Muswellbrook LGA crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
2,080 recorded in this period, compared with 1,828 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Muswellbrook
Muswellbrook Shire is a local government area located in the Upper Hunter region of New South Wales, situated approximately 275 kilometres north of Sydney. The landscape is defined by the Hunter River valley, with the township of Muswellbrook serving as the primary administrative and commercial centre. As of the 2021 Census, the area maintains a population of approximately 16,000 residents. The local economy is anchored by significant coal mining operations and power generation, complemented by a long-standing agricultural sector focused on thoroughbred horse breeding and beef cattle production.
The area offers a range of civic amenities, including public and private schooling, the Muswellbrook Hospital, and various sporting and recreational facilities. Cultural life is supported by the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre, which hosts a notable collection of contemporary Australian works. Historically, the region was traditionally inhabited by the Wanaruah people before European pastoral settlement commenced in the 1820s. Following the proclamation of the town in 1833, Muswellbrook developed as a service hub for the expanding agricultural frontier. The town retains several heritage-listed buildings, reflecting its nineteenth-century colonial development and growth during the industrial expansion of the twentieth century.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Harassment threatening | 293 | 197 |
| Breach bail conditions | 244 | 176 |
| Malicious damage to property | 204 | 217 |
| Assault - domestic violence | 176 | 155 |
| Breach AVO | 171 | 107 |
| Steal from retail store | 106 | 65 |
| Assault - non-domestic violence | 90 | 125 |
| Sexual Offences | 88 | 102 |
| Other theft | 84 | 60 |
| Fraud | 78 | 85 |
| Prohibited weapons offences | 76 | 60 |
| Steal from dwelling | 75 | 112 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 73 | 70 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 57 | 42 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 50 | 69 |
| Trespass | 42 | 28 |
| Arson | 40 | 13 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 40 | 49 |
| Possession use of cannabis | 31 | 23 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 27 | 30 |
| Receiving stolen goods | 9 | 15 |
| Transport regulatory offences | 7 | 4 |
| Liquor offences | 5 | 7 |
| Steal from person | 5 | 1 |
| Offensive conduct | 3 | 6 |
| Offensive language | 3 | 3 |
| Robbery | 3 | 7 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 16,357 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.