Cowra crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
1,135 recorded in this period, compared with 1,145 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Cowra
Cowra is a rural town and locality situated in the Central West region of New South Wales, positioned along the Lachlan River within the Cowra Shire local government area (postcode 2794). The region is characterized by undulating agricultural landscapes devoted to cropping, viticulture, and livestock. According to the 2021 Australian census, the broader Cowra local government area supports a population of approximately 12,500 residents, serving as a regional service hub for surrounding farming communities.
The town offers a comprehensive range of local amenities, including health services centered around the Cowra District Hospital, educational facilities ranging from primary to secondary levels, and commercial shopping precincts. Cowra is well-connected by regional road networks, linking Bathurst, Orange, and Young. The local economy is underpinned by agriculture, manufacturing, and a growing tourism sector, the latter bolstered by the town's scenic parks, gardens, and cultural attractions.
Cowra holds a prominent place in Australian history, most notably as the site of the Cowra Prisoner of War Camp during World War II and the location of the infamous Cowra breakout in August 1944. Today, the town commemorates this history and subsequent reconciliation through significant cultural landmarks, including the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre—designed to symbolise peace and international friendship—along with the Australian World War II Prisoner of War Memorial.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 130 | 113 |
| Malicious damage to property | 113 | 102 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 106 | 75 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 79 | 78 |
| Breach bail conditions | 77 | 107 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 59 | 44 |
| Fraud | 53 | 52 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 51 | 34 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 47 | 55 |
| Trespass | 40 | 41 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 36 | 48 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 36 | 32 |
| Steal from dwelling | 36 | 23 |
| Other theft | 32 | 31 |
| Steal from retail store | 31 | 60 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 27 | 31 |
| Sexual assault | 25 | 22 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 24 | 15 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 10,145 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.