Rous crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
7 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 Rous
Rous (postcode 2477) is a rural locality situated in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, within the Ballina Shire local government area. Positioned on the Alstonville Plateau, the area is characterized by its fertile volcanic soil, which supports extensive agricultural activities, particularly macadamia orchards and grazing. Geographically, it is part of an elevated landscape that offers views of the surrounding hinterland. As a sparsely populated agricultural community, it maintains a low demographic density, functioning primarily as a residential and farming precinct.
Local life in Rous is defined by its quiet, semi-rural character, with residents relying on neighbouring townships such as Alstonville and Wollongbar for primary retail, educational, and medical services. The locality is home to the historic Rous Public School, which serves as a focal point for the small community. The region’s infrastructure is largely oriented toward supporting its agricultural output, with winding country roads connecting the scattered farmsteads to the broader transport network of the Northern Rivers.
Historically, the area was part of the traditional lands of the Bundjalung people. European settlement in the mid-19th century was driven by the timber industry, specifically the harvesting of the "Big Scrub" rainforests. Following the clearing of the land, the region transitioned into a productive dairy and crop farming zone. The heritage of the area is preserved through its association with early pioneering families, who established the agricultural foundations that continue to define the landscape of Rous.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Other theft | 3 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 1 | 0 |
| Malicious damage to property | 1 | 2 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 230 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.