasing to 1 hour per day in December (Scotland).

Is it Safe to Live in Dundee?

Recent reports indicate a shift in Dundee’s safety perception. A study by Get Licensed named Dundee the safest city in Scotland for 2025, awarding it a safety score of 7.66 out of 10 (Get Licensed). This finding contrasts with previous years where crime rates were a concern. The study considered crime severity, reoffending rates, anti-social behavior, and CCTV coverage to determine its rankings.

While Dundee was recognized as the safest city in Scotland, it’s important to note that crime statistics can vary. In the year 2023/24, Dundee registered 847 crimes per 10,000 inhabitants, which was the highest crime rate among Scottish regions (Anubis Group). These figures were primarily influenced by sexual crimes, property crimes, and anti-social activities (Anubis Group). However, another report indicates that Dundee City recorded a quarterly average of 8.9 “group one crimes” (non-sexual crimes of violence) per 10,000 population between April 2021 and June 2023, which was higher than Glasgow and Aberdeen (The Courier).

Crime Statistics

In terms of specific crime categories, Dundee has shown a higher incidence in certain areas. The city recorded an average of 83.8 acquisitive crimes per 10,000 population, which includes offenses like housebreaking and theft (The Courier). Furthermore, Dundee led in crimes categorized as fire-raising, malicious mischief, and vandalism, with 29.6 such incidents per 10,000 population per quarter (The Courier).

However, it’s also noted that Dundee has the lowest crime rate band in The Ferry ward, and no wards are in the highest crime rate band (Dundee City Council). The total number of recorded crimes in Dundee City for 2024 was 16,447, with 13,396 excluding road traffic crimes (Dundee City Council). These statistics provide a complex picture of safety within the city.

Cost of Living in Dundee

The cost of living in Dundee is considered moderate, ranking as the 18th most liveable city out of 21 in Scotland (LivingCost.org). The average cost for a single person is approximately $1585 per month, with rent and utilities accounting for about $820 of that (LivingCost.org). For a family of four, the estimated monthly cost is around $4068, with rent and utilities making up roughly $1365 (LivingCost.org).

Dundee offers a relatively affordable housing market. The average monthly rent is £834 (LiveWhere). For a one-bedroom apartment, expect to pay around £575 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment averages about £989 (LiveWhere). Housing prices in Dundee were £134,000 in February 2026, an increase of 2.4% from the previous year (Office for National Statistics).

Housing Costs

Rental prices in Dundee are influenced by location, with city center apartments being more expensive than those in suburban areas. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately £771 per month, while outside the center, it is around £606 (Wise). For a 3-bedroom apartment, the average is £1,213 in the center and £937 in suburban areas (Wise).

The average house price in Dundee was £134,000 in February 2026 (Office for National Statistics). First-time buyers paid an average of £116,000 in February 2026 (Office for National Statistics). For homes bought with a mortgage, the average price was £139,000 in February 2026 (Office for National Statistics).

Average Salary and Employment

The average annual salary for residents in Dundee is £30,523, with the median salary being the same (LiveWhere). The median after-tax salary is $3361, which is sufficient to cover living expenses for approximately 2.1 months (LivingCost.org). The average monthly net salary after tax is £2,419 (Wise).

The unemployment rate in Dundee City was 6.4% in the year ending December 2023, an increase from 5.2% in the previous year (ONS). This rate is higher than the Scottish average of 3.5% during the same period (ONS). The employment rate for those aged 16 to 64 in Dundee City was 63.7% in the year ending December 2023, which is lower than the Scotland-wide employment rate of 74.7% (ONS).

Major Employers

Historically, Dundee was known for its “jute, jam, and journalism” industries, with companies like DC Thomson being significant employers (Wikipedia). Currently, major employers in the city include the National Health Service (NHS) Tayside, the University of Dundee, and Dundee City Council, providing a range of employment opportunities across public services, education, and healthcare.

Other key sectors contributing to employment include the life sciences and digital technologies industries. The city is also home to a substantial student population, supporting numerous roles within educational institutions and related services (About Dundee).

Climate in Dundee

Dundee experiences a temperate maritime climate, influenced by its coastal location. Summers are generally cool and partly cloudy, while winters are long, cold, windy, and mostly cloudy (Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Dundee). The temperature typically varies between 33°F (0.5°C) and 65°F (18°C) throughout the year, rarely dropping below 24°F (-4.4°C) or exceeding 72°F (22°C) (Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Dundee).

