Count of Persons
Description
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released information about the count of persons on Census night. There are two types of Census counts. The first type is the 'enumerated population' which is where people were actually counted (enumerated) on Census night. The enumerated population may or may not reflect where people usually live and provides a snapshot of people in a given area at a given point in time (i.e. Census night). The second type is the 'place of usual residence' count which is determined by responses to a specific question about usual residence on the Census form. The place of usual residence count 'moves' people back to where they usually live to make the count.
Quality and Applicability
Place of usual residence counts are used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in all its standard data sets e.g. Basic Community Profile, Expanded Community Profile, Indigenous Profile and QuickStats. These counts are also used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics to calculate population estimates, which are always different to the count of persons because of a series of adjustments performed.
Whilst population estimates provide useful information about the numbers of people in a given area and their age distribution, they are generally not available for areas smaller than statistical local areas (e.g. suburbs). This is where usual residence counts can be used.
Coverage
The count of persons (place of usual residence) is available for local government areas, statistical local areas, suburbs, and collector districts – by sex and age (yearly and five-year age groups).
Collector districts are the smallest spatial units under the Australian Standard Geographical Classification system used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Collector districts enable the collection and dissemination of Census data. Statistical local areas fit into the boundaries of incorporated bodies of local government (i.e. local government areas) when aggregated.
Reference Date
The count of persons (place of usual residence) refers to 8 August 2006, the date of 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
The count of persons (place of usual residence) is contained in 'QuickStats'. Select the 'QuickStats' function to search for an area by name and view reports that include the place of usual residents count by age (selected age groups). The count of persons (place of usual residence) is also contained in the Basic Community Profile Cat. No. 2001.0 2006 Table B04. Select the 'Community Profiles' function to search for an area by name then open its Basic Community Profile.
Cost and Format
Australian Bureau of Statistics data sets are available free of charge. QuickStats reports are generated online whilst Basic Community Profiles are downloadable 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 count of persons (place of usual residence) is available through profile.id, an online product designed to support local government planning and accessible through council websites. Go to your council website, search for community profiles and click on 'How Many People Live Here' to generate reports based on the last Census. Reports are available for local government areas and smaller areas (e.g. suburbs). More on profile.id.
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.