Coonabarabran crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
551 recorded in this period, compared with 525 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Coonabarabran
Coonabarabran is a rural town located in north-western New South Wales, serving as the primary administrative centre for the Warrumbungle Shire within the 2357 postcode. Situated on the Castlereagh Highway along the banks of the Castlereagh River, the locality acts as a gateway to the nearby Warrumbungle National Park. The town and surrounding district support a population of approximately 3,000 residents, whose economy is traditionally anchored by agriculture—specifically sheep, cattle, and cereal cropping—alongside forestry and tourism.
The town functions as an essential regional hub, providing local residents and surrounding rural properties with educational facilities, health services, and retail amenities. Coonabarabran is globally renowned as the "Astronomy Capital of Australia," a status derived from its exceptionally clear skies and minimal light pollution. This geographic advantage led to the establishment of the nearby Siding Spring Observatory, Australia's premier optical astronomical research facility, which heavily influences the local identity through science-based tourism and community events.
European settlement in the area began in the 1840s following early explorations by Allan Cunningham and Thomas Mitchell, with the town site officially gazetted in 1858. The name "Coonabarabran" is derived from an Aboriginal word, generally understood to mean an isolated peak or a place with an abundance of edible fruits. Throughout its history, the region has transitioned from a pastoral frontier into a stable rural community while preserving its rich Indigenous heritage and 19th-century colonial architecture.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 71 | 73 |
| Breach bail conditions | 49 | 35 |
| Malicious damage to property | 49 | 47 |
| Trespass | 47 | 41 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 44 | 28 |
| Steal from retail store | 32 | 28 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 30 | 30 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 29 | 43 |
| Fraud | 26 | 22 |
| Liquor offences | 24 | 7 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 17 | 12 |
| Other offences | 15 | 8 |
| Other theft | 15 | 21 |
| Steal from dwelling | 12 | 21 |
| Sexual assault | 11 | 7 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 10 | 18 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 9 | 7 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 7 | 11 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 3,477 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.