Cascade crime statistics

About Cascade

Cascade is a rural locality situated in the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales, within the Bellingen Shire local government area (Postcode 2453). Geographically, the area is characterized by rugged, elevated terrain, dense native forests, and high annual rainfall, which feed into the headwaters of local river systems. Due to its remote and heavily forested environment, the population is very small and dispersed, primarily consisting of acreage holders and rural residents engaged in primary production, forestry, or conservation.

Local life in Cascade is defined by its isolation and natural surroundings, offering a quiet, community-focused rural lifestyle. Amenities within the locality itself are extremely limited, with residents relying on nearby towns such as Dorrigo and Bellingen for commercial services, healthcare, and educational facilities. The area's infrastructure largely consists of rural residential properties and connecting roads that navigate the challenging topography.

Historically, the development of Cascade, like much of the surrounding Bellingen hinterland, was driven by the timber industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. European settlement followed the exploitation of valuable native rainforest timbers, such as red cedar, which were hauled out of the difficult terrain. Over time, the focus shifted away from intensive logging toward agriculture, and subsequently toward environmental conservation and the protection of the region's significant ecological heritage.

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.

• NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research
• ABS 2021 Census · SAL 10841
• NSW Spatial Services
• Methodology, updates and corrections