2016.1 - Census of Population and Housing: Selected Characteristics for Urban Centres and Localities, New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory, 2001  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 26/03/2003   
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NEW SOUTH WALES


INTRODUCTION


STATISTICS PRESENTED IN THIS PUBLICATION

This publication contains data from the 2001 Census of Population and Housing (conducted on 7 August 2001) for New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. For comparative purposes, it includes 1996 Census data based on 2001 Census geography.


The tables in this publication provide a selection of data for the population and their housing arrangements for Urban Centres/Localities (UC/L) and Sections of State (SOS). These geographic structures classify areas according to size of the population. Whilst the UC/L classification covers only part of each state and territory, the SOS classification covers each state and territory in its entirety. Refer to the Glossary for more information about the definitions of UC/L and SOS.

The data are presented on the basis of where people were counted on Census Night ('as enumerated'), and therefore data for each geographic area include visitors to that area, but exclude those people who were away on Census Night. All tables exclude overseas visitors unless otherwise stated.

Data released in Selected Social and Housing Characteristics, New South Wales and Jervis Bay Territory (cat.no. 2015.1) and Selected Social and Housing Characteristics, Australian Capital Territory (cat.no. 2015.8) provide various characteristics for Statistical Divisions (SDs), Statistical Subdivisions (SSDs) and Statistical Local Areas (SLAs). Refer to Appendix 2-Census Products and Services for more information.


POPULATION MEASURES

Census counts should not be confused with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) official population estimate, the Estimated Resident Population (ERP) which is used for electoral purposes and in assisting in the distribution of government funds to state and local governments. The ERP is the definitive population estimate and is derived from the census counts. For a fuller description of population measures and the derivation of ERP, please see paragraphs 6, 7 and 8 of the Explanatory Notes. Appendix 1-Estimated Resident Population includes a table showing census counts and ERP for each state and territory.

One of the important features of the Census is that it describes the characteristics of Australia's population and housing for small geographic areas and small population groups. While not available in this publication, data at the smallest geographic level (Collection District) are available in a range of census products. For more information on these products, please refer to Appendix 2-Census Products and Services. Concepts and definitions used in this publication are explained in the Glossary and more detailed information is available in the 2001 Census Dictionary (cat.no. 2901.0). The Explanatory Notes in this publication provide a discussion of the scope and coverage of the Census, the different measures of population, and the limitations of census data.

This publication is one of a series of publications which provide data for both UC/L and SOS geographic areas for each state and territory (cat. no's 2016.1-7). A similar publication is also available, providing data for Urban Centres across the whole of Australia (cat.no.2016.0). See Appendix 2-Census Products and Services for more information.


SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

Person characteristics

Population distribution

The Census of Population and Housing conducted on 7 August 2001 counted 6,371,745 persons (including 60,577 overseas visitors) in New South Wales (NSW), an increase of 5.5% or 333,049 people since the 1996 Census (6,038,696 people).

There were 244 Urban Centres and 270 Localities in NSW in 2001, four of which had populations above 100,000: Sydney (3,502,301), Newcastle (279,975), Central Coast (255,429) and Wollongong (228,846). Together with Gold Coast-Tweed Heads (Tweed Heads Part) (45,024) and Canberra-Queanbeyan (Queanbeyan Part) (29,928), these Urban Centres accounted for 68.1% of the population.

Age

In 2001, the median age was 35 years, compared with 34 years in 1996. The proportion of persons aged 0-14 years decreased from 21.4% in 1996 to 20.7% in 2001, while the proportion of persons aged 65 years and over increased from 12.7% to 13.1% during the same period.

The highest percentages of persons aged 0-14 years were recorded in Berridale (46.0%), Menangle (L) (40.1%), Adaminaby (L) (36.6%), Tapitallee (L) (35.8%) and Goodooga (L) (34.3%).

A high proportion of people aged 65 years and over was recorded in the Urban Centres of Camden Haven (37.2%), Iluka (36.7%), Harrington (35.0%) and Sussex Inlet (33.5%), and in the Localities of Manning Point (48.8%), Lake Conjola (36.7%) and Brooms Head (36.6%).

Sex

In 2001, there were more females (3,226,300) than males (3,145,445) with higher proportions of females recorded in the Major Urban (50.9%) and Other Urban (51.2%) areas. Proportionally more males were recorded in Rural Balance (52.2%) and Bounded Locality (50.3%) sections of the state.

Females outnumbered males in 290 Urban Centres and Localities. A higher proportion of females were recorded in the Urban Centres of Wollongbar (54.6%), Alstonville (54.5%) and Milton (53.4%), and in the Localities of Perthville (61.6%), Awaba (55.7%) and Kurmond (55.6%).

