Population Estimates
Description
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released estimates of the Australian population. Estimates are based on the count of persons (place of usual residence) on Census night. Overseas visitors are excluded from the count, and adjustments are made for net Census undercount (e.g. persons who didn't fill out the form) and the number of residents estimated to have been temporarily overseas on Census night. Other adjustments are made according to the components of natural increase (births minus deaths on a usual residence basis), net overseas migration, and interstate movement involving a change of usual residence. These adjustments produce the estimated resident population (ERP) for a given area.
Quality and Applicability
ERP figures are the official estimates of the population. They are used to determine the number of representatives from each state and territory to sit in the House of Representatives, as well as the allocation of Commonwealth funds for state and local governments. It is for these reasons that a Census is done every five years.
ERP figures are the best figures to use if you want to know about the number of people in a given area and its age distribution.
Coverage
ERP figures are released for statistical local areas and can be aggregated to the local government area or regional level. Figures are by sex and age (five-year age groups).
Reference Date
Current population estimates are derived from the most recent Census which occurred on 8 August 2006; however, the actual ERP figures are 'rebased' to 30 June 2006. These ERP figures are then used to 'rebase' previous quarterly estimates from the 2001 Census (so that a consistent time series of ERP can be created) and to 'base' quarterly ERP from 30 June 2006 onwards.
Release Date
ERP figures for 30 June 2006 are preliminary and were released in July 2007. Final ERP figures for 30 June 2006 are intended to be released in August 2008. Preliminary ERP figures for 30 June 2007 are also intended to be released in August 2008.
Access
Access preliminary ERP figures for 30 June 2006 in Population by Age and Sex Australia 2006 Cat. No. 3235.0 first issue release 11:30 a.m. (Canberra time) 24/07/07.
Cost and Format
ERP figures are downloadable free of charge in excel spreadsheet format.
More Information
Stay informed about ERP figures 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)
Population estimates are 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 'Current Population Estimates' to access ERP figures based on the last Census. More on profile.id.
The Spatial Analysis and Research Branch, Department of Planning and Community Development, has prepared information about population changes across Victoria based on ERP figures. The information shows the changes that have occurred in the population (including the rate of change) between the last three Census years. The latest figures are in the Victorian Population Bulletin Special Edition 2007.
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.