Media release –
National
2011 Census data shows a snapshot of Tasmania21 June 2012 | TAS/30The changing face of Tasmania was revealed today as the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the first results of the 2011 Census of Population and Housing. The result shows that the new Census resident population of Tasmania is 495,352, up from 476,482 in 2006 – an increase of four per cent. The data also shows that the local government area with the biggest growth in Tasmania is Kingborough, which now has 33,892 people up from 30,836 in 2006 – an increase of 3,056 or 9.9 per cent. The local government area with the highest proportionate increase in Tasmania is Latrobe, which grew 13.9 per cent to 9,833 people from 8,630 in 2006. Housing in the State has also seen some significant changes over the past five years with median household weekly rents up to $200 from $135 in 2006, an increase of 48.1 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 $1,300 from $867 in 2006, an increase of 49.9 per cent. This compares to the national average of $1,800, which increased by 38.5 per cent. ABS Tasmanian Regional Director, Glen Sward, said the release of 2011 Census data is a big day for the State. “This data will help shape the future of Tasmania over the next five years,” Mr Sward said. “Census data is used to help determine the allocation of GST funding to our State, and to plan vital services and infrastructure for the people of Tasmania. This includes things such as hospitals and health services, schools, and public transport.” Mr Sward thanked the people of Tasmania 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 State. “The ABS has introduced a range of new, easy-to-use tools, including QuickStats, to make searching Census data fast and simple,” Mr Sward added. Data from the 2011 Census of Population and Housing is now available on the ABS website. Visit www.abs.gov.au/census. |