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PREFACE
This document contains data from the 1996 Census of Population and Housing, and describes the characteristics of people in Tasmania and their housing arrangements. It is just a sample of what is available in the publication series Census of Population and Housing: Selected Characteristics for Urban Centres and Localities (Cat. nos 2016.0-7), available for each State and Territory, and nationally.
The data presented in this document relate to where people were counted on census night, and therefore data for each geographical area include visitors to that area but exclude those people who were away on census night. The document uses both the Urban Centre/Locality (UC/L) and the Section of State (SOS) geographic classifications which classify areas according to size of the population. Whilst the UC/L classification covers only part of the State or Territory, the SOS classification covers the State or Territory in its entirety.
This document presents only a selection of data from the full range of census variables. For further information about other census or Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data refer to the Directory of Census Statistics, 1996 or elsewhere on this site. Concepts and definitions used in this document, including UC/L and SOS, are explained in the Explanatory Notes and more detailed information is available in the Census Dictionary, 1996 (Cat. no. 2901.0)
The ABS draws extensively on information provided freely by individuals, businesses, governments and other organisations. Their continued cooperation is very much appreciated: without it, the wide range of statistics published by the ABS would not be available. Information received by the ABS is treated in strict confidence as required by the Census and Statistics Act 1905.
D. Rogers
Regional Director
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
| POPULATION AND HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS |  |
| POPULATION DISTRIBUTION |
The 1996 Census of Population and Housing counted 459,659 people in Tasmania on census night, representing a growth of 1.5% in Tasmania's population count since 1991 (452,837). In 1996, 72.7% of the people counted in Tasmania were in urban areas, comprising 126,118 people in the Major Urban area and 207,881 in the Other Urban area. This was similar to 1991, reflecting Tasmania's relatively stable population.
There were 39 Urban Centres and 60 Localities in Tasmania in 1996. Apart from Hobart (which constituted the State's Major Urban area), there were two other major population centres - Launceston (67,701) and Devonport (22,299). These three areas accounted for almost half (47.0%) of the State's population.
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| SEX |
In 1996, there were more females counted in Tasmania (50.8%). The urban areas contained proportionally more females (51.7% in Major Urban and 51.5% in Other Urban). However, there were proportionally more males in the State's Rural Balance (51.5%) and the Bounded Locality (50.3%).
Females outnumbered males in the majority (53) of UC/Ls, particularly in Oatlands (L) and Nubeena (L) (53.8% each), Deloraine (53.7%) and Woodbridge (L) (53.3%). Relatively high proportions of males were recorded in Tullah (L) (59.0%), Eaglehawk Neck (L) (56.0%) and the mining area of Rosebery (55.7%).
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| AGE |
The population in Tasmania is ageing. The median age had increased from 32 years in 1991 to 34 years in 1996, and the proportion of people aged 65 years or more had increased from 11.5% to 12.3%.
The Major Urban area recorded the highest proportion of people aged 65 years or more (14.7%) while the Rural Balance recorded the lowest (7.9%). As well, the Major Urban area recorded a lower proportion of children (aged 0-14 years) than the State as a whole (19.3% compared to 22.7%).
The highest proportions of people aged 65 years or more were recorded in Swansea (L) (25.1%), Nubeena (L) (24.6%), Low Head (L) (24.4%) and Franklin (L) (24.2%). The highest proportions of children were recorded in Bridgewater-Gagebrook (35.6%), Maydena (L) (34.1%), Seven Mile Beach (32.1%), Hadspen (30.8%), Lilydale (L) (30.3%) and Margate (30.2%).
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| BIRTHPLACE
| |
| Australian-born |
The majority (85.9%) of people counted in Tasmania were Australian-born. The Major Urban area (83.1%) recorded the lowest percentage, while the Bounded Locality (87.3%) recorded the highest.
Ringarooma (L), Dunalley (L) and Bothwell (L) recorded the highest proportions of Australian-born people (96.1%, 94.1% and 93.3% respectively).
