Walcha crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
129 recorded in this period, compared with 142 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Walcha
Walcha is a rural town located on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, situated at the intersection of the Oxley Highway and Thunderbolts Way. Positioned within the Walcha Shire local government area, the town serves as a service centre for the surrounding agricultural district, which is predominantly known for its high-quality wool, sheep, and beef cattle production. As of the 2021 Census, the town and its wider local government area support a modest population, characterized by a close-knit community deeply rooted in primary industry.
The town offers essential amenities including a local hospital, primary and secondary schooling, and a variety of retail and sporting facilities. Walcha is notable for its commitment to the arts, featuring an expansive Open Air Gallery that showcases numerous sculptures throughout the town and its public parks. The surrounding region is defined by its rugged topography, encompassing significant wilderness areas such as the nearby Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, which provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and nature tourism.
European settlement in the Walcha area began in the 1830s, following the exploration of the New England tablelands by John Oxley. The town was officially gazetted in 1852, and its early growth was underpinned by the expansion of large pastoral runs and the discovery of gold in the region during the mid-19th century. Today, Walcha retains its historic character through its well-preserved colonial-era architecture, including several buildings listed for their heritage significance, which reflect the town's enduring role as a hub for the region's agricultural and social development.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 19 | 24 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 15 | 20 |
| Malicious damage to property | 15 | 9 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 14 | 21 |
| Breach bail conditions | 11 | 9 |
| Fraud | 8 | 10 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 5 | 3 |
| Other theft | 5 | 1 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 5 | 3 |
| Sexual assault | 5 | 6 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 4 | 3 |
| Other offences | 3 | 3 |
| Assault Police | 2 | 2 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 2 | 2 |
| Criminal intent | 2 | 0 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 2 | 3 |
| Steal from dwelling | 2 | 2 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 2 | 3 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 2,475 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.