Fernleigh crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
1 recorded in this period, compared with 5 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Fernleigh
Fernleigh is a rural locality situated in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, within the Ballina Shire local government area and bearing the postcode 2479. Geographically, the area is characterized by undulating green hills, agricultural land, and remnants of subtropical rainforest typical of the Northern Rivers hinterland. Demographically, Fernleigh is a sparsely populated community, with residents primarily consisting of families, retirees, and individuals engaged in local agriculture, horticulture, or commuting to nearby regional hubs for employment.
Local life in Fernleigh centers around rural living, with properties typically ranging from small acreage holdings to working farms. Due to its quiet, semi-rural nature, the locality has limited commercial amenities; residents rely on neighboring towns such as Alstonville, Ballina, and Lennox Head for retail, healthcare, secondary education, and professional services. The area is traversed by rural roadways, including the historic old Pacific Highway route, providing connectivity to the broader Northern Rivers transport network.
Historically, the region lies within the traditional lands of the Bundjalung Nation, who managed and inhabited the country prior to European settlement. European presence in the area expanded during the 19th century, driven by the timber industry—particularly the logging of native Red Cedar—followed by the establishment of dairy farming and agriculture as the dense forests were cleared. Today, Fernleigh retains its pastoral identity while gradually integrating into the contemporary residential and lifestyle patterns of the expanding Ballina hinterland.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Arson | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 298 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.