A higher proportion of males were recorded in the Urban Centres of Forest Hill (61.8%) (site of a RAAF base), Berridale (57.4%), Perisher Village (55.7%) and Jindabyne (55.2%), and in the Localities of Ivanhoe (64.8%), East Jindabyne (57.5%) and Cullen Bullen (56.5%).

Median individual income

The median weekly income grew from $298 in 1996 to $386 in 2001, an increase of 29.5%. Only the Major Urban ($429) area exceeded the state median, while the Bounded Locality ($302) section of the state recorded the lowest median.

The highest median incomes were recorded in the holiday resort Urban Centres of Thredbo Village ($813) and Perisher Village ($748), while Localities with high medians were Gundaroo ($717), Otford ($609) and Grasmere ($605). The lowest median incomes were recorded in the Localities of Bodalla ($198), Cullen Bullen ($204) Koorawatha ($204) and Woodstock ($204).

Indigenous status

The number of persons who reported being of Indigenous origin increased by 18.1% to 119,865 persons in 2001, up from 101,485 in 1996, representing 1.9% of the total population (excluding overseas visitors).

Of the Urban Centres and Localities, 43.6% reported proportions equivalent to or less than the average for NSW (1.9%). The highest levels were recorded in the Localities of Goodooga (80.7%), Wilcannia (64.0) and Brewarrina (61.1%).

Birthplace

The number of persons who were born in Australia increased by 1.3% to 4,450,772 people in 2001, up from 4,394,326 people in 1996, representing 70.5% of the population of NSW (excluding overseas visitors).

In over 100 of the Urban Centres and Localities, 90.0% or more of the population were born in Australia. The highest proportions were recorded in the Localities of Wooroowoolgan (96.6%), Perthville (95.5%) and Delungra (94.8%).

Of the population counted (excluding overseas visitors), 23.4% (1,474,987 persons) stated that they had been born overseas. The highest proportion was recorded in Sydney (33.6%), followed by the Locality of Dangar Island (29.0%).

Birthplace

The number of persons who were born in Australia increased by 1.3% to 4,450,772 people in 2001, up from 4,394,326 people in 1996, representing 70.5% of the population of NSW (excluding overseas visitors).

In over 100 of the Urban Centres and Localities, 90.0% or more of the population were born in Australia. The highest proportions were recorded in the Localities of Wooroowoolgan (96.6%), Perthville (95.5%) and Delungra (94.8%).

Of the population counted (excluding overseas visitors), 23.4% (1,474,987 persons) stated that they had been born overseas. The highest proportion was recorded in Sydney (33.6%), followed by the Locality of Dangar Island (29.0%).

Internet and Personal computer use

Of the population counted (excluding overseas visitors), 41.2% (2,600,257 persons) used a personal computer at home in the week prior to Census Night. Of the same population, 36.4% (2,298,037 persons) used the Internet in the week prior to Census Night.

The highest proportions of persons who used a personal computer at home were recorded in the Localities of Gundaroo (72.7%) and Kenthurst (66.3%). Low proportions were recorded in the Localities of Wilcannia (8.3%) and Goodooga (9.0%).

Employed persons

In 2001, there were 2,748,396 employed persons (92.8% of the labour force), an increase of 189,521 persons since 1996 (2,558,875 persons).

Urban Centres with the largest numbers of employed persons were Sydney (1,607,672 or 94.0% of the labour force), Newcastle (112,143 or 89.7%), Central Coast (98,489 or 91.4%) and Wollongong (91,193 or 90.6%).

Full-time employment

The number of full-time workers increased from 1,760,696 persons in 1996 to 1,805,433 in 2001. This represents 65.7% of the employed population in NSW.

As a proportion of persons in the labour force, the highest proportions of full-time workers were recorded in the Urban Centres of Forest Hill (78.4%) and Perisher Village (70.6%), and in the Localities of Captains Flat (72.2%) and Goolgowi (71.8%).

Part-time employment

In 2001, 858,483 persons (31.2% of employed persons) were employed part-time, an increase of 117,272 persons since 1996.

The highest proportions of part-time workers, as a proportion of persons in the labour force, were recorded in the Localities of Angourie (50.5%) and Lord Howe Island (46.4%). The lowest proportion of people employed part-time was recorded in the Urban Centre of Forest Hill (15.8%).

Unemployed persons

In 2001, there were 213,196 unemployed persons (7.2% of persons in the labour force) in NSW, down from 247,669 (8.8%) in 1996. High unemployment rates were recorded in the Localities of Nimbin (37.3%), Copmanhurst (34.8%) and Coomba Park (33.9%).

For those aged 15-24 years, the unemployment rate fell to 13.3% from 14.9% in 1996. High levels of youth unemployment were recorded in the Localities of Mogo and Copmenhurst (both 62.5%).

