Russell Vale crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
104 recorded in this period, compared with 77 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Russell Vale
Russell Vale is a suburb located in the Northern Illawarra region of New South Wales, situated between the Illawarra Escarpment to the west and the Tasman Sea to the east. Administered by the Wollongong City Council and falling under the postcode 2517, the locality is primarily residential and characterized by its coastal topography. Demographic trends in Russell Vale typically align with the broader Wollongong metropolitan area, consisting largely of families and professionals who commute to nearby industrial and commercial hubs.
The suburb is home to several local amenities, including Russell Vale Public School, the Russell Vale Golf Club, and a small cluster of local businesses. Recreational opportunities are supported by its proximity to coastal beaches and nature reserves along the escarpment. Historically, the area was heavily influenced by the coal mining industry, with the Russell Vale Colliery serving as a significant economic driver for the region throughout the 20th century. While the coal mine has transitioned through various periods of operation and ownership, its legacy remains a defining element of the suburb's industrial heritage and local identity.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Steal from retail store | 18 | 13 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 11 | 6 |
| Breach bail conditions | 11 | 6 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 8 | 8 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 7 | 1 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 7 | 3 |
| Malicious damage to property | 6 | 4 |
| Fraud | 4 | 4 |
| Steal from dwelling | 4 | 3 |
| Trespass | 4 | 4 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 3 | 0 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 3 | 1 |
| Other theft | 3 | 2 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 3 | 0 |
| Sexual assault | 3 | 1 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 2 | 3 |
| Other drug offences | 2 | 0 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 2 | 3 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 1,593 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.