Media release –
New South Wales
2011 Census data shows a snapshot of New South Wales21 June 2012 | NSW/130The changing face of New South Wales was revealed today as the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the first results of the 2011 Census of Population and Housing. The results show that the new Census resident population of New South Wales is 6,917,658, up from 6,549,175 in 2006 – an increase of 5.6 per cent. The data also shows that the local government area with the biggest growth in New South Wales is Blacktown, which now has 301,097 people up from 271,712 in 2006 – a rise of 10.8 per cent. The local government area with the highest proportionate increase in New South Wales is Palerang, which grew 16.5 per cent to 14,351 people from 12,313 in 2006. Housing in the State has also seen some significant changes over the past five years with median household weekly rents up to $300 from $210 in 2006, an increase of 42.9 per cent. This compares to the national average of $285 which was an increase of 49.2 per cent. Median monthly household mortgage repayments also increased to $1,993 from $1,517 in 2006, an increase of 31.4 per cent. This compares to the national average of $1,800, which increased by 38.5 per cent. New South Wales Census Director, Mark Harding, said the release of 2011 Census data is a big day for the State. “This data will help shape the future of New South Wales over the next five years,” Mr Harding said. “Census data is used to help determine the allocation of GST funding to our State, and to plan vital services and infrastructure for the people of New South Wales. This includes things such as hospitals and health services, schools, and public transport.” Mr Harding thanked the people of New South Wales for participating in the Census and encouraged everyone to make use of Australia’s richest source of statistical information. “The 2011 Census has been a great success, due largely to the support of people across the country. In return, there is now a wealth of data available freely online, which can be used for a variety of purposes, and provides a great snapshot of your community and your State. “The ABS has introduced a range of new, easy-to-use tools, including QuickStats, to make searching Census data fast and simple,” Mr Harding added. Data from the 2011 Census of Population and Housing is now available on the ABS website. Visit www.abs.gov.au/census |