The number of unemployed persons looking for full-time work decreased by 21.5% down from 193,759 persons in 1996 to 152,074 in 2001. However, those looking for part-time work increased by 13.4% from 53,910 persons in 1996 to 61,122 in 2001.

Occupation

In 2001, the largest occupation groups in NSW were Professionals and Associate Professionals (30.8%), Intermediate Clerical, Sales and Service Workers (16.5%) and Tradespersons and Related Workers (11.9%). These proportions are similar to those in 1996.

The highest proportions of Professionals and Associate Professionals were recorded in the Localities of Wallabi Point (44.9%), Gerroa (44.8%) and Kioloa (44.6%).

The highest proportions of Intermediate Clerical, Sales and Service Workers were recorded in the Localities of Coutts Crossing (28.2%), Tomerong (23.5%), Nelligen and Luddenham (both 22.6%).

The highest proportions of Tradespersons and Related Workers were recorded in the Localities of Kitchener (28.9%), Khancoban (27.9%) and Lake Conjola West (26.3%).

Industry

In 2001, the three largest industries of employment were Retail Trade (14.2%), Property and Business Services (12.2%) and Manufacturing (11.5%). These industries were also the top three in 1996.

The highest percentages of persons employed in Retail Trade were recorded in the Localities of Nabiac (27.7%), Burringbar (25.5%) and Green Point (25.3%).
The highest proportions of persons employed in Property and Business Services were recorded in the Localities of Goodooga (20.8%), Dangar Island (18.9%) and Sutton (18.9%).

Highest proportions of persons employed in Manufacturing were recorded in Manildra (L) (39.0%) and Oberon (29.1%).


Dwelling Characteristics

Total number of dwellings

The number of dwellings increased by 7.7% from 2,394,213 in 1996 to 2,578,042 in 2001. Of these dwellings, 90.9% (2,343,677) were occupied private dwellings, 8.8% were unoccupied private dwellings and 0.3% were non-private dwellings.

Total number of persons

The number of persons in occupied private dwellings increased by 5.8% from 5,841,476 persons in 1996 to 6,180,122 in 2001. Of these, 67.2% (4,155,772 persons) were counted in Major Urban areas. This was similar to the 1996 Census.

Fully owned

Of the 2,343,677 occupied private dwellings in NSW, 41.1% were fully owned, compared with 42.5% in 1996. The Rural Balance area recorded the highest proportion of fully owned dwellings in both 2001 (51.7%) and 1996 (52.8%).

Home ownership proportions were highest in the Localities of Lake Conjola (72.2%), Barmedman (71.4%) and Emmaville (69.5%). The Localities with the least amount of home ownership were Thredbo Village (11.3%), Perisher Village (13.3%) and Jindabyne (16.9%).

Fully owned

Of the 2,343,677 occupied private dwellings in NSW, 41.1% were fully owned, compared with 42.5% in 1996. The Rural Balance area recorded the highest proportion of fully owned dwellings in both 2001 (51.7%) and 1996 (52.8%).

Home ownership proportions were highest in the Localities of Lake Conjola (72.2%), Barmedman (71.4%) and Emmaville (69.5%). The Localities with the least amount of home ownership were Thredbo Village (11.3%), Perisher Village (13.3%) and Jindabyne (16.9%).

Being purchased

In NSW, 23.3% of private dwellings were being purchased, compared with 22.5% in 1996. Bounded Locality recorded the highest percentage in both 2001 (26.0%) and 1996 (25.7%).

High proportions of homes being purchased were recorded in Yellow Rock (L) (65.4%), Hawkesbury Heights (L) (63.2%) and Bowen Mountain (62.2).

Housing loan repayments

The median monthly loan repayment increased by 18.5%, up from $885 in 1996 to $1,049 in 2001. High median loan repayments were recorded in Dangar Island (L) ($2,000), Thredbo Village ($1,833) and Orchard Hills (L) ($1,774).

Rented dwellings

In 2001, 27.5% (645,319) of the occupied private dwellings were being rented, a slight decrease from 28.6% in 1996. The Major Urban areas recorded the highest proportions in both 2001 (29.3%) and 1996 (30.2%).

The areas with the highest proportions of rented dwellings were Goodooga (L) (61.4%), Brewarrina (53.2%) and Walgett (52.7%).

Rent

The median weekly rent increased by 17.9%, from $145 in 1996 to $171 in 2001. The Major Urban areas recorded a high median rent ($204), compared with the Rural Balance ($94) and Bounded Locality ($113) sections of the state.

The highest median rents were recorded in the Urban Centres of Thredbo Village ($500), Perisher Village ($500), Jindabyne ($328) and Galston ($270), and in the Localities of Cowan ($284), Otford ($269) and Glenorie ($262).


Family Characteristics

The number of families increased from 1,576,047 in 1996 to 1,654,583 in 2001, an increase of 5.0%. Of these families, 47.8% were couples with dependent and non-dependent children, 34.9% were couples without children, 15.5% were one parent families and 1.8% were of other family type.

