Lennox Head crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
222 recorded in this period, compared with 267 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Lennox Head
Lennox Head is a coastal headland village in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, situated within the Ballina Shire local government area and carrying the postcode 2478. Located approximately 750 kilometres north of Sydney and 170 kilometres south of Brisbane, the locality is defined by its prominent beachfront, rolling hills, and coastal wetlands, including Seven Mile Beach and Lake Ainsworth. According to the 2021 Australian census, Lennox Head has a population of approximately 8,000 residents, reflecting steady growth driven by its appeal as a residential and lifestyle destination.
The local economy and community life are centered around coastal tourism, outdoor recreation, and small-scale retail. Lennox Head is widely recognised as a premier surfing destination, hosting popular breaks such as the National Surfing Reserve at Lennox Point. The commercial hub along Ballina Street features cafes, restaurants, and essential services, catering to both residents and visitors. Educational and community infrastructure includes local public schooling, sports clubs, and recreational facilities centered on the foreshore and Lake Ainsworth, which is frequented for swimming and water sports.
Prior to European settlement, the area was traditional land of the Bundjalung nation, with the local Nyangbal people maintaining deep cultural connections to the coastal land, headlands, and freshwater lakes. European presence expanded in the 19th century, initially driven by cedar-cutting, maritime trade, and subsequently dairy farming and coastal shipping. The locality gradually transitioned from an isolated rural and industrial outpost into a residential and holiday township throughout the 20th century, retaining several historical elements while undergoing significant modern suburban development.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Break and enter dwelling | 23 | 35 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 18 | 19 |
| Fraud | 16 | 26 |
| Malicious damage to property | 16 | 25 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 15 | 13 |
| Other theft | 14 | 10 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 13 | 14 |
| Sexual assault | 13 | 15 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 12 | 17 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 12 | 18 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 11 | 17 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 10 | 3 |
| Steal from dwelling | 10 | 7 |
| Trespass | 7 | 4 |
| Breach bail conditions | 6 | 8 |
| Liquor offences | 6 | 3 |
| Arson | 3 | 1 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 3 | 1 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 7,687 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.