EQUIVALISED HOUSEHOLD INCOME
BACKGROUND
'Equivalised household income' is 'Total income' at the household level adjusted using an equivalence scale. This variable has been developed to enable comparison of the relative incomes of households of different sizes and composition. When household income is adjusted according to an equivalence scale, the equivalised income can be viewed as an indicator of the income available to a standardised household or as an indicator of the resources available to each individual in a household.
'Equivalised household income' should be used for all collections where analysis of the relative economic wellbeing of households is required.
This document is intended to be read in conjunction with the standard for 'Total income' which provides the question modules used to collect income data and important background to this standard.
Terminology used in this standard is defined in the Glossary (see Explanatory Notes tab).
Further information can be obtained by contacting the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070 or by email to <client.services@abs.gov.au>