Release of Census Data
Census 81 data are being released in statistical publications , on microfiche, on magnetic tape and in maps. A number of other releases are being published which explain the outputs available and some of the more difficult characteristics. In addition, a number of technical papers are being released with the magnetic tape files to explain their use.The statistical publications are the major bookshelf reference material containing census results and are ideal for quick and frequent reference.
Statistical publications released from the 1981 Census were:
Preliminary Counts-Australia, States and Territories (2209.0)
A single publication which contains statistics on the age, sex and marital
status of the population (as enumerated at the Census) for each State,
Territory and Australia.
Bulletin 1: Persons and Dwellings in Local Government Areas and Urban Centres (2401.0-2408.0)
Produced for each State and Territory and contains seven tables of statistics
on persons and dwellings in each Local Government Area, Urban Centre and
Locality. A set of statistical maps showing Statistical Division, Subdivision/
District and Local Government Area boundaries is included.
Bulletin 2: Summary Characteristics of Persons and Dwellings (2435.0-2443.0)
Produced for each State, Territory and Australia and contains 40 tables
(Australia: 43). This publication contains statistics only at these geographic
levels and summarises the characteristics of persons and their dwellings as
collected in the Census. In brief, Table 1 is a summary of important
statistics from the 1981 Census and the next five tables provide more
detailed comparisons with several earlier censuses. The remaining tables
examine further characteristics of persons and their dwellings and provide a
comparison with the 1976 Census where possible.
Bulletin 3: Cross-classified Characteristics of Persons and Dwellings (2444.0-2452.0)
Produced for each State, Territory and Australia and contains statistics only
at these geographic levels. This publication contains cross-classified tables
within five themes, namely birthplace, income, labour force, demographic and
social, and housing.
1981 Census data is available on some 3,500 microfiche; each microfiche can hold the equivalent of 269 pages of computer printout.
Statistics on microfiche include:
(a) small area summary tables and counts for most geographic areas from CD's up to Australia level and
(b) cross-classified tables giving more detailed statistics on characteristics of persons and dwellings at broader geographic levels.
All publications, CD field maps and geographic code and conversion lists (e.g. LGA's to Postcodes) are also published on microfiche.
The information paper: Census 81 - Microfiche (2145.0) gives detailed information about microfiche output.
Census files contain large quantities of summary statistics, some of which are also available on microfiche or in statistical publications.
The 1981 Census magnetic tape files are:
| (a) Geographic Descriptor File (GDF) | This file contains some basic information, including the names and codes and the numbers of persons and dwellings, for each of the standard statistical areas (LGA's to States), and some data on area size. |
| (b) Collection District Master File (CDMF) | The CDMF contains counts of dwellings and persons, area and geographic codes for every CD in Australia. The geographic data include the latitude and longitude and the Commonwealth electoral division of the CD. |
| (c) Collection District Summary File (CDSF) | The CDSF presents summary characteristics of persons and their dwellings for every CD in Australia. |
| (d) Local Government Area Summary File (LGASF) | The LGASF contains the same summary tables as the CDSF, describing the characteristics of persons and their dwellings for every LGA in Australia. |
| (e) Household Sample File (HSF) | This file contains census data for a one per cent sample of unidentified private dwellings and all persons (unidentified) within each selected dwelling plus a one per cent sample of unidentified persons in non-private dwellings. |
| (f) Persons Sample File (PSF) | This file contains census data for a one per cent sample of unidentified individuals, with some geographic information and regrouping of detail for some variables to avoid the risk of releasing identifiable information. |
| (g) Detailed tables on magnetic tape | A large number of tables released to satisfy specific demands for detailed data which can be manipulated by computer. |
| (h) Census Descriptor File | This file, designed for use with some magnetic tape output, contains codes and descriptors for all versions of the classifications used in the production of census tables. |
(a) Statistical area maps;
(b) 1981 Census field maps;
(c) Australia: Statistical Divisions and Local Government Area map 1:5,000,000
scale;
(d) Australia: Population Distribution map 1:5,000,000 scale; and
(e) 1981 Atlases of Population and Housing.
These maps are described in detail in the information paper: Census 81 - Maps (2146.0).
The Catalogue of 1981 Census Tables (2139.0) lists summary tables, cross-classified tables, statistical publication tables and detailed tables on magnetic tape.
Other census publications are listed below. Note that none of these contain statistics.
Geographic Code List (2141.0)
Census 81-Industry (2147.0)
Census 81-Occupation (2148.0)
Census 81-Education Qualifications (2149.0)
Census 81-Dwelling, Household, Family (2150.0)
Census 81-Income (2151.0)
Census 81-Language (2152.)
Census 81-Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders (2153.0)
Census 81-Journey to work (2154.0)
Census 81-Usual Residence and Internal Migration (2155.0)
Census 81-Effects of Introduced Random Error (2156.0)