North Arm Cove crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
76 recorded in this period, compared with 45 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About North Arm Cove
North Arm Cove is a coastal locality in the Mid-Coast Council local government area of New South Wales, bearing the postcode 2324. Situated on the northern shores of Port Stephens, the area is characterized by its extensive waterfront access, peninsulas, and natural bushland surroundings. Demographically, it is a quiet residential and retirement community with a relatively low population density, largely attracting retirees, holiday homeowners, and those seeking a semi-rural coastal lifestyle.
Local life in North Arm Cove is centered around relaxed, outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and kayaking on the protected waters of the cove and wider Port Stephens estuary. Amenities within the immediate locality are limited, consisting primarily of a community hall, a local café, and a network of reserves, with residents relying on nearby commercial hubs like Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest for broader retail, medical, and educational services.
The area holds a unique place in Australian urban history due to a speculative 1918 real estate venture that marketed the subdivision as a future "Federal Capital" to rival Canberra, complete with a grand grid-iron street layout. While this ambitious plan never materialized, the remnants of the planned street grid—many of which remain unformed bush tracks—persist today as a defining historical characteristic of the landscape.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Fraud | 32 | 20 |
| Other offences | 8 | 4 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 7 | 1 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 5 | 1 |
| Malicious damage to property | 4 | 2 |
| Sexual assault | 3 | 1 |
| Arson | 2 | 2 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 2 | 0 |
| Breach bail conditions | 2 | 0 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 2 | 2 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 2 | 3 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 2 | 1 |
| Steal from dwelling | 2 | 0 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 1 | 1 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 1 | 1 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 552 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.