Media release –
National
2011 Census data shows a snapshot of the Northern Territory21 June 2012 | NT/16The changing face of the Northern Territory was revealed today as the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the first results of the 2011 Census of Population and Housing. The results show that the new Census resident population of Northern Territory is 211,945, up from 192,900 in 2006 – an increase of 9.9 per cent. The data also shows that the local government area with the biggest growth in Northern Territory is Darwin, which now has 72,929 people up from 66,289 in 2006 – an increase of 6,640 or 10 per cent. The local government area with the highest proportionate increase in Northern Territory is Litchfield, which grew 22.1 per cent to 18,994 people from 15,553 in 2006. Housing in the State has also seen some significant changes over the past five years with median household weekly rents increasing to $225 from $140 in 2006, an increase of 60.7 per cent. This compares to the national average of $285 which was an increase of 49.2 per cent. Median monthly household mortgage repayments also increased to $2,058 from $1,300 in 2006, an increase of 58.3 per cent. This compares to the national average of $1,800, which increased by 38.5 per cent. ABS Northern Territory Regional Director, Tom Joseph, said the release of 2011 Census data is a big day for the Northern Territory. “It’s great to see the Territory pass the two hundred thousand mark for the first time in a Census,” Mr Joseph said. “This data will help shape the future of Northern Territory over the next five years. “Census data is used to help determine the allocation of GST funding to our Territory, and to plan vital services and infrastructure for the people of the Northern Territory. This includes things such as hospitals and health services, schools, and public transport.” Mr Joseph thanked the people of the Northern Territory for participating in the Census and encouraged everyone to make use of Australia’s richest source of statistical information. “The 2011 Census has been a great success, due largely to the support of people across the country. In return, there is now a wealth of data available freely online, which can be used for a variety of purposes, and provides a great snapshot of your community and your territory. “The ABS has introduced a range of new, easy-to-use tools, including QuickStats, to make searching Census data fast and simple,” Mr Joseph added. Data from the 2011 Census of Population and Housing is now available on the ABS website. Visit www.abs.gov.au/census. |