Census 2021: Everything you need to know for August 10

Be counted: Census is Tuesday 10th August, 2021 but this year you can jump online early if you know who will be home.

More than a million people have already completed the 2021 Census online.

Instead of waiting for Tuesday August 10, households that know who will be home can fill it out early.

We only collect this data through the Census survey once every five years but is incredibly important in helping our governments plan for and fund services that meet our needs.

Census data is used to inform health care, education, infrastructure and housing.

It paints a picture of our social and cultural make-up – helping our community leaders understand our sexuality, our religion and where we need support.

The Census paints a picture of our populations – our health, ethnicity, age, religion and background.

As at 8am Wednesday, the Australian Bureau of Statistics had estimated it had received 1,023,561 Census forms.

This tally is based on online forms households submit through the Census website. It is not a complete tally of submitted forms as it does not include any paper forms.

Census Executive Director Andrew Henderson said he was delighted with the early participation in 2021.

“We know people expect flexibility and convenience, so this makes it easier for people to fill in their Census when it best suits them,” he said.

“Households across the country have started receiving Census letters with instructions on how to complete their Census online, or how to order a paper form.

Paper forms are still available if it is not possible for people to log on digitally.

“We expect the number of forms submitted daily to continue to grow between now and Census night.

“Experience with earlier Censuses, which accords with international experience, is that the tally of forms received will continue to grow steadily in the several weeks following Census night. The ABS expects this pattern to be repeated for this Census.

“We want to make sure everyone is included in the Census, so we have provided a range of help and support options to assist people in completing the form, including on the Census website and over the phone.

“We also have braille forms, audio instructions, video guides with closed captions, and translation services available.”

The response rate, which is the official completion measure for the Census, will be determined after all forms have been submitted and quality checked.

This final response rate will be published with the first release of Census data in June 2022.

What you need to know about the 2021 Census:

• Census night is Tuesday August 10, 2021.
• The Census can be completed online, by paper, or with help from Census staff.
• This year, people can begin their Census as soon as they get instructions if they know who will be home on Census night.
• Most households should have now received instructions in the mail to complete online. This will have a unique Census number and temporary password.
• Some households will receive a paper form. Once completed, they simply return it to the ABS using the reply-paid envelope that will be provided. There are instructions on the form if people prefer to complete online.
• In areas where Covid-19 restrictions are in place, the ABS is working with the state government and local service providers to make sure people experiencing homelessness are counted safely on Census night.

Census online 2021

• What is the Census?

  The Census is a snapshot of who we are and tells the story of how we are changing. It is one of the largest and most important statistical collections undertaken by the ABS.

  How will people complete their Census?

  People will be able to complete the Census online, on their mobile device or on paper.

  A number of options will be available for people who need assistance to complete their Census form including help from Census staff, and phone and online help.

  Census staff will be in remote communities to help people complete the Census during July and August.

  Any new questions?

  There are two new questions in the 2021 Census — the first changes to questions collected since 2006. The new questions are on long-term health conditions, such as arthritis and diabetes, and on defence force participation.

  Conducting the Census in a Covid environment

  We expect most people will complete their Census online with no in-person contact from us.

  How do people know if the Census instructions are legitimate?

  Census instructions will feature the official Australian Bureau of Statistics logo and the 2021 Census branding. Further information about what the public can expect from us is available at Avoiding scams and false information.

For help to complete your Census, visit www.census.abs.gov.au

For help in your language, phone the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.