Gunnedah LGA crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
2,023 recorded in this period, compared with 1,617 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Gunnedah
The Gunnedah Shire is located in the North West Slopes region of New South Wales, encompassing approximately 4,994 square kilometers of diverse topography, ranging from fertile river plains to undulating hills. The landscape is dominated by the Namoi and Mooki Rivers, which support a robust agricultural sector known for producing cotton, grains, and livestock. As of the 2021 Census, the shire is home to a population of approximately 12,000 residents. The township of Gunnedah serves as the administrative and commercial hub, functioning as a primary service centre for the surrounding rural communities.
The local economy is heavily underpinned by primary industry, supplemented by significant mining operations and a growing focus on regional tourism. Gunnedah provides a comprehensive range of amenities, including modern healthcare facilities, public and private schooling options, and diverse sporting infrastructure. Residents benefit from a lifestyle characterized by community-focused civic events and accessible outdoor recreation. The area is also recognized for its environmental initiatives, including a koala conservation program that integrates wildlife habitats into the regional landscape.
Historically, the region was traditionally inhabited by the Gamilaraay people. European settlement commenced in the 1830s, with the township officially proclaimed in the mid-19th century. Gunnedah is associated with the Australian literary era as the home of poet Dorothea Mackellar, who immortalized the local landscape in her work, "My Country." The town preserves this history through various heritage sites, local museums, and the maintenance of historic architecture that reflects its development as an inland rail and agricultural terminus.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Breach bail conditions | 287 | 200 |
| Harassment threatening | 226 | 151 |
| Malicious damage to property | 190 | 178 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 153 | 81 |
| Breach AVO | 118 | 83 |
| Assault - domestic violence | 104 | 126 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 91 | 53 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 89 | 32 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 87 | 79 |
| Arson | 75 | 35 |
| Trespass | 71 | 74 |
| Prohibited weapons offences | 65 | 63 |
| Other theft | 64 | 50 |
| Fraud | 62 | 84 |
| Assault - non-domestic violence | 60 | 107 |
| Steal from dwelling | 60 | 39 |
| Sexual Offences | 56 | 55 |
| Steal from retail store | 46 | 28 |
| Possession use of cannabis | 39 | 22 |
| Receiving stolen goods | 21 | 8 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 17 | 31 |
| Liquor offences | 16 | 10 |
| Offensive conduct | 14 | 12 |
| Offensive language | 7 | 7 |
| Steal from person | 3 | 7 |
| Robbery | 1 | 2 |
| Transport regulatory offences | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 12,929 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.