2902.0 - Census Update (Newsletter), Jul 2003  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 13/08/2003   
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Another first for the 2001 Census

Usual residence data are census counts based on where people usually lived at the time of the census. It provides information on the usually resident population of an area, and on the internal migration patterns at the State/Territory and regional levels. The 2001 Census is the first census where usual residence data for Census Night has been made available at Collection District (CD) level. Previously place of usual residence was only coded to Statistical Local Area (SLA) level.

The 2001 Census asked three questions on usual residence: where the person usually lived on Census Night, where the person usually lived one year ago and where the person usually lived five years ago. This information is recorded in the variable Postal Area of Usual Address Census Night (POCUCP), and in the usual residence indicator variables:

    • Usual Address Indicator Census Night (UAICP)
    • Usual Address One Year Ago Indicator (UAI1P)
    • Usual Address Five Years Ago Indicator (UAI5P)

Use of usual residence indicators make it possible to identify the pattern of net movement of people between three dates, i.e. Census Night, one year prevously and five years previously.

Usual residence data is used by the ABS in calculations of the Estimated Resident Population (ERP). The official ABS population estimate, the ERP is also derived from census data, and is used as the basis for estimating the population at the national, state and local government arealevels, for electoral purposes and the distribution of government funds.

For more information on Usual Residence data or other census data call the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070.