Balranald LGA crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
154 recorded in this period, compared with 163 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Balranald
The Balranald Shire is a local government area located in the Western Division of New South Wales, spanning approximately 21,690 square kilometers. Its landscape is defined by the semi-arid plains of the Riverina and Mallee regions, with the Murrumbidgee River serving as a significant geographical feature. The area is sparsely populated, with a demographic base centered in the township of Balranald, which serves as the administrative hub. The local economy is traditionally rooted in primary production, particularly broadacre cropping, livestock grazing, and irrigated agriculture along the river systems.
Life in the shire is characterized by a quiet, rural lifestyle centered on close-knit community engagement and outdoor recreation. Amenities are concentrated in the township of Balranald, which provides essential services including schools, health facilities, and retail outlets to support the surrounding farming community. The region is also home to the Mungo National Park, a globally significant archaeological site within the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area, which attracts visitors interested in geomorphology and the deep history of the landscape.
Established in the mid-19th century, the area holds a rich history shaped by early pastoral expansion and its role as a strategic river port. Balranald was officially gazetted in 1851, capitalizing on the riverboat trade that transported wool and produce along the Murray-Darling river system. The region is also significant for its Indigenous heritage, as the Willandra Lakes area contains evidence of continuous Aboriginal occupation dating back over 40,000 years. Today, the shire maintains a balance between preserving these historical links and adapting to the evolving requirements of its agricultural sector.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving stolen goods | 17 | 5 |
| Malicious damage to property | 16 | 20 |
| Possession use of cannabis | 16 | 23 |
| Assault - non-domestic violence | 14 | 7 |
| Assault - domestic violence | 11 | 10 |
| Breach AVO | 8 | 11 |
| Liquor offences | 8 | 1 |
| Prohibited weapons offences | 8 | 15 |
| Harassment threatening | 7 | 16 |
| Other theft | 7 | 4 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 7 | 5 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 6 | 8 |
| Trespass | 6 | 3 |
| Arson | 4 | 2 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 4 | 1 |
| Fraud | 4 | 13 |
| Sexual Offences | 4 | 6 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 2 | 7 |
| Steal from retail store | 2 | 0 |
| Breach bail conditions | 1 | 2 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 |
| Steal from dwelling | 1 | 3 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 2,208 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.