Australia’s 2026 Census taken; results will reshape housing and services policy

Census data directly determines how federal and state funding is allocated for schools, hospitals, housing and social services for the next five years. Results affect everyone; the data collected this week will be the policy baseline until 2031.

In a nutshell: Australia’s nineteenth national Census of Population and Housing was conducted on Tuesday 11 August 2026. The ABS collected data on demographics, housing tenure, income, religion and — for the first time — sexual orientation and gender identity for people aged 16 and over. With population nearing 28 million, demographers expect significant shifts from the 2021 count. Most housing and income results will not be released until June 2027.