Bourke LGA crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
1,371 recorded in this period, compared with 1,167 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Bourke
The Bourke Shire is a vast local government area in north-western New South Wales, encompassing approximately 41,600 square kilometres of semi-arid pastoral country. Bisected by the Darling River, the region is characterized by flat, expansive floodplains and shrubland. The LGA is sparsely populated, with the majority of its residents residing in the town of Bourke, which serves as the administrative and service hub. The demographic profile reflects a strong connection to Aboriginal heritage, with a significant proportion of the population identifying as Indigenous.
Local life in Bourke is defined by its role as a regional centre for the surrounding agricultural and pastoral industries, particularly wool, cattle, and cotton production. The town provides essential services, including healthcare, education, and retail, to both its residents and the smaller, remote communities within the shire. The region’s economy is supported by these rural activities alongside a developing tourism sector that leverages the area’s rugged landscape and riverfront access.
Historically, Bourke rose to prominence in the late 19th century as a vital inland river port, facilitating the transport of wool and supplies via the Darling River paddle-steamer trade. It served as a gateway to the Australian outback, a legacy reflected in the town's numerous heritage-listed buildings and sites, including the historic wharf precinct. The area maintains a rich cultural history, acknowledging both the long-standing presence of the traditional owners and the subsequent colonial development that established Bourke as a landmark of rural Australian expansion.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Breach bail conditions | 230 | 227 |
| Harassment threatening | 170 | 119 |
| Assault - domestic violence | 148 | 131 |
| Breach AVO | 142 | 126 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 123 | 96 |
| Malicious damage to property | 113 | 82 |
| Trespass | 102 | 61 |
| Assault - non-domestic violence | 45 | 45 |
| Prohibited weapons offences | 39 | 12 |
| Steal from retail store | 37 | 22 |
| Sexual Offences | 31 | 36 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 27 | 39 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 25 | 33 |
| Steal from dwelling | 24 | 28 |
| Fraud | 23 | 17 |
| Possession use of cannabis | 21 | 12 |
| Other theft | 20 | 19 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 12 | 11 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 10 | 24 |
| Receiving stolen goods | 9 | 3 |
| Arson | 6 | 15 |
| Robbery | 5 | 2 |
| Steal from person | 4 | 3 |
| Liquor offences | 3 | 4 |
| Offensive conduct | 1 | 0 |
| Offensive language | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 2,340 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.