Nambucca Heads crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
707 recorded in this period, compared with 753 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Nambucca Heads
Nambucca Heads is a coastal town located on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, within the Nambucca Valley local government area (postcode 2448). Situated approximately 500 kilometres north of Sydney, the locality is defined by its position at the mouth of the Nambucca River, featuring prominent coastal headlands, extensive estuaries, and ocean beaches. The population is predominantly English-speaking, with a demographic profile that includes a notable proportion of retirees, alongside families and an Indigenous community that represents a significant percentage of the local population.
The town serves as a commercial and administrative hub for the surrounding Nambucca Valley, supported by local retail services, healthcare facilities, and educational amenities. The local economy is driven primarily by tourism, retail, and agriculture, complemented by fishing and forestry. Transport connectivity is provided via the Pacific Highway, which bypasses the town centre, and the North Coast railway line, linking residents to larger regional centres such as Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie.
European settlement in the area began in the 19th century, initially centred on the timber industry, which relied on the Nambucca River for transporting red cedar and other hardwoods to coastal shipping vessels. The town’s heritage is closely tied to its maritime and logging history, as well as its deep significance to the Gumbaynggirr people, the traditional custodians of the land. Historic buildings, local museums, and cultural sites preserve the area's rich Indigenous heritage and colonial past.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic violence related assault | 81 | 70 |
| Malicious damage to property | 76 | 86 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 74 | 78 |
| Breach bail conditions | 48 | 44 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 45 | 41 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 42 | 45 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 41 | 43 |
| Other offences | 33 | 9 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 23 | 20 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 22 | 31 |
| Trespass | 21 | 22 |
| Fraud | 18 | 29 |
| Steal from retail store | 18 | 19 |
| Liquor offences | 17 | 36 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 17 | 24 |
| Steal from dwelling | 16 | 20 |
| Other theft | 15 | 19 |
| Sexual assault | 15 | 18 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 6,675 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.