Broken Hill crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
3,489 recorded in this period, compared with 2,894 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Broken Hill
Broken Hill is a remote mining city situated in the far western region of New South Wales, near the South Australian border, operating as the primary settlement within the Unincorporated Far West region (Postcode: 2880). Spanning an arid landscape within the Simpson-Sturt subsection of the Australian dunefields, the locality experiences a desert climate characterized by hot summers and cool winters. The city serves as the primary population center in the Far West region, with resident numbers that have historically fluctuated in correlation with the output and economic viability of its surrounding mineral deposits.
Local life and amenities in Broken Hill are centered around servicing the regional community and a steady influx of outback tourism. The city features a grid-patterned layout with wide streets, civic parks, and essential infrastructure including the Broken Hill Health Service, various primary and secondary schools, and regional commercial retail hubs. Transport connectivity is maintained via the Barrier Highway, regional rail services operated by NSW TrainLink, and Broken Hill Airport, which links the city to capital-city destinations. The local economy, historically dominated by mining, increasingly relies on tourism, healthcare, government services, and renewable energy projects.
Established in the late 19th century, Broken Hill is globally recognized as a quintessential Australian mining boomtown. Founded following the 1883 discovery of one of the world's largest silver, lead, and zinc ore bodies by boundary rider Charles Rasp, the settlement gave rise to the mining giant Broken Hill Proprietary (BHP). The city's rich industrial heritage is preserved through numerous heritage-listed buildings, the Line of Lode Memorial, and deep trade union roots that shaped significant Australian labor history. Beyond its industrial past, Broken Hill is celebrated for its vibrant arts community, distinctive desert architecture, and surrounding landscapes that have inspired numerous films and artworks.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Breach bail conditions | 497 | 369 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 345 | 292 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 313 | 271 |
| Malicious damage to property | 296 | 251 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 271 | 201 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 142 | 114 |
| Trespass | 116 | 99 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 112 | 96 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 107 | 81 |
| Possession and/or use of amphetamines | 103 | 54 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 100 | 114 |
| Receiving or handling stolen goods | 98 | 41 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 92 | 117 |
| Other offences | 84 | 72 |
| Steal from retail store | 82 | 79 |
| Fraud | 67 | 60 |
| Steal from dwelling | 66 | 84 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 59 | 49 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 17,706 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.