North Rothbury crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
367 recorded in this period, compared with 297 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About North Rothbury
North Rothbury is a semi-rural locality situated in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, within the City of Cessnock local government area (postcode 2335). Located approximately 15 kilometres north of Cessnock and adjacent to the Hunter Expressway, the area is characterized by a mix of residential pockets, agricultural land, and native bushland. According to the 2021 Australian census, the locality supports a growing population, largely driven by regional expansion in the Hunter Valley, though it retains a quiet, low-density rural-residential character.
Local life in North Rothbury is primarily residential, with residents relying on neighboring townships such as Branxton, Greta, and Cessnock for commercial services, secondary education, and healthcare. The immediate area features local community spaces and acts as a dormitory suburb for people working in the broader Hunter Valley wine region, Singleton, or the greater Newcastle area. Access to the Hunter Expressway provides regional connectivity, facilitating commuting and tourism across the wider Hunter Valley.
Historically, North Rothbury and the surrounding Cessnock LGA are deeply intertwined with the development of the Hunter Valley coal mining industry and early Australian agriculture. The region's heritage reflects its transition from nineteenth-century land grants and rural enterprise to a prominent coal-mining and viticultural hub. While North Rothbury itself features few commercial heritage sites, it sits within a historically significant landscape shaped by early transport routes and the expansion of settlement along the Hunter River valley.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Malicious damage to property | 50 | 41 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 41 | 19 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 40 | 24 |
| Steal from retail store | 30 | 18 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 22 | 19 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 21 | 19 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 21 | 20 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 16 | 6 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 15 | 11 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 14 | 13 |
| Fraud | 13 | 11 |
| Other theft | 12 | 23 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 8 | 9 |
| Sexual assault | 7 | 7 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 6 | 6 |
| Steal from dwelling | 6 | 20 |
| Breach bail conditions | 5 | 6 |
| Trespass | 5 | 5 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 2,502 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.