There’s still time to complete your Census

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimates it has received 6,229,629 forms in the 2021 Census as of Wednesday 11 August at 8:00am.

This tally is up from the 2,388,009 forms received on 9 August—the day before Census night.

The tally is based on forms submitted online through the Census Digital Service 6,102,992 and paper forms 126,637 mailed to the ABS by households.

Andrew Henderson, Census Executive Director and National Spokesperson said, “We’d like to thank the 6.2 million households that have already completed their Census and remind everyone else that it’s not too late to participate.

“You’ve still got time to complete your Census. We want to make sure everyone is included. There are a range of help and support options available for people who need assistance to complete their Census form including online and phone help.”

The Census form tally below includes household online and paper forms received by the ABS as of Wednesday 11 August. The rate at which forms are received will differ across states and territories due to the different levels of paper forms provided across Australia and different delivery timeframes.

*The tally for Australia is greater than the sum of all states and territories due to forms that are yet to be categorised to a particular state or territory. Further information about communicating Census participation is available on the media hub backgrounder.

What is the Census?
The Census was held on Tuesday 10 August 2021. It is a snapshot of who we are and tells the story of how we are changing. It is one of the largest and most important statistical collections undertaken by the ABS.

How will people complete their Census?
People can complete the Census online, on their mobile device or on paper.

A number of options are available for people who need assistance to complete their Census form including help from Census staff, and phone and online help.

Census staff will be in remote communities to help people complete the Census during July and August.

What is new with the Census?
There are two new questions in the 2021 Census – the first changes to questions collected since 2006. The new questions are on long-term health conditions, such as arthritis and diabetes, and on defence force participation.