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| Overseas-born |
The proportion of people who stated that they had been born overseas showed little change between 1991 and 1996 (10.5% and 10.2% respectively). People born in the United Kingdom (UK), Ireland or New Zealand (NZ) constituted 5.8% of the State population in 1996 (6.1% in 1991). The Rural Balance recorded the highest proportion of people born in these countries (6.6%), followed by the Major Urban area and Bounded Locality (5.9% each). The highest proportions were noted in the UC/Ls of Lanena-Blackwall (L) (14.1%), Fern Tree (L) (14.0%) and Dilston (L) (12.7%).
A smaller proportion (4.4%) of people reported that they had been born overseas in countries other than the UK, Ireland or NZ (also 4.4% in 1991). The Major Urban area recorded the highest proportion of people born in these countries with 6.7%. High proportions were recorded in the UC/Ls of Kettering (L) (7.3%), Kingston-Blackmans Bay (6.7%) and Howden (L) (6.5%).
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| INDIGENOUS ORIGIN |
The number of people who reported being of Indigenous origin, increased by 56.1% between 1991 and 1996, from 8,882 to 13,873. As a percentage of the population of Tasmania, this represented an increase from 2.0% to 3.0%.
In 1996, the proportion of Indigenous people was highest in the Bounded Locality (4.1%) and lowest in the Major Urban area (2.3%). This was also the case in 1991 (2.8% and 1.4% respectively).
The Localities of Cygnet, Geeveston and Dover in south-eastern Tasmania recorded the highest proportions of people who reported being of Indigenous origin (26.7%, 15.7% and 14.1% respectively). However, over half (54.5%) of UC/Ls recorded proportions equivalent to or less than the Tasmanian proportion of 3.0%.
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| LONE PERSON HOUSEHOLDS |
In 1996, there were 42,437 lone person households in Tasmania, an increase of 24.3% on the 1991 figure of 34,150. Most of this increase occurred in the Other Urban area, which rose by 30.0% from 15,238 to 19,815.
The proportion of lone person households also increased, from 21.0% to 24.2%, with the highest proportions being in the Major Urban (28.6%) and Other Urban areas (24.8%) and the lowest being in the Rural Balance (16.8%). UC/Ls with the highest percentages of lone person households were the Localities of Primrose Sands (33.2%), Low Head (31.2%) and St Marys (30.2%).
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| FAMILIES WITH DEPENDENT CHILDREN |
Between 1991 and 1996, the number and proportion of family households with dependent children declined, from 62,863 (52.6%) in 1991 to 62,093 (50.6%).
The percentages of family households with dependent children ranged from 48.1% in the Bounded Locality to 53.1% in the Rural Balance. UC/Ls which recorded the highest percentages were Bridgewater-Gagebrook (71.2%), Collinsvale (L) (66.3%), Zeehan (65.2%) and Fern Tree (L) (65.2%).
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| LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS (For persons aged 15 years and over)
| |
| EMPLOYED |
In 1996, there were 182,211 employed people in Tasmania compared with 178,187 in 1991, an increase of 2.3%. Over the same period, the State's labour force declined by 0.6%, from 205,913 to 204,676. As a proportion of the State's population, the percentage of employed people was 57.8%.
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| Full-time employment |
Of the employed population in Tasmania, 117,904 (64.7%) worked full-time (67.1% in 1991). The proportions of people employed full-time were fairly similar across the State ranging from 63.0% in the Bounded Locality to 64.9% in the Rural Balance.
Over two-thirds (68.3) of full-time workers were males, a slight decrease since 1991 (69.6%). The percentage of full-time male employees varied from 64.4% in the Major Urban area to 72.0% in the Bounded Locality .
UC/Ls which recorded the highest proportions of full-time employees were the mining areas of Rosebery (76.6%) and Tullah (L) (73.0%), as well as Forth (L) (71.7%) and Scottsdale (69.9%). These areas also tended to report high proportions of male full-time employees.
