Housing Stress

Description

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has combined information about rental costs and housing loan repayments into a single measure of housing costs, and has calculated the numbers of households experiencing housing stress based on housing costs relative to gross (i.e. before tax) household income. Households are considered in stress if they use 30.0% or more of their gross household income on housing costs and are in the lowest 40.0% of the income distribution range. The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released this information as ‘Mapstats’ rather than tables. Maps show the proportion of all households in any given area likely to be experiencing housing stress based on the definition above.

Quality and Applicability

Housing stress calculations are based on household income data which itself is calculated by adding the gross individual income of those within any given household. This information relies on all members of the household providing such information, with many households either partially or wholly not stating the gross income of individual members. Housing stress calculations are also based on housing cost data (rental costs and housing loan repayments) with many households withholding such information. Data compiled on housing stress are therefore only broadly indicative of the level of stress experienced in a given area.

Coverage

Housing stress maps are available for local government areas, statistical local areas and suburbs.

Reference Date

Housing stress maps refer to 8 August 2006, the most recent Census.

Release Date

The Australian Bureau of Statistics progressively released all standard data sets based on the 2006 Census during 2007.

Access

Housing stress maps are generated using ‘Mapstats’. Select the ‘Mapstats’ function to search for an area by name. Click on ‘Place of Usual Residence’ and select ‘Housing Costs’ as the topic. You will then be able to generate a map showing the proportion of households for your area with housing costs of 30.0% or more of household income. (You will be required to nominate a sub-location to determine how your map will be broken up. For example, if you select a local government area your map can display housing stress at the statistical local area, suburb or collector district level – just nominate which one.)

Cost and Format

Australian Bureau of Statistics data sets are downloadable free of charge in excel spreadsheet format.

More Information

Stay informed about all Census products by regularly visiting the Australian Bureau of Statistics and checking product release news/dates. Or subscribe to the free email notification service by sending an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and typing ‘add to Census email’ in the subject field. Or call the National Information and Referral Service 1300 135 070. This service can also provide assistance in navigating the Census website.

Additional Data Source(s)

The Spatial Analysis and Research Branch, Department of Planning and Community Development, is currently preparing statistical information derived from the most recent Census. Statistical information will be available in a number of products including Know Your Area and Suburbs in Time. For updates, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , telephone (03) 9637 9441, write to PO Box 500 East Melbourne Vic 3002, or visit Spatial Analysis Research Branch and view product and release dates.