Palm Beach crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
52 recorded in this period, compared with 68 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Palm Beach
Palm Beach is an affluent coastal suburb located at the northern extremity of Sydney's Northern Beaches, within the postcode 2108 and the Northern Beaches Council local government area. Situated approximately 40 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district, the locality occupies a narrow peninsula bounded by Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River to the north, the Tasman Sea to the east, and Pittwater to the west. Demographically, it is characterised by a low permanent resident population with a high median age, alongside a substantial proportion of holiday homes and high-value residential properties.
Local life in Palm Beach is defined by its coastal geography, tourism, and outdoor recreation. The suburb features prominent ocean and harbour beaches, including the southern terminus of the historic Palm Beach surf beach and sheltered spots along Pittwater used for boating, swimming, and fishing. Barrenjoey Head, situated at the northern tip of the peninsula within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a primary local landmark. Commercial activity is largely concentrated around local cafes, restaurants, and retail outlets that cater to both residents and weekend visitors. The area is also nationally recognised as the primary exterior filming location for the long-running Australian television soap opera *Home and Away*.
Historically, the area was traditionally inhabited by the Guringai Aboriginal people, who left numerous physical sites of significance, including rock engravings and middens. European presence increased in the 19th century, driven by maritime activities, timber-getting, and the establishment of a customs station. The construction of the historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse, completed in 1881 at the northernmost point of the headland, represents one of the suburb's most notable heritage assets. Over the 20th century, Palm Beach transitioned from an isolated coastal outpost into an exclusive residential and resort destination.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Other offences | 12 | 11 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 6 | 3 |
| Fraud | 4 | 5 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 4 | 7 |
| Malicious damage to property | 4 | 8 |
| Other theft | 4 | 4 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 3 | 0 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 3 | 4 |
| Steal from dwelling | 2 | 2 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 2 | 2 |
| Trespass | 2 | 4 |
| Blackmail and extortion | 1 | 0 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 1 | 3 |
| Breach bail conditions | 1 | 1 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 1 | 2 |
| Offensive conduct | 1 | 1 |
| Steal from retail store | 1 | 1 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 1,652 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.