NSW DEMOGRAPHY UPDATE

Latest snapshot of NSW
The standardised death rate for NSW has continued to decline in recent years. The 2005–06 preliminary standardised death rate for NSW was 5.97 deaths per 1,000 population, lower than the rate of 6.87 deaths per 1,000 population in 2000–01. The 2005–06 preliminary Total Fertility Rate for NSW was 1.808 births per woman, higher then the 1.781 births per woman recorded for 2000–01. Updated figures for both fertility and mortality will be available in the March 2007 edition of Australian Demographic Statistics due for release in late September 2007. For quarterly information on these and other key demographic indicators see Australian Demographic Statistics, December 2006 (cat. no. 3101.0)

Population data and 2006 Census Rebasing
Starting with the December 2006 issue of Australian Demographic Statistics (cat. no. 3101.0), ABS estimated resident population (ERP) data for the recent intercensal period (September quarter 2001 to June quarter 2006) have been updated using information from the 2006 Census of Population and Housing (2006 Census). The recent releases of Population by Age and Sex, Australia, 2006 (cat. no. 3235.0) and Regional Population Growth, Australia, 1996–2006 (cat. no. 3218.0) were also the first releases of 2006 Census based ERP data for Local Government Areas (LGAs).

Population by Age and Sex in New South Wales
The age profile in the Sydney Statistical Division (SD) is generally younger than that of SDs in the balance of NSW, reflecting the predominance of working age people in Sydney's age profile. In 2006, the Sydney SD recorded a median age of 35.5 years and the largest proportions for both males and females were in the 30–34 year age group (8.1% each). In the balance of NSW, by contrast, the Mid-North Coast SD had the highest median age in the state (43.4 years). Reflecting the older age structure in the balance of NSW, 72% of the 110 non-metropolitan LGAs had proportions of older people greater than that of the state as a whole. For annual information on these figures see Population by Age and Sex, Australia, 2006 (cat. no. 3235.0)



Regional Population Growth, New South Wales – 2006 Census Rebased Data
At June 2006 the centre of population for NSW was in the Local Government Area (LGA) of Hawkesbury. Between June 2001 and June 2006 the centre moved approximately 1.7 kilometres eastward, reflecting the continued growth in LGAs along the coast of NSW. The centre of population of the Sydney SD at June 2006 was located in the suburb of Ermington, just north of the Parramatta River.

Between June 2001 and June 2006, NSW’s five largest increases in LGA populations occurred in the Sydney SD. During this period, the inner city LGA of Sydney had the largest and fastest population growth of all LGAs in NSW, growing by 34,900 people at a rate of 4.9% each year. The largest growth in coastal LGAs in NSW occurred in the Tweed LGA (up 8,400 people or 2.2% per year), while the Maitland (up 8,300 people or 2.8% per year) and Queanbeyan (up 4,100 people or 2.3% per year) LGAs, recorded the largest growth of inland LGAs.

LGAs which had the fastest population declines in the five years to June 2006 were inland areas of NSW that have been affected by the recent drought. For information on these figures see Regional Population Growth, Australia 1996 to 2006 (cat. no. 3218.0).

For further information contact the National Information and Referrals Service on 1300 135 070 or email client.services@abs.gov.au.