Bega Valley LGA crime statistics

About Bega Valley

The Bega Valley Shire is a local government area located on the far south coast of New South Wales, spanning approximately 6,279 square kilometres. It features a diverse landscape ranging from coastal beaches and estuaries to the escarpment of the Great Dividing Range. The region is home to a population of approximately 35,000 residents, distributed across several key urban centers including Bega, Eden, Merimbula, and Bermagui. The local economy is traditionally rooted in agriculture—specifically the dairy industry—as well as forestry, fishing, and a robust tourism sector that capitalizes on the shire's natural coastal beauty.

Community life in the Bega Valley is characterized by a mix of rural town centers and tourism-focused coastal hubs, providing residents with access to essential health, education, and retail services primarily centered in Bega. The region is well-regarded for its environmental heritage, hosting numerous national parks and state forests that support biodiversity and outdoor recreation. Historically, the area was inhabited by the Yuin people, the Traditional Custodians of the land, before European settlement in the 1830s. The shire retains a strong link to its colonial pastoral history, while the deep-water port at Eden remains a vital historical and contemporary hub for maritime trade and the regional fishing industry.

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.

• NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research
• ABS 2021 Census · LGA 10550
• NSW Spatial Services
• Methodology, updates and corrections