Cougal crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
2 recorded in this period, compared with 3 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Cougal
Cougal is a rural locality situated in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, within the Kyogle Council local government area and the 2474 postcode. Geographically, the area is characterised by rugged terrain, dense native forests, and proximity to the Border Ranges National Park, which sits along the state border with Queensland. Due to its mountainous and heavily forested landscape, the population is sparse, primarily comprising residents engaged in rural acreage living, conservation, or small-scale agricultural pursuits.
The locality functions as an isolated residential and farming community with limited commercial amenities, relying instead on nearby regional service centres such as Kyogle and Nimbin for retail, education, and healthcare needs. Infrastructure is largely restricted to rural arterial roads connecting the scattered properties to the wider Northern Rivers network. The surrounding natural environment provides significant opportunities for outdoor recreation, including bushwalking, wildlife observation, and appreciation of the region's subtropical rainforest ecosystems.
Historically, the area's development was tied to the timber-getting industry of the 19th and early 20th centuries, as European settlers moved into the Richmond River catchment to harvest valuable rainforest hardwoods such as red cedar. Transport of timber and local produce was historically facilitated by the Murwillumbah railway line, which passed through the area and included the engineering feat of the nearby Cougal Spiral. Today, the heritage of the locality is defined by its industrial timber history, remnants of early transport infrastructure, and the ongoing preservation of its biodiverse natural environment.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Malicious damage to property | 1 | 0 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 30 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.