Census reveals THE ‘TYPICAL’ WESTERN AUSTRALIAN
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has revealed the first insights from the 2016 Census of Population and Housing, releasing a preview of the key characteristics that make the ‘typical’ Western Australian in 2016 and highlighting Australia’s diversity.
What does the 2016 Census say about the ‘typical’ Western Australian?
Well, he is male. Let’s call him ‘Paul’.
Paul is 37 years old. He was born in Australia, has English ancestry and speaks English at home. At least one of his parents was born overseas.
What else do we know about Paul?
Paul is married and lives in a couple family with two children. He has completed Year 12 and does between five and 14 hours of domestic work per week.
Paul lives in a home with four bedrooms. Similar to the rest of the country, he lives in a home that has two motor vehicles.
The ‘typical’ Western Australian home is owned with a mortgage, as it was in 2011 and 2006.
The ‘typical’ Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
Islander person in Western Australia is male. He is 23 years old, a year older than in 2011 and two years older than in 2006.
Where was the ‘typical’ migrant born? The ‘typical’ migrant in Western Australia was born in England, is female and speaks English at home. She is 43 years old.
We’re an eclectic lot
While the Census provides plenty of info on the ‘typical’ Australian and the state counterparts, it also shows we’re a big, diverse community. Conclusion? We’re an eclectic lot! There’s nothing typical about Australians.
The early information comes ahead of the first major Census data release which is scheduled for on Tuesday, 27 June 2017, which will include datasets for all national, state/territory and capital cities, along with datasets for small population groups and small geographic areas such as suburbs and Local Government Areas. The June release will follow the completion of the ABS’ usual data quality assurance process and the Census Independent Assurance Panel’s quality assurance work.
The Census is Australia’s richest data source, giving insight into Australian life, showing how our local communities and nation have changed over time, and helping governments, business and communities plan for the future. It provides the most comprehensive information about regional areas and small population groups, which helps inform government funding decision- making, policy development and service delivery.
All ‘typical ’Australia profiles, including states and territories are available from the ABS website. Further information on the release schedule of the 2016 Census is also available from the ABS website.
The ‘Typical’ Western Australian
| Median Age | 37 |
| Sex (Mode) | Male |
| Country of Birth of Person (Mode) | Australia |
| Country of Birth of Parents (Mode) | At least on parent born overseas |
| Language Spoken at Home (Mode) | English |
| Ancestry 1st Response (Mode) | English |
| Social Marital Status (Mode) | Married in a registered marriage |
| Family Composition (Mode) | Couple family with children |
| Count of All Children in Family (Mode) | Two children in family |
| Highest Year of School Completed (Mode) | Year 12 or equivalent |
| Unpaid Domestic Work: Number of Hours (Mode) | 5 to 14 hours |
| Number of Motor Vehicles (Mode) | Two vehicles |
| Number of Bedrooms in Private Dwelling (Mode) | Four bedrooms |
| Tenure Type (Dwelling Count) (Mode) | Owned with a mortgage |
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
| Median Age | 23 |
| Sex (Mode) | Male |
Persons born overseas
| Median Age | 43 |
| Sex (Mode) | Female |
| Country of Birth of Person (Mode) | England |
| Language Spoken at Home (Mode) | English |
The ‘Typical’ Australian
| Median Age | 38 |
| Sex (Mode) | Female |
| Country of Birth of Person (Mode) | Australia |
| Country of Birth of Parents (Mode) | Both parents born in Australia |
| Language Spoken at Home (Mode) | English |
| Ancestry 1st Response (Mode) | English |
| Social Marital Status (Mode) | Married in a registered marriage |
| Family Composition (Mode) | Couple family with children |
| Count of All Children in Family (Mode) | Two children in family |
| Highest Year of School Completed (Mode) | Year 12 or equivalent |
| Unpaid Domestic Work: Number of Hours (Mode) | 5 to 14 hours |
| Number of Motor Vehicles (Mode) | Two vehicles |
| Number of Bedrooms in Private Dwelling (Mode) | Three bedrooms |
| Tenure Type (Dwelling Count) (Mode) | Owned with a mortgage |
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
| Median Age | 23 |
| Sex (Mode) | Female |
Persons born overseas
| Median Age | 44 |
| Sex (Mode) | Female |
| Country of Birth of Person (Mode) | England |
| Language Spoken at Home (Mode) | English |
Note:
- The mode is the most commonly occurring value in a distribution
- Statements of typical age in this release are median values. The median is the middle value in distribution when the values are arranged in ascending or descending order.
- The most common response for each data item is calculated independently. For example, if the ‘typical’ person is male and the ‘typical’ person does 5-14 hours of unpaid domestic work per week, this does not imply that the ‘typical’ male does 5-14 hours of unpaid domestic work per week
- No detailed Census data will be issued with this information. Datasets for the above characteristics will be released as part of the main release of 2016 Census data on Tuesday, 27 June 2017.