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| Part-time employment |
There had been a 21.5% increase in the number of employed people who worked part-time, from 49,566 (27.8%) in 1991 to 60,219 (33.0%). The proportions of people employed part-time ranged from 32.5% in the Rural Balance to 34.3% in the Bounded Locality. Over two-thirds (67.8%) of these workers were females, compared with 69.9% in 1991.
UC/Ls which recorded the highest proportions of part-time employees were the seaside Localities of White Beach (52.2%), Eaglehawk Neck (48.8%), Nubeena (45.2%) and Bicheno (44.7%).
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| Occupation |
In 1996, 25.7% of employed people were Managers and administrators or Professionals, compared with 23.8% in 1991. In both census years, the Rural Balance recorded the highest percentages in this occupation grouping (32.3% and 32.1% respectively), although it should be noted that Managers and administrators included farm managers.
UC/Ls which recorded the highest percentages were the south-eastern localities of Fern Tree (L) (54.3%), Opossum Bay (L) (40.4%) and Cremorne (L) (39.2%).
In 1996, 9.5% of employed people were Labourers or related workers, compared with 9.9% in 1991. The Bounded Locality recorded the highest percentage in this occupation grouping in both census years (12.9% and 12.0% respectively).
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| Industry |
Over one-third (36.8%) of employed people were working in the industries of Manufacturing, Retail trade or Health and community services - the top three employing industries in the State. This represented a decline of 1.2 percentage points since 1991.
In both census years, the Other Urban area recorded the highest proportion for the State (41.5% in 1996 and 40.6% in 1991). UC/Ls which recorded high levels were Beaconsfield (53.2%), George Town (52.7%), Lilydale (L) (52.6%) and New Norfolk (52.3%).
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| Private Sector |
The proportion of people employed in the State's private sector increased considerably between 1991 and 1996, from 69.2% to 75.0%. In both census years the Rural Balance recorded the highest level (78.4% in 1996 and 73.7% in 1991).
In all UC/Ls the majority of employed people worked in private enterprise, the highest percentages being recorded in Railton (L) (88.9%), Bracknell (L) (88.5%) and Mole Creek (L) (88.0%).
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| UNEMPLOYED |
In 1996 there were 22,465 unemployed people in Tasmania, down from 27,726 in 1991. The unemployment rate for the State was 11.0% (13.5% in 1991), whilst the rate for people aged 15-24 years was 19.6% (23.3% in 1991).
Both rates were highest in the Other Urban area (12.1% for people aged 15 years or over and 20.8% for those aged 15-24 years) and lowest in the Major Urban area (9.8% and 18.3% respectively).
UC/Ls which recorded comparatively high unemployment rates and numbers of people were: Bridgewater-Gagebrook (32.9% and 765), George Town (19.5% and 348) and St Helens-Stieglitz (19.3% and 125).
UC/Ls which recorded comparatively high unemployment rates and numbers for people aged 15-24 years were: Bridgewater-Gagebrook (45.5% and 307), George Town (35.0% and 124) and Dodges Ferry (29.5% and 43).
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| OCCUPIED PRIVATE DWELLINGS
| |
| TENURE TYPE |
In 1996, there were 175,197 occupied private dwellings in the State, an increase of 7.5% since 1991 (163,001).
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| Fully owned |
Over two-fifths (42.4%) of the occupied private dwellings in Tasmania were fully owned by their occupants, an increase from 41.8% in 1991. Tasmania's Rural Balance recorded the highest home ownership level in both 1996 (49.2%) and 1991 (50.1%).
In 32 of the State's 99 UC/Ls, at least half of the occupied private dwellings were fully owned. Ross (L) (66.1%), Bracknell (L) (65.1%) and Queenstown (62.1%) recorded the highest rates of home ownership.
|
| Being purchased |
Over a quarter (27.0% ) of the private dwellings were being purchased by their occupants, a slight decrease from 27.6% in 1991. However, the Rural Balance recorded an increase of 21.1%.
