Balranald crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
118 recorded in this period, compared with 114 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Balranald
Balranald is a town and locality situated in the Riverina region of south-western New South Wales, positioned on the Murrumbidgee River within the Balranald Shire local government area (postcode 2715). Located approximately 850 kilometres south-west of Sydney and 430 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, the area serves as a gateway to the southern reaches of the Outback. The local economy is traditionally underpinned by agriculture, including sheep and cattle grazing, broadacre cropping, and emerging horticultural ventures such as viticulture and almond orchards. The population is relatively small, reflecting the remote and expansive nature of the surrounding region.
The town provides essential community and commercial services to residents and travelers along the Sturt Highway, acting as a key service hub for the district. Local amenities include a central business district with retail and dining options, health services, schools, and sporting facilities. The locality is defined by its natural surroundings, featuring proximity to the Murrumbidgee River, expansive red gum forests, and the World Heritage-listed Mungo National Park to the north, which attracts visitors interested in outback landscapes and ancient indigenous heritage.
European settlement in the area dates back to the mid-19th century, with the townsite officially gazetted in 1851. It developed initially as a vital river port and crossing point along the Murrumbidgee River during the peak of the Murray-Darling paddle steamer trade. The region holds deep historical and cultural significance for the traditional custodians of the land, the Mutthi Mutthi, Ngyiampaa, and Paakantyi peoples, whose heritage is intrinsically linked to the ancient lake systems and river corridors of the area.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Malicious damage to property | 13 | 10 |
| Receiving or handling stolen goods | 12 | 2 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 10 | 8 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 9 | 6 |
| Liquor offences | 8 | 1 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 8 | 5 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 5 | 6 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 5 | 14 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 5 | 6 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 5 | 3 |
| Arson | 4 | 2 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 4 | 1 |
| Fraud | 4 | 10 |
| Other theft | 4 | 2 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 4 | 8 |
| Trespass | 3 | 3 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 2 | 6 |
| Other offences | 2 | 2 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 1,240 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.