Bellingen crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
283 recorded in this period, compared with 271 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Bellingen
Bellingen is a town and locality situated in the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales, within the Bellingen Shire local government area (Postcode 2454). The area is defined by its setting along the Bellinger River and is characterised by rolling green hills, fertile river flats, and proximity to the Great Dividing Range. Demographically, the locality functions as a regional hub for the broader shire, supporting a population that blends long-term agricultural residents with a prominent demographic of artists, retirees, and tree-changers attracted to the natural environment.
Local life in Bellingen is centered around a vibrant township known for its community-focused culture, arts scene, and regular markets. The commercial area features heritage streetscapes lined with cafes, independent boutiques, and essential community services, including schools and healthcare facilities. The local economy is supported by tourism, niche agriculture, and creative industries, while the surrounding environment provides access to outdoor recreation, including national parks and river activities.
European settlement in the Bellingen area began in the 1840s, initially driven by the timber industry due to the abundance of valuable red cedar along the Bellinger River. As the timber trade declined, the cleared land transitioned to dairy farming and agriculture, which shaped the region's early economy and settlement patterns. Today, the locality preserves much of its 19th-century history through well-maintained heritage buildings and structures that reflect its origins as a nineteenth-century river port and timber town.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Malicious damage to property | 45 | 48 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 41 | 25 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 33 | 24 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 29 | 16 |
| Fraud | 14 | 20 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 13 | 18 |
| Other theft | 10 | 8 |
| Breach bail conditions | 9 | 15 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 9 | 7 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 8 | 7 |
| Liquor offences | 8 | 6 |
| Sexual assault | 6 | 6 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 6 | 10 |
| Steal from retail store | 6 | 15 |
| Arson | 5 | 2 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 5 | 1 |
| Trespass | 5 | 4 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 4 | 6 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 3,923 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.