Which Census tool is best for you
Census tools
Census of Population and Housing data is available for everyone to view through a range of data tools. Each tool has different features and presents data in different ways. Data from recent and past censuses can be obtained using the tools listed:
- Search Census data - an easy to use tool that allows you to find data relating to people, families and dwellings for a specific area within Australia. This is presented in the form of QuickStats (summary data tables on key characteristics) and Community Profiles (comprehensive statistical pictures of an area delivered in spreadsheets). This tool is the best starting point for those new to accessing Census data.
- Census data by topic - stories and visualisations that relate to Census data on topics of interest. Spreadsheets containing summary data on the topics are also included.
- Interactive maps - an interactive tool that allows you to explore data on Australia's population movement and journey to work visually.
- DataPacks - containers of Census data based on Community Profiles that can be downloaded as CSV files and linked to geographic areas. They are designed for users who have their own database or analysis systems.
- GeoPackages - Census data based on the General Community Profile that is linked to geography boundary data and can be downloaded as GPKG files. GeoPackages are suitable for users who have their own analysis system and mapping software.
- Census TableBuilder - a tool to build and customise data tables to your own specifications. Includes the standard Census dataset and the Australian Census Longitudinal Dataset (ACLD).
- MicrodataDownload - designed for statistical analysis in your own environment, MicrodataDownload is a convenient way to access Census basic microdata (unit record data). Access is available to registered researchers within approved organisations. There is an organisational annual subscription fee for access to basic microdata.
- DataLab - an analysis solution for high end users who want to undertake real-time, complex analysis of detailed microdata. Includes the standard Census dataset and the Australian Census Longitudinal Dataset (ACLD). Access is available to registered researchers for approved projects from approved organisations. Annual charges apply per research project.
For more information on these tools, including how to use the interfaces, see Census tools and products.
The complexity and data available for each tool varies. Please use the table below to find out which Census tool is best for you.
| User level | Geographies available | Format | User guide | Download available | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QuickStats(a) | All levels | Multiple geographies available down to Statistical Area Level 1 | Webpage | Yes | No |
| Census data by topic | All levels | Australia and State | Webpage and Excel spreadsheets | No | Yes |
| Interactive maps | All levels | Statistical Area Level 3 or 4 | Webpage | Yes | No |
| Community Profiles(a) | Intermediate | Multiple geographies available down to Statistical Area Level 2 | Excel spreadsheets | Yes | Yes |
| DataPacks | Intermediate | Multiple geographies available down to Statistical Area Level 1 | CSV files | Yes | Yes |
| GeoPackages | Intermediate | Multiple geographies available down to Statistical Area Level 1 | CSV files | Yes | Yes |
| TableBuilder(b) | Intermediate - Advanced | All | Excel and CSV | Yes | Yes |
| MicrodataDownload(b) | Advanced | Custom Statistical Area Level 4 aggregations | SAS, CSV, STATA, SPSS files | Yes | Yes |
| DataLab(b) | Advanced | All | SAS, CSV, STATA files | Yes | No |
- Accessed through Search Census Data tool
- Requires registration
Other data products
Census data is also available in other tools which incorporate additional datasets. Some include:
- ABS Data APIs - Data Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) enable fast access to ABS statistics by using machine to machine 'API calls'. These calls return statistics in a machine friendly format so that you can integrate data into your own systems as they are released.
- Data Explorer - an interactive web browser interface where you can search, view, query and download data in a flexible and dynamic way.
- Person Level Integrated Data Asset (PLIDA) - a secure data asset combining information on health, education, government payments, income and taxation, employment, and population demographics with data from a number of government agencies.
- Australian Census and Migrants Integrated Dataset (ACMID) - links Census data with the Department of Home Affairs Settlement Database, providing insights into the characteristics of permanent migrants, including demographic information, visa characteristics, mobility, and data on employment, education, income, and cultural and language diversity.
- Australian Census and Temporary Entrants Integrated Dataset (ACTEID) - links Census data with temporary visa holder data from the Department of Home Affairs, providing insights into the characteristics of temporary residents in Australia, including demographic information, visa characteristics, mobility, and data on employment, education, income, and cultural and language diversity.
For more ways to access Census data please see Compare data services.
Historical Census data
Data and information dating back to the first Australian Census in 1911 can be found in Historical Census data.