Nimbin crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
276 recorded in this period, compared with 247 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Nimbin
Nimbin is a locality situated in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, within the Lismore City Council local government area and bearing the postcode 2480. Located approximately 30 kilometres north of Lismore, the village is nestled in a valley surrounded by steep, forested ranges and prominent volcanic plugs, remnants of the ancient Tweed Volcano. According to the 2021 Australian census, Nimbin and its surrounding area recorded a population of roughly 1,800 residents. The community is culturally diverse, comprising long-term counterculture residents, families, farmers, and a significant transient population of tourists and spiritual seekers.
The local economy and lifestyle are heavily defined by tourism, alternative agriculture, arts, and crafts. The commercial centre of Nimbin features distinct colourful shopfronts adorned with murals that reflect its bohemian identity, housing cooperative stores, alternative health practices, cafes, and specialty shops. Essential amenities include a primary school, a local medical service, community halls, and sporting facilities. The village serves as a hub for environmentalism and sustainability initiatives in the region, regularly hosting events focused on permaculture, renewable energy, and arts.
Historically, Nimbin was originally inhabited by the Widjabul people of the Bundjalung nation, who maintain a deep cultural connection to the surrounding landscape. European settlement began in the 19th century, driven by the timber industry, which cleared the dense subtropical rainforests for red cedar logging. Following the depletion of timber, the area transitioned into dairy farming and agriculture. Nimbin’s modern history was fundamentally reshaped in May 1973 when it hosted the landmark Aquarius Festival. This event catalyzed an influx of alternative lifestylers who purchased cheap land to establish communes, permanently transforming the social and cultural fabric of the locality.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 34 | 23 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 27 | 17 |
| Malicious damage to property | 22 | 16 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 21 | 20 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 21 | 19 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 16 | 12 |
| Breach bail conditions | 13 | 31 |
| Sexual assault | 12 | 7 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 11 | 12 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 11 | 9 |
| Trespass | 10 | 8 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 9 | 9 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 9 | 5 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 7 | 5 |
| Other theft | 6 | 1 |
| Steal from person | 6 | 2 |
| Fraud | 5 | 6 |
| Other drug offences | 5 | 9 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 1,607 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.