Kempsey crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
694 recorded in this period, compared with 512 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Kempsey
Kempsey is a town and locality situated on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, positioned within the Kempsey Shire local government area (postcode 2440). Located approximately 15 kilometers inland from the Pacific Ocean, the town is bisected by the Macleay River and surrounded by fertile alluvial floodplains and agricultural land. The broader Kempsey region encompasses coastal villages, national parks, and hinterland valleys. Demographically, the locality serves as a major commercial and administrative hub for the Macleay Valley, supporting a diverse population that includes a significant Aboriginal community, predominantly comprising members of the Dunghutti nation.
Local life in Kempsey is centered around a traditional rural service economy, supplemented by retail, healthcare, and educational services. The town features a central commercial district with civic amenities, sporting facilities, and schools, while acting as a gateway to surrounding natural attractions such as Hat Head National Park and Crescent Head. Transport connectivity is facilitated by the Pacific Highway, which bypasses the town, and the North Coast railway line, linking Kempsey to major regional centres like Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour, as well as to Sydney and Brisbane.
Prior to European settlement, the Macleay Valley was inhabited by the Dunghutti people, whose rich cultural heritage remains deeply intertwined with the region. European exploration began in the early 19th century, driven by the extraction of abundant Australian red cedar timber from the river brushes. The town was surveyed and established in the 1830s, growing rapidly as a river port and regional agricultural center known for dairy farming, cattle grazing, and maize production. Kempsey retains numerous heritage buildings reflecting its 19th-century prosperity, particularly along Smith Street and within its historic precincts.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Steal from retail store | 123 | 91 |
| Other theft | 61 | 29 |
| Fraud | 53 | 27 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 50 | 42 |
| Breach bail conditions | 47 | 24 |
| Malicious damage to property | 46 | 44 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 36 | 24 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 32 | 39 |
| Trespass | 29 | 16 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 24 | 12 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 21 | 34 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 19 | 25 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 18 | 6 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 15 | 6 |
| Other offences | 14 | 12 |
| Steal from dwelling | 14 | 12 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 9 | 10 |
| Offensive conduct | 8 | 5 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 483 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.