East Ballina crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
219 recorded in this period, compared with 198 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About East Ballina
East Ballina is a coastal suburb located in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales within the Ballina Shire local government area, bearing the postcode 2478. Situated on a peninsula, the locality is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Richmond River to the north and west, and Shaws Bay. According to the 2021 Australian census, East Ballina recorded a population of approximately 4,775 residents, reflecting a mix of families, retirees, and coastal lifestyle seekers.
The suburb functions primarily as a residential area complemented by natural and recreational amenities. Key geographical features include Lighthouse Beach, Ballina Head, and the Richmond River mouth, which support local fishing, surfing, and whale-watching activities. Shaws Bay provides a sheltered tidal area popular for swimming and family recreation. The locality is connected to the Ballina town centre via major thoroughfares and features local commercial hubs, parks, and walking tracks, including the coastal recreational path.
Historically, the area holds significance for the traditional custodians of the land, the Bundjalung nation, who utilized the coastal resources for sustenance and cultural practices. European settlement in the wider Ballina region began in the 19th century, driven by the timber industry, cedar-getting, and maritime trade at the Richmond River bar. Over the decades, East Ballina evolved from a semi-rural and fishing outpost into a developed residential suburb, retaining landmarks such as the historic Richmond River Light on Ballina Head, established in 1866.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Malicious damage to property | 25 | 18 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 23 | 19 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 20 | 29 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 18 | 15 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 17 | 13 |
| Steal from dwelling | 14 | 3 |
| Fraud | 13 | 16 |
| Trespass | 11 | 5 |
| Other theft | 10 | 7 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 9 | 8 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 7 | 0 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 6 | 7 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 5 | 1 |
| Sexual assault | 5 | 6 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 4 | 4 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 4 | 13 |
| Blackmail and extortion | 3 | 1 |
| Breach bail conditions | 3 | 10 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 5,882 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.