Hartley crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
19 recorded in this period, compared with 7 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Hartley
Hartley is a rural locality situated in the Central Tablelands region of New South Wales, within the City of Lithgow local government area and bearing the postcode 2790. Lying approximately 130 kilometres west of Sydney, the area is characterised by its rugged topography, encompassing valley floors, surrounding sandstone escarpments, and portions of the Blue Mountains region. Demographically, Hartley is sparsely populated, with residents largely distributed across rural acreages and historic homesteads, reflecting a quiet, agrarian and conservation-focused community profile.
Local life in Hartley is defined by its rural setting, low-density settlement, and a strong emphasis on natural and heritage tourism. The area offers limited commercial amenities, with residents typically relying on nearby service centres such as Lithgow and Lawson for major retail, medical, and educational infrastructure. The locality is a popular destination for visitors drawn to the surrounding national parks, bushwalking trails, and scenic lookouts.
Hartley holds significant historical and heritage value in New South Wales, most notably embodied by the historic village of Hartley, formerly known as Hartley Township. Established in the early 19th century as a government administrative and coaching stop on the Main Western Road across the Blue Mountains, the area features a well-preserved collection of colonial sandstone buildings dating from the 1830s onwards. Managed as a historic site, these colonial structures—including the former courthouse, St John's Church, and various inns—provide a tangible record of early European settlement and transportation history in the region.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic violence related assault | 3 | 0 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 3 | 1 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 2 | 1 |
| Trespass | 2 | 0 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 1 | 0 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 1 | 1 |
| Fraud | 1 | 0 |
| Malicious damage to property | 1 | 0 |
| Other offences | 1 | 0 |
| Other theft | 1 | 0 |
| Possession and/or use of amphetamines | 1 | 0 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 1 | 1 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 1 | 1 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 478 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.