Back Forest crime statistics

About Back Forest

Back Forest is a rural locality situated in the City of Shoalhaven local government area of New South Wales, within the 2535 postcode. Geographically, the area is characterized by low-lying, flat terrain historically utilized for agriculture, sitting in proximity to the Shoalhaven River floodplain and the coastal town of Nowra. Demographically, it is a sparsely populated region with a quiet, agrarian community profile, where residents largely reside on large rural landholdings and acreage properties.

Local life in Back Forest is defined by its peaceful rural setting and primary industry activities, predominantly dairy farming and beef cattle production. Due to its small population and rural zoning, the locality has virtually no commercial amenities, retail hubs, or public facilities of its own. Instead, residents rely on neighboring townships such as Bomaderry and Nowra for essential services, schooling, healthcare, and shopping.

The history of Back Forest is closely tied to the early European settlement and agricultural expansion of the Shoalhaven region in the 19th century. The area derived its descriptive name from the dense timber forests that originally backed the rich agricultural flats cleared by early pioneers. Over generations, the landscape transitioned from heavily timbered country into productive farmland, retaining a quiet historical character distinct from the surrounding coastal development.

Sources and interpretation

These are police-recorded incident or victim counts, not every unreported incident or a prediction of personal safety. Percentage changes are not tests of statistical significance; small counts need particular care.

• NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research
• ABS 2021 Census · SAL 10130
• NSW Spatial Services
• Methodology, updates and corrections