The 2001 Census of Population and Housing was held on 7 August 2001. The objective of the census is to count the number of people in Australia on census night, identifying their key characteristics and those of the dwellings in which they live. This provides a reliable basis for the estimation of the Australian population. A census is taken every five years, providing detailed socio-economic and demographic information about the population of Australia. This allows for certain characteristics, such as attendance at an educational institution, highest level of schooling completed, and level, field and year of qualification, to be related to other demographic characteristics. The information is also used for forward planning by government, industry and community groups. The census provides data for small geographic areas and for small population groups.
The scope of the census extends to all persons in Australia on census night. This includes Australian residents in Antarctica and people in the territories of Jervis Bay, Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island. The other Australian external territories, Norfolk Island and minor islands such as Heard and McDonald Islands, are outside the scope of the Australian census. The only people who spend census night in Australia but are excluded from the census are foreign diplomats and their families.
The census includes people on vessels in or between Australian ports, on board long-distance trains, buses or aircraft and on oil or gas rigs off the Australian coast. People entering Australia before midnight on census night are counted while people leaving an Australian port for an overseas destination before midnight on census night are not. Visitors to Australia are included regardless of how long they have been in the country or how long they plan to stay. However, for people who intend to be in Australia for less than one year, only basic demographic data are available. The census includes homeless people and people camping out.
All private dwellings, except diplomatic dwellings, are included in the census, whether occupied or unoccupied. Dwellings in caravan parks, marinas, manufactured home estates and units in accommodation for the retired or aged (self-care) are counted only if occupied. However, homes of owners, managers and caretakers in caravan parks, etc., are treated as private dwellings and are counted regardless of whether they are occupied. Occupied non-private dwellings, such as hospitals, prisons, hotels, etc., are also included.
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2003, Census of Population and Housing: Selected Characteristics for Urban Centres and Localities, 2001 (cat. nos. 2016.0-2016.7), ABS, Canberra.
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2003, Census of Population and Housing: Selected Education and Labour Force Characteristics, 2001 (cat. nos. 2017.0-2017.8), ABS, Canberra.
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2002, Census of Population and Housing: Selected Social and Housing Characteristics for Statistical Local Areas, 2001 (cat. nos. 2015.0-2015.8), ABS, Canberra.
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2001, 2001 Census Dictionary (cat. no. 2901.0), ABS, Canberra.
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2001, 2001 Directory of Census Statistics (cat. no. 2910.0), ABS, Canberra (First Edition).
For a full list of census publications refer to the 2001 Directory of Census Statistics.
Census Snapshots are a new product providing a summary overview for selected geographic areas and are available from the ABS web site, free of charge.
The Community Profile Series contain sets of tables which provide characteristics of persons, families and dwellings for small areas. There are six Community Profiles:
CDATA 2001 is a CD-ROM product that combines 2001 Census data with mapping software. It allows access to the latest Australian demographic data, making up a series of Basic Community Profiles. This information is available for small areas (Collection Districts) through to states and territories and Australia.
For a full list of census products refer to the 2001 Directory of Census Statistics.
Ethnicity (e.g. birthplace, year of arrival)
Labour force (e.g. status, occupation, hours worked, industry)
Transport (e.g. number of motor vehicles garaged, method of travel to work)
Computer use at home
Family (e.g. family type, relationship)
Household (e.g. household income)
Dwellings (e.g. rent, mortgage, number of usual residents)