The highest proportions of couple families with dependent children were recorded in the Localities of Tapitallee (74.2%), Menangle (68.8%) and Orchard Hills (63.6%).

The highest proportions of couple families without children were recorded in the Localities of Manning Point (76.0%), Kioloa (74.0%) and North Arm Cove (68.8%).

The highest proportions of one parent families were recorded in Nimbin (42.3%), Byron Bay (L) (32.1%) and South Golden Beach (L) (31.4%).


Households Characteristics

The number of households increased from 2,108,470 in 1996 to 2,232,831 in 2001, an increase of 5.9%. Of these households, 72.8% were family households, 23.4% were lone person households and 3.8% were group households.

The number of lone person households increased by 9.7%, to 522,487 in 2001 from 476,246 in 1996. This was the largest percentage increase of all household types.

The highest proportions of lone person households were recorded in Patonga (L) (47.0%), White Cliffs (L) (46.3%), and Brooms Head (44.2%). The lowest proportions were recorded in the Localities of Tapitallee (4.2%) and Modanville (4.2%).

The highest proportions of group households were recorded in Thredbo Village (19.2%), Jindabyne (12.7%) and Byron Bay (12.3%).


AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY


Person Characteristics

Population distribution

The Census of Population and Housing conducted on 7 August 2001 counted 311,947 persons (including 2,763 overseas visitors) in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), an increase of 4.2% or 12,704 persons since 1996 (299,243 persons).

In 2001, 99.3% (309,799) of the persons in the ACT were counted in the Major Urban area, which consisted solely of Canberra-Queanbeyan (Canberra Part). This proportion is the same as in 1996.

Age

In 2001, the median age was 32 years, compared with 30 years in 1996. The proportion of persons aged 0-14 years decreased slightly from 22.6% in 1996 to 21.1% in 2001, while the proportion of persons aged 65 years and over increased slightly from 7.1% in 1996 to 8.3% in 2001.

Sex

There were slightly more females (158,559) than males (153,388) in the ACT with a higher proportion of females recorded in the Major Urban area (50.9%). Proportionally more males were recorded in both Rural Balance (58.8%) and Bounded Locality (51.0%)

Median individual income

The median weekly income grew from $430 in 1996 to $543 in 2001, an increase of 26.3%. Only the Bounded Locality area ($604) exceeded the ACT median.

Indigenous status

The number of persons who reported being of Indigenous origin increased by 23.4% to 3,576 persons in 2001, up from 2,897 in 1996, representing 1.2% of the total population (excluding overseas visitors).

Birthplace

Of the 309,184 persons (excluding overseas visitors) counted in the ACT, 228,363 were born in Australia, representing 73.9% of the population. Some 21.6% (66,732 persons) stated that they had been born overseas.

Internet and Personal computer use

Of the population counted (excluding overseas visitors) 56.7% (175,303 persons) used a personal computer at home in the week prior to Census Night. Of the same population, 54.7% used the Internet in the week prior to Census Night.

Occupation

In 2001, the largest occupation groups were Professionals and Associate Professionals (40.3% of employed persons), Intermediate Clerical, Sales and Service Workers (18.1%) and Managers and Administrators (11.4%).

Industry

Just over one half (50.8%) of the employed persons in the ACT worked in the industries of Government Administration and Defence (23.9%), Property and Business Services (14.7%) and Retail Trade (12.2%).


Dwelling Characteristics

Total number of dwellings

In 2001, there were 121,973 dwellings counted in the ACT. Of these dwellings, 94.2% (114,842) were occupied private dwellings, 5.7% were unoccupied private dwellings and 0.2% were non-private dwellings.

Total number of persons

The number of persons in occupied private dwellings increased by 4.2% from 286,468 persons in 1996 to 298,436 in 2001. Of the total ACT population, 99.5% (296,821) of the persons were counted in Major Urban areas, similar to the 1996 Census.

Occupied private dwellings

Of the occupied private dwellings counted in the ACT, 33.2% were fully owned, compared with 29.5% in 1996. A further 33.4% were being purchased and 28.0% were being rented (a decrease from 32.1% in 1996).

Housing loan repayments

The median monthly loan repayment increased by 3.1%, from $928 in 1996 to $957 in 2001.

Rent

The median weekly rent increased by 10.6%, from $151 in 1996 to $167 in 2001.

Family and Household Characteristics

In 2001, there were 80,331 families counted in the ACT. Of these families, 41.9% were couples with dependent children, a decrease from 45.6% in 1996.

The total number of households grew slightly from 104,109 in 1996 to 110,350 in 2001 an increase of 6.0%. In 2001, the number of lone person households grew from 22,353 to 25,516, an increase of 14.2%.