Merriwagga crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
6 recorded in this period, compared with 8 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Merriwagga
Merriwagga is a small rural locality situated in the Riverina region of New South Wales, within the Carrathool Shire local government area and bearing the postcode 2652. Geographically, the area is characterised by flat, arid-to-semi-arid terrain typical of the western Riverina, supporting extensive dryland cropping and sheep grazing. Due to its remote setting, the population is very small, consisting primarily of agricultural workers and farming families who contribute to the broader rural economy of the region.
Local life in Merriwagga is centered around a tight-knit rural community, with basic social infrastructure traditionally tied to the surrounding agricultural district. The locality is perhaps best known for housing the Black Stump, a historical landmark and popular tourist stop located just outside the town, which marks a significant point of reference in Australian folklore. While day-to-day commercial and municipal services are limited locally, residents generally rely on nearby regional hubs such as Hillston and Griffith for broader retail, healthcare, and educational needs.
European settlement in the area dates back to the 19th century, driven by the expansion of pastoral leases and subsequent Closer Settlement acts that subdivided large landholdings for agriculture. The development of the locality was closely linked to the establishment of regional transport routes and the broader agricultural expansion of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area periphery. Today, Merriwagga retains its historic rural character, functioning as a quiet farming locality that preserves elements of early Riverina pioneering history.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Other offences | 2 | 0 |
| Sexual assault | 2 | 0 |
| Fraud | 1 | 0 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 124 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.