Cooma crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
472 recorded in this period, compared with 434 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Cooma
Cooma is a town located in the Monaro region of southeastern New South Wales, situated approximately 116 kilometres south of the national capital, Canberra. It serves as the primary administrative centre for the Snowy Monaro Regional Council local government area and encompasses the postcode 2630. The locality functions as a major gateway to the Snowy Mountains and Kosciuszko National Park. According to 2021 census data, Cooma supports a population of approximately 6,000 residents, serving as a regional hub for surrounding agricultural and pastoral communities.
As the principal commercial centre for the Monaro district, Cooma provides a comprehensive range of local life and amenities. The town features educational facilities, healthcare services including the Cooma Hospital, and a diverse retail sector catering to both residents and seasonal tourists. Its economy is underpinned by agriculture—predominantly sheep and cattle grazing—as well as government administration, retail, and tourism. The town experiences significant seasonal influxes during the winter months as visitors travel through the area toward the nearby ski resorts of Perisher and Thredbo.
Cooma possesses a rich history tied to Indigenous heritage, European exploration, and major national engineering projects. Originally inhabited by the Ngarigo people, European settlement began in the 1820s, with the town officially gazetted in 1849. Cooma’s heritage is closely linked to the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme, which commenced in 1949 and transformed the town into the project's headquarters. Historical landmarks, including the Cooma Gaol and various heritage-listed buildings, reflect its 19th-century origins and subsequent mid-century growth.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 52 | 43 |
| Malicious damage to property | 44 | 27 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 31 | 27 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 30 | 47 |
| Liquor offences | 30 | 16 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 29 | 20 |
| Breach bail conditions | 28 | 17 |
| Fraud | 25 | 32 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 22 | 17 |
| Trespass | 16 | 15 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 13 | 12 |
| Steal from retail store | 13 | 11 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 11 | 8 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 10 | 11 |
| Other offences | 10 | 8 |
| Other theft | 10 | 8 |
| Sexual assault | 10 | 11 |
| Steal from dwelling | 10 | 12 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 6,715 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.