The 2006 Census Sample File (CSF) is a comprehensive Confidentialised Unit Record File (CURF) of Census variables, containing a small random sample of private households and associated persons, and a small random sample of persons in non-private dwellings. The CSF is produced for model testing and statistical analysis. It is designed and produced after consultation with past users of CSFs and other major users of Census data. The structure of the 2006 CSF is expected to be similar to the 2001 Household Sample File (HSF).

Most of the variables available from the 2006 Census are available on the CSF. However, some classifications, such as birthplace, industry, occupation and qualification are collapsed to less detailed levels, in order to protect the confidentiality of personal data.

The CSF contains information relating to persons, families and dwellings. The person record includes age, sex, birthplace, language, income, occupation, qualifications and labour force characteristics. The family record includes family income and family type. The dwelling record covers topics such as dwelling type and structure, number of bedrooms, housing costs and number of motor vehicles. Detailed technical documentation is provided with the CSF.

Information about sampling errors associated with statistics produced from the CSF is contained in technical documentation provided with the file.

For more information about the content of the CURFs see the Census of Population and Housing: Census Sample File Technical Paper (Cat. No. 2037.0)