North Bourke crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
32 recorded in this period, compared with 13 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About North Bourke
North Bourke is a rural locality situated in north-western New South Wales, within the Bourke Shire local government area and the 2840 postcode district. Positioned immediately north of the town of Bourke, the area is characterised by flat, arid terrain typical of the region's channel country, bounded by the Darling River (Baaka). The population is very small, reflecting the broader demographic trends of remote outback New South Wales, where settlement is sparse and largely tied to extensive agricultural holdings and pastoral leases.
Local life and amenities in North Bourke are minimal, with residents relying on the adjacent township of Bourke for commercial services, education, healthcare, and administration. The local economy is driven primarily by pastoralism, particularly sheep and cattle grazing, alongside irrigated agriculture supported by the Darling River system. The Silver City Highway passes through the locality, serving as a vital transport corridor linking western New South Wales to Bourke and beyond.
Historically, North Bourke developed as an important staging point and pastoral hub during the 19th-century expansion of inland New South Wales. The locality's heritage is closely linked to the river trade era, when paddle steamers navigated the Darling River to transport wool and supplies. Historic pastoral stations and remnants of early transport infrastructure reflect the region's pioneer past and its significance in the development of Australia's outback pastoral industry.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic violence related assault | 8 | 2 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 6 | 1 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 4 | 3 |
| Malicious damage to property | 3 | 1 |
| Coercive Control | 2 | 0 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 2 | 0 |
| Breach bail conditions | 1 | 2 |
| Other drug offences | 1 | 0 |
| Other offences against the person | 1 | 0 |
| Other theft | 1 | 0 |
| Possession and/or use of amphetamines | 1 | 0 |
| Sexual assault | 1 | 0 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 1 | 2 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 200 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.