Ballina crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
1,989 recorded in this period, compared with 1,682 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Ballina
Ballina is a coastal town and locality situated in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, positioned primarily within the Ballina Shire local government area (postcode 2478). Located approximately 745 kilometres north of Sydney and 160 kilometres south of Brisbane, the town sits at the mouth of the Richmond River on an island formed by the river's main channel and North Creek. The surrounding geography features extensive sandy beaches, coastal wetlands, and estuarine waterways. According to the 2021 Australian census, Ballina has a population exceeding 17,000 residents, reflecting steady growth driven by its coastal lifestyle and appeal as a retirement and family destination.
The locality serves as the administrative and commercial centre of the Ballina Shire, providing essential local services, retail precincts, medical facilities, and educational institutions. Local life is heavily oriented around outdoor recreation, with the Richmond River and surrounding coastline supporting a thriving marine economy, including commercial fishing, boating, and tourism. The area is connected regionally by the Pacific Highway and is serviced by the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, facilitating access to major metropolitan centers. Public parks, sporting complexes, and community facilities further support the residential population and visitors alike.
European settlement in the area began in the 1840s, initially driven by the timber industry exploiting the abundant local red cedar forests. The town's maritime history was significantly shaped by the Richmond River bar, which necessitated the construction of the Ballina training walls in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to improve navigational safety for shipping. Sugar cane cultivation subsequently emerged as a primary agricultural driver following the decline of the timber trade. Today, Ballina preserves its maritime and colonial heritage through several historical sites, museums, and preserved buildings, balancing its historical roots with contemporary coastal development.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Breach bail conditions | 396 | 270 |
| Steal from retail store | 288 | 122 |
| Malicious damage to property | 135 | 123 |
| Fraud | 121 | 137 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 119 | 97 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 100 | 92 |
| Other theft | 83 | 94 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 79 | 52 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 74 | 55 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 57 | 61 |
| Trespass | 50 | 47 |
| Steal from dwelling | 47 | 50 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 45 | 71 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 38 | 44 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 36 | 31 |
| Sexual assault | 33 | 30 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 32 | 40 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 30 | 19 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 9,735 residents. This is not a current population estimate.
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.