Lawson crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
110 recorded in this period, compared with 109 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Lawson
Lawson is a town in the Blue Mountains region of New South Wales, located approximately 88 kilometres west of Sydney, with the postcode 2783. Situated within the City of Blue Mountains local government area, the locality sits at an elevation of about 730 metres on the Blue Mountains plateau. According to the 2021 Australian census, Lawson had a population of 2,586. The surrounding geography is characterised by rugged sandstone landscapes, eucalyptus forests, and numerous nearby waterfalls and walking trails typical of the greater Blue Mountains area.
The town functions primarily as a residential and commercial hub for the mid-mountains, featuring a commercial strip along the Great Western Highway that includes local retail, cafes, and essential services. Lawson is serviced by the Main Western railway line, providing commuter rail connections to Sydney and Lithgow, and is accessible via the Great Western Highway. Educational and recreational facilities within the locality include local public schooling, community parks, and sports ovals that serve the resident population.
Originally known as Bowling Green, the area was renamed in 1879 after explorer William Lawson, who, alongside Gregory Blaxland and William Charles Wentworth, led the 1813 expedition that successfully crossed the Blue Mountains. The town's development was significantly spurred by the arrival of the railway in the 19th century, which established it as a popular mountain resort and staging point. Today, Lawson retains several heritage-listed buildings and structures reflecting its Victorian and Edwardian periods of development.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Malicious damage to property | 21 | 23 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 13 | 10 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 9 | 7 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 8 | 5 |
| Trespass | 8 | 0 |
| Sexual assault | 7 | 4 |
| Steal from retail store | 7 | 3 |
| Breach bail conditions | 5 | 4 |
| Fraud | 5 | 4 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 5 | 5 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 3 | 1 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 2 | 1 |
| Liquor offences | 2 | 0 |
| Other offences | 2 | 3 |
| Possession and/or use of narcotics | 2 | 1 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 2 | 0 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 2 | 1 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 1 | 6 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 2,651 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.