Parkes LGA crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
1,668 recorded in this period, compared with 1,729 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Parkes
Parkes Shire is a local government area located in the Central West region of New South Wales, covering approximately 5,958 square kilometers. The landscape is characterized by undulating agricultural plains, with the main administrative center situated in the town of Parkes. As of the 2021 Census, the region supports a population of approximately 14,000 residents. The local economy is primarily driven by agriculture, particularly broadacre cropping and livestock, complemented by mining operations and a burgeoning transport and logistics sector facilitated by the region's position on major rail and road corridors.
The lifestyle in the Shire combines rural tranquility with the services of a regional hub. Parkes serves as the focal point for education, healthcare, and retail, featuring a modern hospital, diverse schooling options, and community sporting facilities. The area is globally recognized for the Parkes Observatory, a major radio telescope facility that is both a scientific asset and a significant tourist attraction. The community also hosts the annual Parkes Elvis Festival, which draws large numbers of visitors and serves as a major cultural event for the region.
The history of the area is deeply rooted in the gold rushes of the 19th century, which spurred early settlement and regional growth. Originally known as Bushman’s, the town was renamed in 1873 to honor Sir Henry Parkes, a prominent colonial politician. Throughout the 20th century, the Shire transitioned from a gold-mining center into a vital agricultural and logistics link for the state. Heritage buildings, particularly along the main street of Parkes, reflect the architectural styles of the Victorian and Federation eras, preserving the town's evolution from a frontier mining settlement to a key rural service center.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Harassment threatening | 224 | 235 |
| Malicious damage to property | 151 | 156 |
| Breach bail conditions | 146 | 105 |
| Assault - domestic violence | 132 | 138 |
| Breach AVO | 129 | 129 |
| Assault - non-domestic violence | 108 | 118 |
| Prohibited weapons offences | 80 | 81 |
| Fraud | 72 | 82 |
| Steal from retail store | 72 | 65 |
| Possession use of cannabis | 60 | 61 |
| Sexual Offences | 57 | 60 |
| Trespass | 56 | 83 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 55 | 61 |
| Steal from dwelling | 54 | 60 |
| Other theft | 45 | 30 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 42 | 66 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 38 | 60 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 37 | 22 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 30 | 28 |
| Arson | 27 | 24 |
| Liquor offences | 18 | 18 |
| Offensive conduct | 13 | 18 |
| Receiving stolen goods | 13 | 17 |
| Steal from person | 4 | 3 |
| Offensive language | 3 | 6 |
| Robbery | 1 | 3 |
| Transport regulatory offences | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 14,361 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.