Goulburn crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
2,783 recorded in this period, compared with 2,382 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Goulburn
Goulburn is a regional city located in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales, situated approximately 195 kilometres southwest of Sydney. It serves as the primary population and administrative centre for the Goulburn Mulwaree Council local government area and encompasses the postcode 2580. According to the 2021 Australian census, the broader urban area supports a population of over 23,000 residents. The geography is characterized by an elevated tableland environment featuring undulating agricultural plains, crossed by the Mulwaree and Wollondilly rivers.
As a major regional hub, Goulburn provides a comprehensive range of commercial, educational, and health amenities. Local life is supported by multiple primary and secondary schools, the Goulburn Base Hospital, and various retail precincts centered around Auburn and Ross streets. The economy is traditionally anchored by agriculture—specifically wool, sheep, and cattle farming—alongside government services, manufacturing, and tourism. The city is also a key transport node, positioned along the Hume Highway, connecting Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne.
Established in 1833 by order of Governor Richard Bourke, Goulburn holds the distinction of being Australia's first inland city. It possesses a rich colonial heritage, reflected in its numerous well-preserved 19th-century Victorian and Edwardian buildings, including the landmark Saints Peter and Paul's Cathedral and the historic Goulburn Court House. The city is also famously home to the "Big Merino," a 15-metre-high concrete monument that celebrates the region's prominent history in the Australian wool industry.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Breach bail conditions | 346 | 224 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 309 | 156 |
| Malicious damage to property | 235 | 236 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 181 | 167 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 164 | 123 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 147 | 110 |
| Fraud | 130 | 166 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 108 | 76 |
| Steal from retail store | 99 | 103 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 91 | 83 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 89 | 94 |
| Other theft | 69 | 128 |
| Trespass | 69 | 69 |
| Other offences | 68 | 44 |
| Liquor offences | 61 | 36 |
| Possession and/or use of amphetamines | 59 | 35 |
| Steal from dwelling | 57 | 87 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 54 | 39 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 23,963 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.