Kempsey LGA crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
4,747 recorded in this period, compared with 4,214 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Kempsey
The Kempsey Shire is a local government area located on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, spanning approximately 3,380 square kilometres. Its geography is defined by the Macleay River, which bisects the region, and it encompasses a landscape ranging from coastal dunes and beaches to hinterland mountain ranges. The shire is home to a population of approximately 30,000 residents, with the majority concentrated in the administrative centre of Kempsey and the coastal town of South West Rocks.
The local economy is rooted in agriculture, particularly dairy and beef farming, complemented by timber production and a tourism sector. Residents and visitors have access to community services, including regional healthcare facilities, primary and secondary schools, and public libraries. Recreational amenities include the coastline with national parks, fishing, and surfing spots, while the inland areas feature rugged terrain suitable for outdoor activities.
The region possesses a heritage originating with the traditional custodians, the Dunghutti people. European settlement began in the 1820s, driven by the timber industry and the river flats. The area is notable for its historical architecture within the Kempsey township. Today, the shire balances the preservation of its colonial and Indigenous history with the needs of a regional coastal community.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Breach bail conditions | 745 | 476 |
| Malicious damage to property | 490 | 389 |
| Harassment threatening | 483 | 419 |
| Assault - domestic violence | 363 | 330 |
| Breach AVO | 317 | 250 |
| Assault - non-domestic violence | 231 | 207 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 207 | 309 |
| Fraud | 197 | 190 |
| Steal from dwelling | 195 | 189 |
| Steal from retail store | 189 | 143 |
| Other theft | 172 | 157 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 144 | 205 |
| Trespass | 143 | 120 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 138 | 131 |
| Sexual Offences | 129 | 119 |
| Prohibited weapons offences | 127 | 115 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 91 | 110 |
| Arson | 85 | 115 |
| Possession use of cannabis | 85 | 78 |
| Liquor offences | 81 | 53 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 44 | 41 |
| Steal from person | 23 | 13 |
| Receiving stolen goods | 21 | 26 |
| Offensive conduct | 19 | 19 |
| Robbery | 13 | 6 |
| Offensive language | 11 | 1 |
| Transport regulatory offences | 4 | 3 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 30,688 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.
Related areas
- West Kempsey
- South Kempsey
- Kempsey
- South West Rocks
- Crescent Head
- East Kempsey
- Greenhill
- Frederickton
- Stuarts Point
- Collombatti
- Kundabung
- Yarravel
- Smithtown
- Dondingalong
- Fishermans Reach
- Bellbrook
- Aldavilla
- Hat Head
- Gladstone
- Barraganyatti
- Burnt Bridge
- Verges Creek
- Temagog
- Deep Creek (Kempsey)
- Rainbow Reach
- Kinchela
- Moparrabah
- Mungay Creek
- Sherwood (Kempsey)
- Bellimbopinni
- Clybucca
- Willawarrin
- Wittitrin
- Austral Eden
- Turners Flat
- Arakoon
- Skillion Flat
- Yarrahapinni
- Yessabah
- Grassy Head
- Jerseyville
- Hickeys Creek
- Belmore River
- Willi Willi
- Comara
- Euroka
- Toorooka
- Corangula
- Millbank
- Old Station
- Seven Oaks
- Summer Island
- Hampden Hall
- Mooneba
- Pola Creek