Australia: crime and justice

What is the murder rate in Australia?

Police recorded 435 victims of homicide in Australia in 2025, 3% (13 victims) fewer than in 2024, according to the ABS Recorded Crime - Victims release of 3 September 2026. The victimisation rate has been stable at 2 victims per 100,000 people since 2022.

66% of victims were male, and the most common age group was 35 to 44. More than half of homicides (54%) occurred at a residential location, and almost a third (31%) were related to family and domestic violence. These are victims recorded by police; court outcomes may differ.

Official sources: ABS: Recorded Crime - Victims, 2025

How many prisoners are there in Australia?

There were 46,998 adult prisoners in Australia at 30 June 2025, up 6% (2,595) from 2024, according to the ABS Prisoners in Australia release. The imprisonment rate was 216 prisoners per 100,000 adults, up from 208. There were 17,432 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners, up 10%.

The count is a snapshot on 30 June and includes people sentenced and those on remand awaiting trial or sentence. Acts intended to cause injury were the most serious offence or charge for 29% of prisoners. The 2026 figures are due on 10 December 2026.

Official sources: ABS: Prisoners in Australia, 2025

How many Australians are victims of crime?

In 2024-25, 1.8% of Australians aged 15 and over (395,100 people) experienced physical assault and 2.1% (463,400) experienced face-to-face threatened assault, according to the ABS Crime Victimisation survey, released on 25 March 2026. 1.8% of households (196,600) experienced a break-in.

The survey asks people about experiences in the 12 months before interview, so it includes crimes not reported to police. Of people who experienced physical assault, 56% reported the most recent incident to police, and 40% for threatened assault. Survey estimates are subject to sampling error.

Official sources: ABS: Crime Victimisation, Australia, 2024-25

How many cars are stolen in Australia?

Police recorded 66,625 victims of motor vehicle theft in Australia in 2025, up 2% and the highest level in 17 years, according to the ABS. For comparison, there were 139,895 victims in 2001, the peak of the series.

The figures count victims recorded by police, where a victim can be a person or organisation that owned the vehicle. They do not include thefts that are not reported. The ABS Crime Victimisation survey estimated that 0.6% of households (64,400) experienced motor vehicle theft in 2024-25. Rates vary widely between states.

Official sources: ABS: Recorded Crime - Victims, 2025

How many sexual assaults are reported in Australia?

Police recorded 39,758 victims of sexual assault in Australia in 2025, down less than 1% and the first decrease in 14 years, according to the ABS Recorded Crime - Victims release. Robbery fell 8% to 10,591 victims, its first fall in four years.

Recorded crime counts only incidents reported to and recorded by police, and sexual assault is known to be under-reported, so changes can reflect willingness to report as well as the number of offences. Victims are counted when the incident is reported, which may be years after it occurred. Figures by state are in the release.

Official sources: ABS: Recorded Crime - Victims, 2025

What is the homicide rate in Australia?

In 2023, the intentional homicide rate in Australia was 0.9 per 100,000, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. The peak was 1.4 per 100,000 in 2006 and the low 0.7 per 100,000 in 2021. It is 5th highest of 9 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 0.9 per 100,000. World rank, highest first: 58th of 79.

How many women are murdered in Australia?

The latest figure from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, for 2023, is 0.5 per 100,000. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.4 per 100,000 (2021) to 0.9 per 100,000 (2008). East Asia & Pacific median: 0.7 per 100,000; Australia is 5th highest of 8. Worldwide: 62nd of 78.

What is the male homicide rate in Australia?

The latest figure from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, for 2023, is 1.2 per 100,000. Since 2005 it has ranged from 1.1 per 100,000 (2018) to 1.8 per 100,000 (2006). It is 5th highest of 8 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 1.3 per 100,000. Of 78 countries with 2023 data, 58th highest.

How many people have been killed in fighting in Australia?

The latest figure from the Uppsala Conflict Data Program, for 2018, is 1. It is 5th highest of 5 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 36. Of 37 countries with 2018 data, 37th highest.