Archived content. See ABS Website for latest information and statistics
ABS Home

Census home > Data quality > Statements > Person

Total Personal Income (weekly)

Total Personal Income (weekly) (INCP)

This variable records the income level of people aged 15 years and over. Personal income is collected in ranges in the Census.

Questions on income were first included in the Census in 1933 and have been asked in each Census since 1976. Further information on Census Topics 1911–2011, can be found in How Australia Takes a Census (cat. no. 2903.0). In 2006, this variable was referred to as 'Individual Income (weekly)'.

The non-response rate for 2011 was 7.9% compared with 8.9% for 2006. More information is available from the 2011 Census non-response quality statement.

Income data is captured automatically from mark box responses on the form so the risk of processing error is minimal. Most of the ranges of income presented on the Census Form were new for 2011 which restricted time series analysis of quality and users are reminded of the changed ranges if comparing intercensal income data.

In a small proportion of cases (testing has indicated that this is under 3.0%), respondents provided an incorrect number of responses (for Total Personal Income (weekly) (INCP), respondents are asked to only mark one response). In these cases responses are accepted in the order they appear on the form and the extra responses are rejected.

For an analysis of the issues associated with collecting income data via a Census, including comparisons with other data sources, refer to Census Paper 03/04 - Income, 2001 (cat. no. 2936.0). This analysis was conducted on the 2001 Census data.

More information on INCP is available in the 2011 Census Dictionary (cat. no. 2901.0)

Question 33 as it appeared on the 2011 Census Household Form

Image of question 33 from the 2011 Census
A text only version of this question is also available


Back to Person classification

Statements

Person

Family

Household / Dwelling

2011 Census Dictionary

Archived content. See ABS Website for latest information and statistics