2011.0.55.001 - Information Paper: Census of Population and Housing -- Products and Services, 2011  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 10/08/2012  First Issue
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Census Sample File (CSF)


The Census Sample File (CSF) is a Confidentialised Unit Record File (CURF) of Census variables. This contains a small random sample of unidentified private households and associated persons, and a small random sample of persons in non-private dwellings.

For 2011, both a 1% and 5% sample will be produced. The release of the 2011 CSF will allow researchers to undertake detailed analyses and use them in conjunction with the Community Profiles to explore the statistical relationships of the issue under investigation.

The Basic CSF is a 1% sample unit record file whereas the Expanded CSF is a 5% sample unit record file.

The CSF contains Census characteristics for person, family and dwelling variables:
  • The person record includes age, sex, birthplace, language, income, occupation, qualifications and labour force characteristics.
  • The family record includes family income and family type.
  • The dwelling record covers topics such as dwelling type and structure, number of bedrooms, housing costs and number of motor vehicles.
Detailed technical documentation will be provided with the CSF.

Most of the variables available from the 2011 Census will be available in the CSF. However, some classifications, such as birthplace, industry, occupation and qualification are collapsed to less detailed levels, in order to protect the confidentiality of personal data. The CSF is released under strict conditions and clients are required to sign an undertaking stating that the information will be used for statistical purposes only.

The CSF is suitable for advanced users of Census data and is available as a charged product. Microdata access is priced in accordance with the ABS Pricing Policy and Commonwealth Cost Recovery Guidelines, and access to CURFs is charged per organisation, not per person. Additional users of CURFs in an organisation will not incur additional charges and the ABS does not charge an annual or renewal fee for access.

For up-to-date information about the pricing of CURFs, refer to the Microdata prices web page.

For information on how to access Confidentialised Unit Record Files (CURFs) visit the Microdata entry page or email microdata.access@abs.gov.au