Dwelling location (DLOD)
Definition
This variable describes the location of dwellings by identifying those situated within large communal areas, such as caravan parks and marinas. Most private dwellings are classified to the ‘Other’ category, as they are not found in these types of communal settings.
Scope
Private dwellings
Categories
| Code | Category |
|---|---|
| 1 | Caravan/tourist/holiday park or camping ground |
| 2 | Marina |
| 3 | Manufactured home estate/residential park/land lease community |
| 4 | Retirement village and other self-contained accommodation for the aged |
| 5 | Other |
| @ | Not applicable |
Number of categories: 6
Not applicable (@) category comprises:
- non-private dwellings
- migratory, offshore and shipping SA1s
See Understanding supplementary codes for more information.
Question(s) from the Census form
This variable is not collected from a question on the Census form.
How this variable is created
Information about dwelling location is primarily derived from the ABS Address Register, which is an official and continuously updated record of all known physical addresses in Australia.
Dwelling location details from the ABS Address register are verified by Census Field Officers during the Census collection period.
Where a dwelling location cannot be established, it is classified as ‘Other’. The majority of private dwellings are assigned to this ‘Other’ category for this variable.
History and changes
This variable was introduced for the 1996 Census to reflect changes in the scope of Private dwellings. Its purpose was to ensure that different types of communal or structured residential settings, such as caravan parks, manufactured home estates, marinas and retirement villages, were clearly identified in Census data.
In 2026, the names of the categories were updated to clarify what each group includes.