2970.0.55.003 - 2001 Census of Population and Housing - Fact Sheet: Australian Standard Geographical Classification and Census Geographical Areas - Diagram of Structures, 2001  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 03/06/2002  First Issue
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Australian Standard Geographical Classification and Census Geographic Areas - Diagram of Structures

Census data are available for two sets of geography. Firstly, data are available for Australian Standard Geographical Classification areas. This is the standard geographical classification used for disseminating ABS statistical data. The ASGC facilitates the standardisation of terminology and comparability of data. During Population Census years the smallest spatial unit is the Collection District. The Collection District is the common denominator which integrates all structures of the classification in a census year.

Census data are also available for other geographical areas created specifically for census output. All but one structure of the Census Geographic Areas uses the Collection District as a basic building block. The exception is the Journey to Work Study Areas and Destination Zones structure.

The ASGC areas used for the Census are:

  • Collection District
  • Statistical Local Area
  • Local Government Area
  • Statistical Subdivision
  • Statistical Division
  • Statistical District
  • Statistical Region Sector
  • Statistical Region
  • Major Statistical Region
  • Urban Centre/Locality
  • Section of State
  • Remoteness Areas (new for the 2001 Census)
  • State/Territory


Census Geographic Areas:
  • Indigenous Location
  • Indigenous Area
  • ATSIC Region
  • State Electoral Division
  • Commonwealth Electoral Division
  • Suburb
  • Postal Area
  • Destination Zone
  • Journey to Work Study Area

The diagram over page shows the structures of the ASGC and the Census Geographic Areas for the 2001 Census. The Collection District is at the bottom of the structure and Australia is at the top. Some structures cover the whole of Australia and others cover only part. Areas at each level are aggregated to create the level above. One example is the ASGC Main Structure where the:
  • Collection Districts aggregate to Statistical Local Areas;
  • Statistical Local Areas aggregate to Statistical Subdivisions;
  • Statistical Subdivisions aggregate to Statistical Divisions;
  • Statistical Divisions aggregate to States/Territories; and
  • States/Territories aggregate to Australia.

Image - Diagram - Collection Districts