Walgett crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
789 recorded in this period, compared with 874 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Walgett
Walgett is located in the north-western plains of New South Wales, situated at the junction of the Barwon and Namoi Rivers. As the administrative center of the Walgett Shire, the town serves as a regional service hub for the surrounding agricultural district. The population is characterized by a significant Indigenous presence, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents comprising a substantial portion of the community. The town’s economy is primarily driven by broadacre dryland cropping, irrigated cotton production, and livestock grazing.
The township offers essential amenities including primary and secondary schooling, health services via the Walgett Multi-Purpose Service, and various retail outlets to support the local agricultural industry. Recreational facilities include a swimming pool, sporting grounds, and access to the Great Artesian Basin, which provides hot artesian water to local facilities. The town is connected to broader regional centers via the Castlereagh Highway and is served by a local airstrip.
Established in the mid-19th century, Walgett developed as a river port and a pivotal stock crossing point where the Barwon and Namoi rivers meet. Its name is derived from a local Gamilaraay word often interpreted as "the meeting place of the waters." The town holds historical significance as a site of early pastoral expansion and retains various heritage buildings that reflect its 19th-century origins as a frontier settlement. In recent decades, Walgett has been a notable site for advocacy regarding regional equity and Indigenous cultural heritage.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 128 | 97 |
| Breach bail conditions | 122 | 118 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 99 | 84 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 70 | 80 |
| Malicious damage to property | 53 | 86 |
| Trespass | 36 | 29 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 29 | 40 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 25 | 40 |
| Steal from retail store | 23 | 9 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 20 | 22 |
| Arson | 17 | 29 |
| Sexual assault | 17 | 14 |
| Fraud | 16 | 10 |
| Other offences | 15 | 15 |
| Other theft | 11 | 8 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 11 | 37 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 11 | 14 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 11 | 4 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 1,824 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.