Come By Chance crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
4 recorded in this period, compared with 8 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Come By Chance
Come By Chance is a small rural locality situated in north-western New South Wales, within the Walgett Shire local government area (postcode 2832). Geographically, the area is characterised by flat, expansive agricultural plains typical of the Murray-Darling Basin and the black-soil country of the region. The climate is semi-arid, experiencing hot summers and mild winters, with an economy traditionally driven by dryland and irrigated cropping, as well as sheep and cattle grazing. Demographically, the population is very small and dispersed across vast pastoral holdings, contributing to a low population density.
Local life and amenities in Come By Chance are minimal, reflecting its remote rural status. The community relies primarily on nearby larger towns, such as Walgett and Lightning Ridge, for commercial services, secondary education, health care, and specialized retail. Essential local governance and infrastructure are managed by the Walgett Shire Council. While the locality lacks major urban conveniences, it functions as a tight-knit agricultural community connected by regional road networks.
The history of Come By Chance is tied to European exploration and the subsequent expansion of the pastoral lease system in New South Wales during the 19th century. The unusual name of the locality originates from early pastoral history, reportedly reflecting the serendipitous way the land was initially claimed or settled. Like much of the surrounding Walgett region, the area holds significant Indigenous heritage, being the traditional country of Aboriginal peoples who managed and lived off the land for millennia prior to European colonization.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Other theft | 2 | 0 |
| Stock theft | 2 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 88 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.