The warmest month is July, with average daily highs around 18°C (64.4°F) and lows of 10°C (50°F) (Scotland). January is the coldest month, with average lows of 1°C (33.8°F) and highs of 6°C (42.8°F) (Scotland). Rainfall occurs throughout the year, with an average of 64 mm in September and October, and 61 mm in December (Scotland).

Average Temperatures and Rainfall

During the summer months (June to August), daytime temperatures range from an average of 15.3°C (59.5°F) to a peak of 17.2°C (63°F) (Weather Atlas). Nighttime temperatures hover between 7.9°C (46.2°F) and 10.2°C (50.4°F) (Weather Atlas). Despite being the season with the most rainfall, up to 46mm in July, there are also more daylight hours, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities (Weather Atlas).

In contrast, winter months (December to February) see average daytime temperatures between 4.8°C (40.6°F) and 5.8°C (42.4°F), with night temperatures dropping to around 1.4°C (34.5°F) to 1.7°C (35.1°F) (Weather Atlas). Rainfall during these months is consistent, with December typically receiving 61 mm (Scotland).

Education in Dundee

Dundee offers a range of educational institutions, including two universities and a college. The University of Dundee and Abertay University are prominent higher education centers, attracting a significant student population (About Dundee). Dundee & Angus College also provides vocational and further education opportunities.

In terms of primary and secondary education, Dundee City has several state secondary schools. The highest-rated among these, based on Education Scotland inspection grades, include Harris Academy and Grove Academy, both receiving a “Very Good” rating (School Atlas). Morgan Academy is rated “Good,” while St John’s RC High School and St Paul’s RC Academy are rated “Satisfactory” (School Atlas).

School Ratings

The quality of education in Dundee’s secondary schools varies. Harris Academy and Grove Academy are noted for their “Very Good” inspection grades (School Atlas). Morgan Academy has a “Good” rating, and St John’s RC High School and St Paul’s RC Academy are rated “Satisfactory” (School Atlas).

Baldragon Academy is rated “Unsatisfactory,” and Greenfield Academy is awaiting inspection (School Atlas). These ratings are based on official inspection reports and school census data (School Atlas).

Demographics of Dundee

Dundee’s population was estimated at 149,880 in mid-2024, making it the 13th most populous council area in Scotland (National Records of Scotland). The population has seen a slight decrease of 0.1% from 2023 to 2024, contrasting with a 0.7% increase for Scotland overall during the same period (National Records of Scotland). Since 2001, Dundee’s population has grown by 3.0% (National Records of Scotland).

The gender distribution shows a slight majority of females, accounting for 51.2% of the population, compared to 48.8% males (National Records of Scotland). The largest age demographic is the 25 to 44 age group, comprising 42,099 individuals (National Records of Scotland). The city’s population is projected to increase by 4.1% between 2022 and 2032, reaching an estimated 154,577 (National Records of Scotland).

Population Trends

Between 2001 and 2024, Dundee’s population increased by 3.0%, ranking it 23rd in percentage change among Scotland’s 32 council areas (National Records of Scotland). Projections indicate a continued, albeit modest, increase in population for Dundee City, with an expected rise of 4.1% between 2022 and 2032 (National Records of Scotland).

The standardized birth rate in Dundee City increased from 7.6 per 1,000 population in 2023 to 7.7 in 2024 (National Records of Scotland). The most common age group for mothers in 2024 was 30 to 34 years old (National Records of Scotland).

Pros and Cons of Living in Dundee

Dundee offers a relatively affordable cost of living and housing market compared to many other UK cities. The average house price was £134,000 in February 2026 (Office for National Statistics), and the average monthly rent stands at £834 (LiveWhere). The city also boasts a temperate climate with mild winters and cool summers, and has been recognized as the safest city in Scotland for 2025 (Get Licensed).

However, Dundee faces challenges with its employment rates, as the unemployment rate was 6.4% in the year ending December 2023, higher than the Scottish average (ONS). There is also a notable rate of “hidden unemployment” or economic inactivity, which stands at 16.3% (Centre for Cities). While crime rates have been a concern, recent reports suggest an improvement in safety perceptions.