Family Household Composition (Dwelling) (HCFMD)
This variable counts the types of families within family households at the dwelling level. Family Household Composition is applicable to all occupied private dwellings.
How this variable is created
This variable uses information collected from responses to the Relationship in Household and the Persons Temporarily Absent questions on the Census Household Form. Images of these questions are provided below. During the processing of Census data, family and household structures are identified and created based around a ‘family or household reference person’, this is usually 'Person 1' on the Census Household Form This item is then derived from the Family Composition and Household Composition variables.
Variable history
This variable was first introduced in 2011. No changes were made in 2016.
Non-response rate
Non-response rate only applies to data items that directly reflect responses to individual Census form questions. Family Household Composition (Dwelling) does not have a non-response rate as it is a derived value created during Census processing for applicable households. For more information, refer to Understanding Census data quality.
Data usage notes
Family Household Composition (Dwelling) should be used carefully when comparing to other dwelling data from within the ABS and for external organisations or agencies. Relevant definitions can differ between different statistical collections and may not match Census definitions.
Further information
A definition of Family Household Composition (Dwelling) is available in the 2016 Census Dictionary.
For further information on the variable Family Household Composition (Dwelling) see the data quality statements for Household Composition and Family Composition.
Household form question image
Questions 5 and 53 as they appeared on the 2016 Census Household Form:
A text only version of the online Census Household form is available from the Downloads tab.
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