Dungog LGA crime statistics

Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06

347 recorded in this period, compared with 350 in the preceding period.

LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.

About Dungog

Dungog Shire is a local government area located in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, encompassing approximately 2,250 square kilometres of diverse landscape, ranging from river valleys to the foothills of the Barrington Tops National Park. The region is predominantly rural, characterized by its agricultural heritage and natural scenery, including the Williams and Paterson Rivers. As of the 2021 Census, the area maintains a modest population density, with residents primarily distributed between the historic town of Dungog—the administrative centre—and smaller surrounding villages such as Clarence Town, Gresford, and Paterson.

The local lifestyle is defined by its strong agricultural roots, including beef cattle grazing, dairy farming, and timber production. Amenities in the town of Dungog include essential retail services, primary and secondary schooling, and medical facilities, supported by a close-knit community focused on local markets and regional sporting events. The area is a popular destination for eco-tourism, offering proximity to state forests and wilderness areas that support hiking, mountain biking, and water-based recreational activities.

Historically, the region was traditionally inhabited by the Gringai people, a clan of the Wonnarua nation. European settlement began in the early 19th century, driven by land grants for grazing and the exploitation of cedar forests. The township of Dungog was gazetted in 1838, and the area retains significant architectural heritage, featuring numerous well-preserved Victorian and Federation-era buildings. The arrival of the North Coast railway line in the early 20th century further cemented the town's role as a service hub for the surrounding pastoral districts, a legacy reflected in its preserved civic structures and local museums.

Recorded offence categories

CategoryCurrent periodPrevious period
Assault - domestic violence4543
Malicious damage to property4233
Harassment threatening3248
Liquor offences306
Other theft2229
Assault - non-domestic violence2021
Trespass199
Break and enter non-dwelling189
Fraud1624
Sexual Offences1624
Breach AVO1514
Steal from motor vehicle1410
Motor vehicle theft1212
Steal from dwelling1113
Steal from retail store108
Arson85
Breach bail conditions45
Break and enter dwelling311
Transport regulatory offences30
Offensive conduct21
Possession use of cannabis23
Prohibited weapons offences217
Receiving stolen goods12

Community context

The 2021 Census recorded 9,541 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.

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