Households across Australia are being reminded to check their mailboxes as instructions begin arriving for next month’s Census.
Census night will be held on Tuesday, August 11, with everyone in Australia that night required to be included on a Census form.
Most households will receive instructions explaining how to complete the Census online, while paper forms will be available for people who prefer them.
Australian Bureau of Statistics Census national spokesperson Emily Walter said households should keep an eye out for their instructions.
“Census instructions will start arriving in mailboxes over the coming weeks, so we’re asking households to check their mail,” Ms Walter said.
“Once you receive your instructions, you can complete your Census straight away if you already know where you’ll be on Census night. You don’t need to wait until 11 August.”
Watch the ABS explainer video below to learn more about the Census and why every response matters.
What is the Census?
Every five years, the Australian Bureau of Statistics counts every person and household in Australia through the Census of Population and Housing.
The information collected provides a snapshot of who lives in Australia, where people live and the circumstances of households and communities across the country.
Census data helps governments, businesses and community organisations make decisions about services and investment.
It is used when planning areas including transport, schools, health care, infrastructure and services for individuals, families and communities.
Accurate Census participation is particularly important for regional and remote areas, where population information can help demonstrate the need for local facilities, funding and essential services.
When is Census night?
Census night is Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
The answers provided should reflect where each person will be staying and their circumstances on that night.
However, households do not have to wait until August 11 to complete the form.
People can respond as soon as their instructions arrive, provided they already know where they and the other members of their household will be on Census night.
What will arrive in the mail?
Most households will receive a letter containing instructions for completing the Census online.
Some households will receive a paper form in the mail or have one delivered by a Census field officer.
Those who receive a paper form will still be able to complete the Census online if they would prefer to do so.
Paper forms can also be requested by households that receive online instructions but would rather complete a printed form.
The ABS expects about 85 per cent of Census forms to be completed online this year.
Who needs to be included?
Everyone who is in Australia on Census night must be included on a Census form.
This includes residents, children, babies, visitors and visa holders.
People staying somewhere other than their usual home should be included at the place where they spend Census night.
Households should make sure everyone staying at their address on the night of August 11 is accounted for when completing the form.
What questions are asked?
The Census form asks questions about each person and their household.
These include questions about:
- age
- country of birth
- cultural background
- living arrangements
- employment
- education
- housing and household circumstances.
The information is combined with millions of other responses to build an overall picture of Australia.
Individual responses are used by the ABS for statistical purposes, rather than being published as personal records.
How long will it take?
The ABS estimates it will take the average household about 30 minutes to complete the Census form.
The amount of time required will depend on the size of the household and the circumstances of the people being included.
Households may find it helpful to have information about each person’s work, education and living arrangements ready before beginning.
Is completing the Census compulsory?
Yes.
The Census is compulsory under the Census and Statistics Act 1905.
Everyone in Australia on Census night must be included, regardless of whether they are at home, travelling, visiting another household or temporarily living somewhere else.
What should households do now?
Residents should begin checking their mailboxes for Census instructions and keep the information in a safe place once it arrives.
Those who already know where everyone in their household will be staying on August 11 can complete the form immediately.
Others can wait until closer to Census night to ensure their answers accurately reflect their circumstances.
Further information and assistance are available through the official Census website at census.abs.gov.au.