Copeton crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
5 recorded in this period, compared with 2 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Copeton
Copeton is a rural locality situated in the Northern Tablelands region of New South Wales, within the Inverell Shire local government area and bearing the postcode 2360. Geographically, the area is defined by undulating pastoral land, native bush reserves, and the significant aquatic feature of Copeton Dam, which is impounded on the Gwydir River. Due to its rural nature, the population is sparse, primarily comprising residents engaged in agriculture, tourism, and local water resource management.
Local life in Copeton centers heavily around outdoor recreation and tourism, driven by the Copeton Dam and the surrounding Copeton Waters State Park. The area attracts visitors for activities such as camping, boating, fishing, and bushwalking. Aside from these recreational facilities, day-to-day services and commercial amenities are limited within the locality itself, with residents relying on the nearby regional center of Inverell for broader retail, healthcare, and educational needs.
Historically, the area's development was closely tied to the pastoral expansion of the New England district and later mineral discoveries. The construction of Copeton Dam, completed in the 1970s, fundamentally altered the local landscape and economy by securing reliable irrigation for the Gwydir Valley and establishing the region as a major recreational hub. The locality reflects the broader historical transition of rural New South Wales from traditional grazing lands to managed river systems and conservation-focused state parks.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic violence related assault | 3 | 0 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 1 | 0 |
| Other offences | 1 | 1 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 57 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.