Count of non-dependent children in family (CNDCF)

Latest release
Census of Population and Housing: Census dictionary
Reference period
2026

Definition

This variable counts the total number of non-dependent children in the family. It also includes non-dependent children who were temporarily absent from a family household on Census night. 

This variable excludes children aged under 15 years, and dependent full-time students aged 15 to 24 years. 

Scope

Couple and one parent families with children 

Categories

CodeCategory
Couple family with: 
00No non-dependent children
01One non-dependent child
02Two non-dependent children
03Three non-dependent children
04Four non-dependent children
05Five non-dependent children
06Six non-dependent children
07Seven non-dependent children
08Eight or more non-dependent children
One parent family with: 
09No non-dependent children
10One non-dependent child
11Two non-dependent children
12Three non-dependent children
13Four non-dependent children
14Five non-dependent children
15Six non-dependent children
16Seven non-dependent children
17Eight or more non-dependent children
Not applicable:
@@Not applicable

Number of categories: 19 

Not applicable (@@) category comprises: 

  • couple families with no children 
  • other families 
  • non-family households 
  • non-classifiable households 
  • unoccupied private dwellings 
  • non-private dwellings 
  • migratory, offshore and shipping SA1s 

See Understanding supplementary codes for more information. 

Question(s) from the Census form

What is the person’s date of birth?

What is the person’s relationship to person 1/person 2?

Is the person attending a school or any other education institution?

For each person away, complete the following questions:

How this variable is created

This variable is created from responses to the relationship in household, age, attendance at an educational institution, and persons temporarily absent (PTA) questions on the Census form. 

It counts the number of non-dependent children in couple families and one parent families. The family composition (FMCF) variable is used to determine whether the family is a couple family or a one parent family. 

Non-dependent children present in the household are counted if they are part of the family and fall into one of the following relationship in household (RLHP) categories: 

  • 51 Non-dependent natural, or adopted child 15 years and over
  • 52 Non-dependent step child 15 years and over
  • 53 Non-dependent foster child 15 years and over

Non-dependent children who were temporarily absent from the household on Census night are included in this variable. They can also be counted using count of non-dependent children in family temporarily absent (CNDAF) 

History and changes

This variable was first introduced in 2011. 

In 2026, new categories were added, increasing the highest category from ‘Six or more non-dependent children’ to ‘Eight or more non-dependent children’.  

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