Grafton crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
2,100 recorded in this period, compared with 1,843 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Grafton
Grafton is a regional city located in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, situated on the banks of the Clarence River within the Clarence Valley local government area (Postcode 2460). Geographically positioned approximately 600 kilometres north of Sydney and well-connected by the Gwydir and Pacific Highways, the city serves as a major commercial and administrative hub for the surrounding agricultural and forestry districts. Demographically, Grafton supports a stable regional population characterised by a mix of families, retirees, and a notable Indigenous community.
Local life in Grafton is centered around its vibrant civic amenities, comprehensive healthcare services, and educational facilities, alongside a strong economy driven by agriculture, timber, and public administration. The city features modern retail precincts, sporting facilities, and recreational spaces along the Clarence River, which supports various water activities. It is widely renowned for its annual Jacaranda Festival—Australia’s oldest floral festival—which celebrates the thousands of jacaranda trees that line the city's wide grid-patterned streets, particularly during spring.
Established in the mid-19th century following European settlement and timber-getting along the river, Grafton was officially proclaimed a city in 1885. The locality possesses a rich architectural heritage, featuring numerous well-preserved Victorian and Edwardian public buildings, historic churches, and heritage-listed residences that reflect its prosperous past as a river port. This historical significance is further cemented by its status as the birthplace of historic Australian figures, contributing to a strong local identity rooted in colonial history and architecture.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Breach bail conditions | 496 | 349 |
| Malicious damage to property | 150 | 116 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 143 | 139 |
| Steal from retail store | 119 | 94 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 112 | 113 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 106 | 103 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 97 | 76 |
| Steal from dwelling | 86 | 72 |
| Fraud | 79 | 95 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 73 | 64 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 69 | 88 |
| Other theft | 63 | 91 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 60 | 45 |
| Possession and/or use of amphetamines | 48 | 33 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 45 | 21 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 44 | 44 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 42 | 25 |
| Trespass | 42 | 33 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 10,563 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.