The Australian Bureau of Statistics release, Recorded Crime - Offenders 2012-13, shows that Tasmania had the largest percentage decrease in offenders - 19 per cent, or 2718 offenders, from 2011-12.

This percentage was more than double the percentage decrease of any other jurisdiction.

However, Tasmania had the second highest proportion of offenders whose principal offence was public order offences - 33 per cent or 3835 offenders.

The highest was the Northern Territory, with 34 per cent or 3790 offenders.

Tasmania also had the biggest proportion of offenders aged 65 years and over - two per cent, or 175 offenders.

Nationwide, the number of youth offenders (10 to 19-year-olds) decreased by six per cent in 2012-13.