The Rural Balance also recorded the highest proportion of dwellings being purchased in 1996 (29.7%), while the Major Urban area recorded the lowest (25.8%). This was the opposite of 1991, when the Major Urban area recorded the highest proportion (28.7%) and the Rural balance the lowest (26.8%).
The highest percentages of homes being purchased were recorded in Old Beach (65.8%), Seven Mile Beach (52.8%), Hadspen (47.3%) and Collinsvale (L) (46.2%).
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| Rented |
In 1996, about a quarter (26.3%) of occupied private dwellings in Tasmania were being rented (25.3% in 1991), with the Major Urban area recording the highest proportion in both census years (30.6% and 28.8% respectively).
The UC/Ls which recorded the highest percentages of rented dwellings were Bridgewater-Gagebrook (68.2%), Currie (L) (42.4%) and Waratah (L) (41.9%).
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| HOUSEHOLD INCOME |
The median household income in 1996 of $530 per week showed an increase of 10.4% on the 1991 figure of $480. In 1996 the State median was exceeded by both the Rural Balance ($569) and the Major Urban area ($563).
In 1996, UC/Ls which recorded the highest median household incomes were Otago (L) ($937), the mining area of Rosebery ($867), Seven Mile Beach ($842), Fern Tree (L) ($841) and Dilston (L) ($812). The lowest median household incomes were recorded in Campbell Town (L) ($361), St Helens-Stieglitz ($360) and Ross (L) ($297).
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| HOUSING LOAN REPAYMENTS |
Between 1991 and 1996, the median housing loan repayment for Tasmania increased by 40.0%, from $418 to $585 per month. This increase was widespread, ranging from 30.3% in the Bounded Locality up to 46.6% in the Major Urban area.
The highest median housing loan repayment was recorded for the Rural Balance ($610), closely followed by the Major Urban area ($607). The Rural Balance also recorded the highest median payment in 1991 ($460). Comparatively high median housing loan repayments were calculated for Cremorne (L) ($754), Low Head (L) ($743) and Old Beach ($715).
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| RENT PAYMENTS |
The median weekly rent payment for Tasmania of $90 in 1996 represented an increase of 21.6% on the 1991 figure of $74. The highest median rent was recorded for the Major Urban area ($104) and the lowest was recorded in the Rural Balance ($65). The Major Urban area also recorded the highest median payment in 1991 ($89).
At the UC/L level, the highest median weekly rent payments were recorded for Seven Mile Beach ($150), Dilston (L) ($148), Fern Tree (L) ($145), Lauderdale and Margate ($135 each).
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Dwellings Characteristics, Section of State
| Occupied Private Dwellings
| Other
| All
|
| Fully owned | Being purchased (including rent/buy) | Rented (includes rent free) | Other (includes
not stated) | Total occupied
private dwellings | Median housingl
loan repayment | Median rent | Median house-
hold income | Unoccupied private dwellings | Non- private dwellings | Total dwellings |
