Freemans Waterhole crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
55 recorded in this period, compared with 31 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Freemans Waterhole
Freemans Waterhole is a semi-rural locality situated in the City of Lake Macquarie local government area in New South Wales, within the 2323 postcode. Geographically, the area is characterised by a mix of native bushland, semi-rural properties, and undulating terrain, positioned west of Lake Macquarie's main urban hubs. Demographically, it is a small, low-density community that appeals to residents seeking a rural lifestyle within commuting distance of major regional centres like Newcastle and the Central Coast.
Local life in Freemans Waterhole is quiet and primarily residential, supported by its proximity to the broader amenities of the Lake Macquarie and Hunter regions. The locality is bisected by major transport routes, notably the Sydney-Newcastle Freeway (M1 Pacific Motorway) and Freemans Drive, making it a key transit point rather than a commercial centre. Day-to-day shopping, educational facilities, and healthcare services are accessed in nearby suburbs such as Toronto or West Wallsend.
Historically, the area takes its name from an early watering place used by travellers and teamsters traversing the region between Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. The broader district has strong historical ties to coal mining, timber-getting, and agriculture, which drove European settlement and development in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, remnants of its rural and transport-oriented history remain visible in the landscape, contrasting with modern infrastructure developments.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Fraud | 17 | 4 |
| Arson | 5 | 3 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 5 | 0 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 4 | 4 |
| Malicious damage to property | 4 | 2 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 4 | 5 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 4 | 8 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 3 | 2 |
| Breach bail conditions | 2 | 0 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 2 | 1 |
| Other theft | 1 | 0 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 1 | 0 |
| Receiving or handling stolen goods | 1 | 0 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 1 | 0 |
| Steal from retail store | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 120 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.