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Be counted in the Census

07 August 2026
Australian Bureau of Statistics. Two women sitting at a table filling out a Census form

Every response to the Census matters. Census night is the 11 August and it’s important that everyone is counted.

Every five years, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) counts every person and household in Australia. This is called the Census of Population and Housing. This year, the Census is on Tuesday 11 August 2026.

The Census collects important data that helps to tell the story of communities over time, including:

  • how we live
  • our relationships
  • education
  • languages spoken.

It can show what communities' strengths are and what’s needed to help them continue to grow.

Throughout July, households across Australia have been receiving letters with instructions on how to complete the Census online. However, Australians can also request a paper form if they prefer. You can complete the form as soon as you receive instructions, provided you know where you will be on Census night.

The Census provides information for the entire country, including small geographic areas and small population groups. Census data helps to inform decisions and planning for schools, health care, transport and infrastructure. It's also used to help plan local services for individuals, families and communities. 

Accurate data is important to allow governments, community organisations and businesses to make informed decisions to improve services across Australia. 

The Census is used to make decisions about:

  • schools and early learning
  • health clinics and aged care
  • jobs
  • better roads
  • language centres
  • community programs.

That’s why it’s important to include everyone who is staying in your home on Census night, such as Elders, babies and visitors.

How people in remote communities can do the Census

The ABS is working closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to make sure people who live in remote communities can take part and be counted.

Census staff will be available in remote communities between July and September 2026. Where possible, they'll be people who live in the community. 

Census staff will do face-to-face interviews. They'll ask questions and write down the answer. Then they’ll send your Census form safely back to us.

You can also choose to fill in a paper form yourself or go online to do the Census.

Why the Census matters

The Census provides the most detailed information of the Australian population and tells the story of how we are changing. The Census is the only data collection activity that provides information for the entire country, including for small geographic areas and small population groups.

Additional information

Census data is protected by the Privacy Act 1988 and the secrecy provisions of the C&S Act. The data from the 2026 Census will be released progressively from June 2027.

For more information, visit Information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples | Census.