2033.0.55.001 - Census of Population and Housing: Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), Australia, 2011 Quality Declaration 
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 28/03/2013   
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MEDIA RELEASE
28 March 2013
Embargo: 11:30 am (Canberra Time)
41/2013

2011 Census data reveals Australia’s most advantaged and disadvantaged areas

New figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today have provided a new perspective on the wealth of statistical information collected in the 2011 Census of Population and Housing.

Today’s third release of 2011 Census data includes the release of the Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), which ranks areas in Australia according to relative socio-economic advantage and disadvantage.

Peppermint Grove (WA) was recorded as Australia’s most advantaged Local Government Area (LGA) followed by Ku-ring-gai (NSW).

Australia’s most disadvantaged LGA is Yarrabah (QLD) followed by Cherbourg (QLD).

Director, Methodology Data Management Division, Dr Phillip Gould, says SEIFA analyses a number of important socio-economic factors to form indexes in four categories.

“SEIFA broadly defines relative socio-economic advantage and disadvantage in terms of people’s access to material and social resources, and their ability to participate in society,” Dr Gould said.

“Today’s release of SEIFA gives an in-depth analysis into 2011 Census data. This analysis can help governments, communities and businesses make key decisions on how best to plan for a brighter future for all Australians.

“SEIFA helps provide assessment of the welfare of Australian communities and helps in determining areas that require funding and services.”

New for 2011 SEIFA are easy-to-use features and data visualisations tools, including the ability to display data using Google Earth®, which makes interpreting Census data even easier.

SEIFA is available free online and can be used for a wide range of purposes. Our range of new, easy-to-use tools makes searching Census data quick and easy.

Data from the 2011 Census of Population and Housing is now available on the ABS website. Visit www.abs.gov.au/census

Further information, media requests and interviews contact Census Media 02 6252 5161