Crescent Head crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
167 recorded in this period, compared with 205 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Crescent Head
Crescent Head is a coastal town located on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales within the Kempsey Shire local government area, bearing the postcode 2440. Situated approximately 400 kilometres north of Sydney, the locality is bounded by the Tasman Sea to the east and features a landscape characterized by beaches, headlands, and surrounding national parks, notably Goolawah National Park. At the 2021 census, Crescent Head recorded a resident population of roughly 1,500 people, a figure that regularly increases due to seasonal tourism.
The local economy and lifestyle are heavily oriented around coastal recreation, tourism, and retirement. Crescent Head is internationally renowned for its surfing reserves, particularly the long right-hand point break at the main beach, which attracts surfers from around the world. The town's commercial amenities are concentrated around Ripton Street and Main Beach, providing essential retail, dining, and accommodation services primarily tailored to residents and visitors. Educational and broader municipal services are largely accessed in the nearby regional centre of Kempsey.
Prior to European settlement, the area was traditionally inhabited by the Dunghutti people, who maintained a strong connection to the land and coastal resources. European presence in the region began in the 19th century, initially driven by the timber industry, agriculture, and fishing. The town gradually developed as a holiday destination in the 20th century, retaining much of its relaxed village character while growing in popularity as a premier Australian surfing and holiday locale.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Liquor offences | 30 | 17 |
| Malicious damage to property | 19 | 15 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 15 | 12 |
| Other theft | 13 | 19 |
| Steal from dwelling | 12 | 7 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 9 | 18 |
| Fraud | 7 | 2 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 7 | 16 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 6 | 15 |
| Arson | 5 | 4 |
| Breach bail conditions | 5 | 6 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 5 | 6 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 5 | 11 |
| Trespass | 5 | 8 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 4 | 4 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 3 | 19 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 3 | 4 |
| Other offences | 2 | 2 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 1,633 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.