Research Guides: Early Australian census records: Key statistics

Key statistics

Quick starting points for statistical research are listed on this page. To discover more detailed resources, including those with information about individuals, click on your area of interest:

Up to 1901, statistics were collected by individual colonies or states, so the information collected was not always consistent. This means statistics collected across the censuses may not be directly comparable. Consult the Census history and Aboriginal Australians sections of this research guide for more information.

Online resources

Australian historical population statistics
Basic population data in Excel spreadsheet format, going back in some cases to 1788. Statistics include population size and growth, population distribution, population age-sex structure, births, deaths, migration, marriages and divorces. These are given for Australia and for each colony where available.
Historical census and colonial data archive
Detailed data from Australian census and muster reports from 1833 to 1901.

Note: The easiest way to view this data is to download the .xtml files (the fourth option in the list of files) and then open it with your preferred web browser.
Historical Census reference materials and information (1911-2011)
Find data and information dating back to the first Australian Census in 1911
Origins: immigrant communities in Victoria
Population numbers of immigrant groups in Victoria over time (often including statistics divided by age and gender). Also includes background information on the 1854 and 1901 censuses, and immigration law. Produced by Museum Victoria.
Population and vital statistics bulletin, 1900-1971
A statistical account of Australia and New Zealand, 1890-1904

Resources at the Library

Birthplaces of the Australian people: colonial and commonwealth censuses, 1828-1991 by James Jupp, Barry York
The convict settlers of Australia by L L Robson
Statistics about male and female convict ages, marital statuses, occupations, religions, birthplaces, counties of trial, sentences, periods of transportation, year of departure and number of former offenses. More detailed statistics can be found in the publications of Carol J Baxter.

Population of Australia

Population of Australia in 1880 [map of Australia with statistics]; H15362/29

Early Australian census records

Key statistics

Online resources

Resources at the Library

Population of Australia

State Library Victoria