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Why is geographic area important when using ABS statistics?

The ABS compiles statistics for a variety of geographic areas - ranging from statistics for the whole of Australia (such as the Balance of Payments) down to data which can relate to an area of just a few hundred households (such as population and housing).

When you want to find statistical information you first need to know what geographic area is most relevant for your purposes. Do you want data for just a small area, such as your local shire, or are you after data for the whole of Australia - or something in between?

The table below gives a quick guide to the various geographical regions, ranging from the smallest (Collection District) to capital city.

More detailed information about the different geographical areas and boundaries is available from the ABS Australian Standard Geographical Classification (ABS Cat. No. 1216.0), so you can determine which is the best geographical fit for what you want.