Pilliga crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
39 recorded in this period, compared with 34 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Pilliga
Pilliga is a rural locality situated in the Walgett Shire of north-western New South Wales, within the postcode 2388. It is positioned on the edge of the expansive Pilliga Forest, the largest temperate eucalypt forest in eastern Australia, which defines much of the region’s topography. The area is characterized by its semi-arid climate and flat, scrub-dominated landscape. Demographic data for the locality reflects a small, sparsely populated community, with the majority of residents engaged in agricultural pursuits, forestry, or regional service industries.
The local community is served by essential amenities including a primary school, a local hotel, and recreational facilities that cater to the sparse population. Pilliga is perhaps best known for its proximity to the Pilliga Bore Baths, a popular destination that draws tourists seeking the thermal waters of the Great Artesian Basin. The area is also recognized for its historical significance regarding Aboriginal heritage, as the Pilliga Forest holds deep cultural and spiritual importance for the local Gamilaraay people, whose presence in the region spans thousands of years.
European settlement in the area dates back to the mid-19th century, following the expansion of pastoralism into the region. The township was established as a service center for the growing sheep and cattle grazing industries, and for a period, it functioned as a vital stop for timber harvesting operations within the surrounding woodlands. Today, the village retains a quiet, historic character, serving as a gateway to the broader Pilliga Forest conservation areas and continuing to function as a focal point for the local agricultural district.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 5 | 4 |
| Trespass | 5 | 2 |
| Arson | 3 | 0 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 3 | 1 |
| Steal from dwelling | 3 | 3 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 2 | 3 |
| Criminal intent | 2 | 0 |
| Malicious damage to property | 2 | 5 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 2 | 2 |
| Other offences | 2 | 1 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 2 | 3 |
| Blackmail and extortion | 1 | 0 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 1 | 0 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 1 | 0 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 1 | 1 |
| Offensive conduct | 1 | 0 |
| Other theft | 1 | 2 |
| Receiving or handling stolen goods | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 175 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.