Carrathool LGA crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
194 recorded in this period, compared with 195 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Carrathool
Carrathool Shire is a local government area located in the Riverina region of southwestern New South Wales, covering approximately 18,933 square kilometres. The landscape is primarily defined by the Murray-Darling Basin, featuring flat, arid plains punctuated by the Murrumbidgee River, which serves as a vital corridor for the region's agricultural activities. The population is sparse and predominantly rural, with the administrative centre located in Goolgowi. Other notable settlements within the shire include Hillston and Rankins Springs.
The local economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, particularly broadacre cropping, sheep and cattle grazing, and intensive irrigation-based farming facilitated by the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. Residents typically access community amenities and services in the shire’s small town centres, which provide essential infrastructure such as primary schooling, local health clinics, and community halls. The region is known for its wide, open landscapes and is a gateway to several national parks, including the Lachlan Valley National Park, which attract interest from those seeking nature-based tourism and birdwatching opportunities.
The heritage of Carrathool Shire is rooted in the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri people, who have maintained a cultural presence in the region for millennia. European settlement began in the mid-19th century as pastoralists moved into the area to establish large grazing runs. Following the introduction of irrigation in the early 20th century, the region underwent significant land-use changes that transformed the local economy. Today, the shire maintains its historical character through preserved homesteads and various local museums that document the expansion of the agricultural frontier and the development of the riverine transport systems that historically supported the area.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Breach bail conditions | 23 | 17 |
| Harassment threatening | 22 | 14 |
| Liquor offences | 18 | 10 |
| Assault - domestic violence | 14 | 13 |
| Breach AVO | 13 | 14 |
| Malicious damage to property | 11 | 18 |
| Prohibited weapons offences | 11 | 18 |
| Fraud | 9 | 10 |
| Possession use of cannabis | 9 | 4 |
| Sexual Offences | 9 | 4 |
| Other theft | 8 | 11 |
| Trespass | 7 | 4 |
| Assault - non-domestic violence | 6 | 7 |
| Arson | 5 | 3 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 5 | 5 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 4 | 9 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 3 | 8 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 3 | 14 |
| Receiving stolen goods | 3 | 1 |
| Steal from dwelling | 3 | 4 |
| Steal from retail store | 3 | 3 |
| Offensive conduct | 2 | 1 |
| Offensive language | 2 | 0 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 1 | 3 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 2,866 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.