Rothbury crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
12 recorded in this period, compared with 6 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Rothbury
Rothbury is a semi-rural locality situated within the Cessnock City Council local government area in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, holding the postcode 2320. Geographically, it is positioned between the urban centres of Cessnock and Branxton, forming part of the broader Hunter Valley wine country. The landscape is characterized by undulating plains and low-lying hills, with the area experiencing steady population growth due to its proximity to regional transit corridors and expanding residential developments.
The local lifestyle is defined by a mix of agricultural land, boutique viticulture, and residential estates. Amenities in the immediate vicinity are limited, with residents typically relying on the neighbouring townships of Cessnock or Branxton for essential services, retail, and schooling. Historically, Rothbury’s identity was shaped by the coal mining industry and colonial pastoral settlement. The area is perhaps most historically significant for the 1929 "Rothbury Riot," a violent confrontation between police and striking miners that took place at the local colliery during a period of intense industrial unrest in the Northern Coalfields.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Motor vehicle theft | 3 | 1 |
| Steal from dwelling | 3 | 0 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 2 | 1 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 2 | 0 |
| Malicious damage to property | 1 | 1 |
| Trespass | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 55 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.