Wollongong Crime Index

68

(100 is safest)

Safer than 68% of most Australia cities

Wollongong Crime Map

Wollongong crime map

Wollongong Crime Statistics at a Glance

The chart illustrates the trend in the number of offences that happened in Wollongong over the past 60 months.

60-month trend of criminal incidents across Wollongong
  • The number of criminal incidents recorded by NSW Police in the year 2021 was 23835, up 1% from 23560 incidents recorded in the same period last year.
  • Wollongong is in the 43rd percentile for safety, meaning 57% of NSW urban areas are safer than Wollongong and 43% of urban areas are more dangerous than Wollongong.
  • The number of sexual offences recorded in 2021 decreased by 8% (38 Incidents) compared to the previous year.
  • There was no change in the number of homicide offences recorded during the years 2020 and 2021.
  • The number of burglary offences recorded in 2021 increased by 2% (15 Incidents) compared to the previous year.
  • The number of theft offences recorded in 2021 decreased by 3% (163 Incidents) compared to the previous year.
  • The number of robbery offences recorded in 2021 increased by 3% (2 Incidents) compared to the previous year.
  • The number of motor vehicle thefts recorded in 2021 decreased by 8% (36 Incidents) compared to the previous year.
  • The number of vandalism offences (Property damage) recorded in 2021 decreased by 10% (196 Incidents) compared to the previous year.

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Crime in Wollongong: An In-Depth Analysis

Based on the latest crime statistics from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, AU Crime Rate’s analysis indicates that Wollongong is safer than only 68% of all communities across the nation, regardless of population size. This implies that Wollongong’s crime rate is below average to all cities and towns in Australia.

How does Wollongong perform compared to other cities and towns of all population sizes in NSW? The crime rate in Wollongong is greater than that of roughly 57% of other cities and towns in NSW, leading to moderate public safety scores.

As a resident of Wollongong, the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime is 1 in 23 based on the combined crime rate of offences against the person and property. This is in contrast to the New South Wales average, where the chance of becoming a victim of crime is 1 in 20.

To get a more comprehensive understanding of Wollongong’s crime statistics, it is essential to take a closer look at its against the person and property crime data. This examination is particularly critical because it enables us to determine whether violent crime, property crime, or both are the primary contributors to the total crime rate in Wollongong. By doing so, we can gain a more in-depth insight into the nature and extent of crime in Wollongong.

AU Crime Rate’s analysis has uncovered that the rate of crimes against the person in Wollongong is 1264 per one hundred thousand inhabitants. By contrast, the statewide average for such crimes stands at 1500. This suggests that experiencing serious offences like homicide, assault, sexual offences, robbery, abduction, kidnapping, stalking, blackmail, or extortion is 1 in 78 if you reside in Wollongong.

Our data reveal that the odds of becoming a victim of property crime in Wollongong city are 1 in 33, with a rate of 2949 incidents per 100,000 residents. Keep in mind that the NSW average is 3158 incidents per 100,000 residents. The types of property crimes tracked in this analysis include theft, burglary, arson, and malicious damage to property.

Discovering the intricacies of criminal offences in New South Wales and interpreting crime data can be a daunting task. However, fear not! Our NSW crime glossary provides clear and concise definitions of the most common criminal offences, making it easier for you to comprehend the information.

Wollongong Crime Rates by Offences Division

Wollongong Crimes Against the Person

My Chances of Becoming a Victim of a Crime Against the Person

1 in 78

In Wollongong

1 in 65

In NSW

Crimes Against the Person Comparison (Per 100,000 Residents)

Violent crimes against the person in Wollongong vs New South Wales

Crimes Against the Person: Wollongong vs NSW

Wollongong population: 279996

NSW population: 8058541

Please find below a detailed breakdown of the major crimes against the person, including the number of offences and corresponding Wollongong crime rates for the selected offences.

Wollongong Property and Deception Offences

My Chances of Becoming a Victim of Property and Deception Offences

1 in 33

In Wollongong

1 in 30

In NSW

Property and Deception Offences Comparison (Per 100,000 Residents)

Property offences in Wollongong vs New South Wales

Property and Deception Offences: Wollongong vs NSW, Australia

Wollongong population: 279996

NSW population: 8058541

The following are the major property and deception offences, along with Wollongong crime statistics for each type of offence.

Drug Offences

Drug Offences Comparison (Per 100,000 Residents)

Drug offences in Wollongong vs NSW

Drug Offences: Wollongong vs New South Wales

Public Order and Security Offences

Public Order and Security Offences Comparison (Per 100,000 Residents)

Public order and security offences comparison chart

Public Order and Security Offences: Wollongong vs NSW

Wollongong Crimes per Square KM

Crimes per square KM in Wollongong vs NSW in Australia

Wollongong Crime FAQs

How many murders were in Wollongong city in 2021?

According to the New South Wales Police Force and BOSCAR data, there were 1 murders in Wollongong city in 2021. The number of homicides (which includes murders, attempted murder, murder conspiracy, and manslaughters) was 2.

What’s the most common crime in Wollongong city?

According to the latest available data from the New South Wales Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, the most common type of crime in Wollongong city is breach bail conditions.

What is the crime rate in Wollongong city?

The overall crime rate in Wollongong city, as measured by the number of reported offences per 100,000 population was 8513 in the year ending December 2021.

However, it’s important to note that this is an aggregate figure that includes all types of crime, and some types of offences are more prevalent than others. Additionally, crime rates can vary by location, with some areas experiencing higher rates of certain types of crime than others.

Is Wollongong city a safe place to live in?

NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) states that Wollongong city total crime rate in 2021 was 8513. This means it’s 43% safer than all NSW urban areas. So Wollongong city has a moderate safety profile according to our scoring systems.

Is Wollongong city safe at night?

34% of crimes in Wollongong city occur between 6 PM and 6 AM so, it’s fairly safe to walk alone in Wollongong city at night.

What suburb has the highest crime rate in Wollongong city?

Shellharbour City Centre is the suburb with the highest rate of reported criminal incidents in Wollongong city with a rate of 77143 incidents per 100,000 population, according to BOCSAR’s 2021 data. Yet, Shellharbour City Centre is safer than 1% of NSW suburbs.

What is the safest suburb in Wollongong city?

Cordeaux Heights is the safest suburb in Wollongong city with a rate of 937 incidents per 100,000 population as per BOCSAR’s 2021 report. Cordeaux Heights suburb is safer than 98% of New South Wales suburbs.

However, it’s important to note that low crime rates do not necessarily guarantee safety, and that crime can occur anywhere, so it’s important to always stay vigilant and take appropriate safety measures.

Wollongong Crime Rate by Suburb

Note: The data for murder and manslaughter refers to the number of recorded victims, not criminal incidents.

References

  • NSW Police public site
  • NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR).
  • Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census QuickStats for all persons

Greater Capital City Statistical Area

Greater Sydney