|
| no | no | no | no | no | $
monthly | $
weekly | $
weekly | no | no | no |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| 19,789 | 13,005 | 15,413 | 2,146 | 50,353 | 607 | 104 | 563 | 4,335 | 183 | 54,871 |
|
| 32,319 | 21,236 | 23,075 | 3,198 | 79,828 | 563 | 90 | 498 | 8,147 | 330 | 88,305 |
|
| 5,179 | 2,806 | 2,036 | 520 | 10,541 | 542 | 80 | 485 | 3,514 | 75 | 14,130 |
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| 16,973 | 10,227 | 5,618 | 1,657 | 34,475 | 610 | 65 | 569 | 9,931 | 96 | 44,502 |
|
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 9 |
|
| 74,260 | 47,274 | 46,142 | 7,521 | 175,197 | 585 | 90 | 530 | 25,927 | 684 | 201,817 |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
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| 18,216 | 13,837 | 13,877 | 2,237 | 48,167 | 414 | 89 | 512 | 3,194 | 176 | 51,537 |
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| 28,734 | 19,743 | 20,468 | 3,335 | 72,280 | 403 | 72 | 459 | 6,364 | 288 | 78,932 |
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| 5,363 | 2,976 | 2,061 | 665 | 11,065 | 416 | 64 | 463 | 2,533 | 70 | 13,668 |
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| 15,782 | 8,442 | 4,835 | 2,430 | 31,489 | 460 | 61 | 488 | 9,673 | 91 | 41,253 |
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| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | | - | - | 40 |
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| 68,095 | 44,998 | 41,241 | 8,667 | 163,001 | 418 | 74 | 480 | 21,764 | 625 | 185,430 |
Urban Centres and Localities, Ranked by Total Number of Persons
| Rank |
| Persons | Rank |
| Persons |
| 1 |
| 126,118 | 51 |
| 647 |
| 2 |
| 67,701 | 52 |
| 646 |
| 3 |
| 22,299 | 53 |
| 637 |
| 4 |
| 19,134 | 54 |
| 588 |
| 5 |
| 13,746 | 55 |
| 584 |
| 6 |
| 9,792 | 56 |
| 559 |
| 7 |
| 7,451 | 57 |
| 543 |
| 8 |
| 5,286 | 58 |
| 539 |
| 9 |
| 4,522 | 59 |
| 496 |
| 10 |
| 4,509 | 60 |
| 495 |
| 11 |
| 3,596 | 61 |
| 488 |
| 12 |
| 3,313 | 62 |
| 481 |
| 13 |
| 3,030 | 63 |
| 470 |
| 14 |
| 2,829 | 64 |
| 463 |
| 15 |
| 2765 | 65 |
| 461 |
| 16 |
| 2631 | 66 |
| 454 |
| 17 |
| 2485 | 67 |
| 435 |
| 18 |
| 2168 | 68 |
| 427 |
| 19 |
| 2077 | 69 |
| 382 |
| 20 |
| 1987 | 70 |
| 379 |
| 21 |
| 1922 | 71 |
| 367 |
| 22 |
| 1863 | 72 |
| 357 |
| 23 |
| 1818 | 73 |
| 356 |
| 24 |
| 1776 | 74 |
| 343 |
| 25 |
| 1730 | 75 |
| 342 |
| 26 |
| 1718 | 76 |
| 341 |
| 27 |
| 1708 | 77 |
| 331 |
| 28 |
| 1439 | 78 |
| 331 |
| 29 |
| 1424 | 79 |
| 327 |
| 30 |
| 1280 | 80 |
| 323 |
| 31 |
| 1234 | 81 |
| 319 |
| 32 |
| 1194 | 82 |
| 314 |
| 33 |
| 1184 | 83 |
| 297 |
| 34 |
| 1116 | 84 |
| 286 |
| 35 |
| 1057 | 85 |
| 277 |
| 36 |
| 1034 | 86 |
| 275 |
| 37 |
| 1033 | 87 |
| 271 |
| 38 |
| 1016 | 88 |
| 268 |
| 39 |
| 1014 | 89 |
| 266 |
| 40 |
| 878 | 90 |
| 264 |
| 41 |
| 851 | 91 |
| 263 |
| 42 |
| 841 | 92 |
| 261 |
| 43 |
| 816 | 93 |
| 256 |
| 44 |
| 804 | 94 |
| 251 |
| 45 |
| 778 | 95 |
| 246 |
| 46 |
| 768 | 96 |
| 232 |
| 47 |
| 766 | 97 |
| 230 |
| 48 |
| 701 | 98 |
| 230 |
| 49 |
| 700 | 99 |
| 209 |
| 50 |
| 698 | | | |
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