Denman crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
102 recorded in this period, compared with 109 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Denman
Denman is a historic rural town located in the Upper Hunter region of New South Wales, situated within the Muswellbrook Shire local government area with the postcode 2328. Positioned along the banks of the Hunter River and the Golden Highway, the locality serves as an important agricultural and service hub for the surrounding district. At the 2021 census, Denman and its immediate surrounds recorded a population of approximately 1,500 residents. The surrounding landscape is characterized by flat alluvial river flats utilized for agriculture, transitioning into undulating hills dominated by viticulture, beef cattle, and equine breeding, alongside nearby coal mining operations.
The town provides a range of essential local amenities to support its residents and the surrounding rural community. The commercial center along the Golden Highway features local retail shops, cafes, pubs, and essential services. Denman is well-equipped with community infrastructure, including educational facilities such as local primary schooling, sporting ovals, a swimming pool, and various community organizations. The economy is traditionally anchored by agriculture—notably wine production as part of the Upper Hunter wine region—alongside employment opportunities provided by the regional equine and resources sectors.
European settlement in the area dates back to the early 19th century, following the exploration of the Hunter Valley. Originally known as Junction Point due to its location near the confluence of the Hunter River and the Hunter River's tributaries, the town was later surveyed and renamed Denman. The locality preserves much of its 19th-century character, featuring several heritage-listed buildings, historic homesteads, and churches that reflect its origins as a pastoral and coaching stop on the route to the state's interior.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Malicious damage to property | 14 | 16 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 8 | 4 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 8 | 12 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 7 | 3 |
| Other theft | 7 | 7 |
| Sexual assault | 7 | 6 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 5 | 3 |
| Steal from dwelling | 5 | 11 |
| Breach bail conditions | 4 | 2 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 4 | 6 |
| Fraud | 4 | 4 |
| Liquor offences | 3 | 2 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 3 | 3 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 3 | 3 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 3 | 7 |
| Other offences against the person | 2 | 1 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 2 | 1 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 2 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 1,821 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.