Balmain crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
873 recorded in this period, compared with 865 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Balmain
Balmain is a historic inner-city suburb located approximately 3 kilometres west of the Sydney central business district, within the Inner West Council local government area and the 2041 postcode. Occupying a peninsula on the western side of Sydney Harbour, the suburb is largely bounded by Iron Cove to the north, Rozelle Bay to the south, and White Bay to the east. Demographically, Balmain is characterised by a high proportion of professional-class residents, historic residential architecture, and a population density reflective of its dense urban-suburban mix.
The locality functions as a prominent residential and commercial hub, featuring vibrant high streets along Darling Street and Montague Street that contain numerous cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and heritage pubs. Balmain is well-connected to the Sydney CBD by frequent public ferry services operating from Balmain Wharf and Thames Street Wharf, alongside established bus networks. Public amenities include several waterfront parks, such as Illoura Reserve and Punch Park, which offer panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and city skyline.
Established in the mid-19th century, Balmain was named after William Balmain, a surgeon who was granted the initial land parcel in 1800. The suburb evolved rapidly during the industrial revolution, becoming one of Sydney's earliest industrial and shipbuilding centres, which fostered a strong working-class and trade union heritage. Today, much of this industrial past has been replaced by residential gentrification, though the suburb retains a rich architectural heritage featuring Victorian-era terrace housing, colonial cottages, and preserved stone warehouses.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Breach bail conditions | 243 | 238 |
| Steal from retail store | 65 | 39 |
| Malicious damage to property | 58 | 62 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 56 | 59 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 50 | 66 |
| Steal from dwelling | 39 | 28 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 36 | 36 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 35 | 42 |
| Fraud | 27 | 44 |
| Trespass | 26 | 18 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 21 | 17 |
| Other theft | 21 | 24 |
| Liquor offences | 17 | 24 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 15 | 15 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 15 | 9 |
| Possession and/or use of other drugs | 14 | 1 |
| Receiving or handling stolen goods | 13 | 6 |
| Sexual assault | 13 | 6 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 10,454 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.