Maclean crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
325 recorded in this period, compared with 312 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Maclean
Maclean is a town located in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, situated within the Clarence Valley Council local government area (postcode 2463). Positioned on the banks of the Clarence River, approximately 13 kilometres inland from the coast, the locality functions as an important regional service hub. According to the 2021 Australian census, Maclean and its surrounding area recorded a population of approximately 3,100 residents. The surrounding geography is characterized by low-lying floodplains, sugarcane fields, and proximity to national parks and coastal waterways.
Local life in Maclean is supported by a range of essential amenities, including a central shopping district, healthcare services, primary and secondary schools, and various sporting and community facilities. The economy has traditionally relied on agriculture, particularly sugarcane farming and processing, alongside commercial fishing, tourism, and retail services. The town is connected to the Pacific Highway via a bypass, facilitating access to larger regional centres such as Grafton and Lismore, as well as major metropolitan areas.
Maclean has a distinct Scottish heritage, historically earning the moniker "The Scottish Town in Australia." This identity is prominently celebrated through street names, local architecture, tartan power poles, and the annual Maclean Highland Gathering. European settlement in the area began in the mid-19th century, driven by the timber, cedar-getting, and shipping industries along the Clarence River. Prior to European arrival, the area was traditional land for the Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal language groups, whose rich cultural heritage remains integral to the region's history.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 48 | 27 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 32 | 29 |
| Breach bail conditions | 29 | 29 |
| Malicious damage to property | 28 | 26 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 20 | 17 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 18 | 26 |
| Other offences | 12 | 7 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 12 | 4 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 10 | 3 |
| Steal from retail store | 9 | 19 |
| Fraud | 8 | 15 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 8 | 3 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 8 | 11 |
| Trespass | 8 | 11 |
| Other theft | 7 | 10 |
| Sexual assault | 7 | 9 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 6 | 9 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 6 | 4 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 2,778 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.