Crime in NSW among the lowest in Australia

Links to Report Summary: 

Release date: Thursday 27 November 2025


The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has released a new study which uses police data and ABS victim surveys to compare crime and safety in NSW with other Australian states and territories.

Key findings

Crime rates in NSW are generally low compared to other Australian states and territories. Across both violent and property offences, NSW consistently records some of the lowest victimisation rates nationally, and for many offences, the lowest in Australia.

  • Murder - NSW recorded the lowest murder rate in Australia over the three years from 2021 to 2023, 9% below the national average.
  • Physical assault - NSW’s assault rate is among the lowest nationally, 24% lower than the national average.
  • Robbery - NSW has the lowest rate in Australia, 67% below the national average.
  • Break and enter - NSW’s rate is significantly lower than at least six jurisdictions and 30% below the national average.
  • Motor vehicle theft - NSW’s rate is lower than many jurisdictions, though not significantly different from the national average.
  • Malicious damage - NSW’s rate is significantly lower than five jurisdictions and 17% below the national average.
  • Theft from motor vehicle - NSW’s rate is significantly lower than six jurisdictions and 33% below the national average.

Jackie Fitzgerald, Executive Director, NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics & Research said: “NSW has consistently recorded some of the lowest crime rates in Australia in recent years. While crime will always occur, it’s important to remember that public reporting, particularly of serious incidents, doesn’t always reflect the underlying risk to the community. When we look across a range of official data sources, the picture is consistent: compared with other states, NSW enjoys an enviably low crime rate and remains one of the safest places to live in Australia.”

While NSW has low rates for most violent and property offences, three offences showed a different pattern: 

  • Sexual assault - stands out as an offence of concern. While NSW’s rates are not significantly different from the national average, two of three data sources suggest sexual assault rates are high in NSW. Both police recorded crime statistics, and the ABS Personal Safety Survey (PSS) indicate that NSW sexual assault rates are among the highest nationally.  
  • Domestic violence - Rates in NSW appear similar to the national average. State comparisons show NSW is significantly lower than Queensland but higher than the ACT.
  • Fraud - Fraud victimisation in NSW is equivalent to the national average. 

“NSW performs very well overall, but some offences, such as domestic and family violence and fraud are near the national average, and in the case of sexual assault, possibly even higher. These figures remind us that, despite strong results in many areas, there is still important work to do to reduce harm and improve safety for everyone in our community” Jackie said.

For comment please contact:

Jackie Fitzgerald, Executive Director, NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics & Research.

Phone: +61 423 139 687
Email: jackie.fitzgerald@dcj.nsw.gov.au
Copies of the report: www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au 

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