Patchs Beach crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
1 recorded in this period, compared with 0 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Patchs Beach
Patchs Beach is a coastal locality in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, situated within the Ballina Shire local government area and carrying the postcode 2478. Geographically, the area is defined by its coastal environment, bound by the Pacific Ocean to the east and low-lying wetland and agricultural terrain associated with the Richmond River floodplain to the west. Due to its rural-coastal nature and limited residential zoning, the locality maintains a very small, dispersed population characteristic of the region's minor coastal settlements.
The locality is primarily rural and residential, with limited commercial amenities within its immediate boundaries. Residents rely on nearby urban centres such as Ballina and Alstonville for retail, healthcare, education, and professional services. Local life is largely quiet, focused on the natural environment, with the nearby beach serving as a primary focal point for recreational activities such as fishing and beach-walking. Access is primarily facilitated via local rural roads connecting to the wider regional transport network.
The history of Patchs Beach is intertwined with the broader European settlement and agricultural development of the Richmond River district, which historically featured timber harvesting, dairy farming, and sugarcane cultivation. Prior to European colonisation, the coastal lands and surrounding river systems were inhabited by the Bundjalung nation, who utilised the rich coastal and estuarine resources. Over time, the area has transitioned from its early primary industry roots into a predominantly protected and low-impact coastal enclave.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Other offences | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 45 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.