West Ballina crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
468 recorded in this period, compared with 347 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About West Ballina
West Ballina is a suburb located on the western outskirts of the township of Ballina in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. Situated within the Ballina Shire local government area, the locality is primarily defined by its position along the banks of the Richmond River and its intersection with the Pacific Highway. The area’s geography is largely characterized by low-lying coastal floodplains and reclaimed land, supporting a mix of residential zones, light industrial estates, and riverside recreation areas. Demographically, the suburb serves as a transitional zone between Ballina’s urban center and the surrounding rural landscape, housing a diverse population of permanent residents and workers in the local trade and transport sectors.
The area is primarily recognized for its commercial and logistical infrastructure rather than dense residential development. It hosts several major shopping complexes, bulky goods retail outlets, and service stations that cater to both locals and travelers transiting the Pacific Highway. Recreational opportunities are centered on the Richmond River, which provides access for fishing, boating, and scenic riverfront walks. Historically, the development of West Ballina was closely tied to the region’s maritime and agricultural expansion, with the river serving as the primary conduit for transporting timber and primary produce during the 19th and early 20th centuries. While the suburb has transitioned into a modern commercial hub, remnants of its pastoral and maritime past remain visible in the surrounding landscape and the wider Ballina heritage context.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Fraud | 176 | 81 |
| Malicious damage to property | 32 | 25 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 29 | 15 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 27 | 16 |
| Steal from retail store | 24 | 37 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 20 | 22 |
| Breach bail conditions | 15 | 6 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 15 | 14 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 14 | 15 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 11 | 1 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 10 | 17 |
| Other offences | 8 | 1 |
| Possession and/or use of amphetamines | 8 | 4 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 7 | 19 |
| Trespass | 7 | 9 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 6 | 5 |
| Other theft | 6 | 13 |
| Sexual assault | 6 | 6 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 3,230 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.