Coffs Harbour LGA crime statistics

About Coffs Harbour

The City of Coffs Harbour is a local government area located on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, approximately 540 kilometres north of Sydney. The region is defined by a narrow coastal plain situated between the Pacific Ocean to the east and the steep escarpments of the Great Dividing Range to the west. With a population exceeding 75,000 residents, the LGA encompasses a mix of urban centres, coastal villages, and rural hinterlands, including the regional hub of Coffs Harbour, Sawtell, and Woolgoolga. The climate is humid subtropical, supporting a diverse ecosystem of coastal forests, protected reserves, and extensive agricultural zones.

Local life in the region is characterised by a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation, supported by numerous beaches, headlands, and access to the Dorrigo National Park. The economy is diverse, transitioning from its historical dependence on agriculture—notably bananas and blueberries—to tourism, health services, and retail. Essential amenities, including major health facilities, the Coffs Harbour campus of Southern Cross University, and a regional airport, serve both the local population and the broader Mid North Coast region.

The area is the traditional land of the Gumbaynggirr people, whose deep cultural and historical connection to the land continues to be a focal point of regional heritage. European settlement began in the mid-19th century, driven initially by the timber industry and later by the development of the North Coast railway line in the early 20th century. Today, the LGA balances its role as a growing residential and service centre with the preservation of its natural landscapes, such as the Solitary Islands Marine Park, which reflects the region's long-standing focus on environmental conservation and maritime history.

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 11800
• NSW Spatial Services
• Methodology, updates and corrections