Wollongong LGA crime statistics

About Wollongong

The City of Wollongong is a local government area located on the coast of New South Wales, situated between the Illawarra Escarpment to the west and the Tasman Sea to the east. Covering approximately 684 square kilometres, the region features a diverse topography of beaches, coastal plains, and forested uplands. The area is home to a population exceeding 200,000 residents. The demographic profile is varied, reflecting a mix of established industrial communities, suburban residential zones, and a significant student population driven by the presence of the University of Wollongong.

The city serves as the regional hub for the Illawarra, providing extensive amenities including major healthcare facilities, retail precincts, and higher education institutions. The local economy has transitioned from a traditional focus on heavy industry and coal mining toward services, technology, and education. Residents and visitors have access to numerous recreational spaces, including an extensive network of beaches, botanical gardens, and parklands, alongside a growing arts and cultural scene centered in the Wollongong CBD.

Historically, the region was inhabited by the Wodi Wodi people of the Dharawal nation prior to European settlement. Following early exploration in the late 18th century, the area was settled by land grant holders who initially focused on cedar harvesting and agriculture. The subsequent discovery of coal deposits in the 19th century fundamentally altered the region’s development, leading to the establishment of large-scale steel manufacturing and shipping infrastructure. Today, the area retains several heritage-listed sites and structures that document its industrial evolution and colonial-era growth.

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 18450
• NSW Spatial Services
• Methodology, updates and corrections