Upper Hunter LGA crime statistics

About Upper Hunter

The Upper Hunter Shire is a large, inland local government area located in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, covering approximately 8,000 square kilometres. Geographically, it is defined by the fertile Hunter River valley and the rugged ranges of the Great Dividing Range, transitioning from pastoral plains to mountainous terrain. The Shire is home to a population of approximately 14,000 residents, concentrated primarily in the administrative centre of Scone and the surrounding townships of Aberdeen, Merriwa, and Murrurundi.

The local economy is diverse, anchored by a strong agricultural sector—notably thoroughbred horse breeding and viticulture—as well as coal mining and manufacturing. Residents have access to essential regional services, including public schools, healthcare facilities, and sporting infrastructure. The area is served by the Main North railway line and the New England Highway, which facilitate connectivity to larger urban centres such as Newcastle and Sydney.

The region’s heritage is deeply rooted in 19th-century colonial expansion, when the area became a major hub for large-scale pastoral estates and merino sheep grazing. The Shire maintains a significant collection of historic architecture, including colonial-era homesteads and civic buildings that reflect its developmental history. Today, the Upper Hunter is widely recognised as the "Horse Capital of Australia," owing to its international reputation for high-quality equine breeding and equestrian events.

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.

• NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research
• ABS 2021 Census · LGA 17620
• NSW Spatial Services
• Methodology, updates and corrections