Census of Population and Housing

The most comprehensive population count available in Australia is derived from the Census of Population and Housing, conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics every 5 years.  The 2006 Census was conducted on 8 August 2006. The next Census will be conducted on 7 August, 2011.

It is an official count of all people and dwellings in Australia on Census night, and collects details of age, sex and other characteristics of the population.

The City of Port Phillip demographic profile is available via a web-site:

City of Port Phillip Community Profile

The site presents a comprehensive socio-demographic profile based on questions asked in the Census. You can find out:

• How many people live here?
• How are we?
• What do we do?
• How do we live?

We are able to analyse local community characteristics and understand how they have changed over time.

Information is presented in a clear format with clear tables and charts with concise factual commentary which is designed to inform community groups, Council, investors, business, students and the general public.

Census information is used by all sections of the community, from state and federal government to town planners, community groups, students, large and small businesses and more:

• to estimate the population of each state, territory and local government area 
• to determine electoral boundaries and calculate the number of members to be elected to the House of Representatives from each state and self-governing territory
• to determine the distribution of Federal government funds to the states
• to show characteristics of Australia's people and their housing within small geographic areas and for small population groups 
• to give governments and other users information they can use to support planning, administration, policy development and evaluation activities 
• to help plan basic services such as housing, social security, transport, education, industry, shops and hospitals.  

	2006 Number	2006 %	2001 Number	2001 %	Change from 01-06
Total Population	85,012	100	78,227	100	+6,785
Males	42,322	49.8	38,870	49.7	+3,452
Females	42,690	50.2	39,357	50.3	+3,333

According to Census 2006 data, the City of Port Phillip has a population of 85,012. This is an 8.7% population growth compared to 2001 population of 78,227. 

All neighbourhoods experienced growth in populations, with varying degrees. St Kilda continues to be the largest neighbourhood with a population of 18,925. South Melbourne has the smallest population making up 8.6% of the total population with 7,275 persons. Port Melbourne experienced one of the most rapid growths increasing from 10,359 residents to 12,598. St Kilda Road also experienced a substantial growth increasing from 5,999 to 8,068 residents.

Small area population and household forecast data up to 2021 for the City of Port Phillip is now available. Access the forecast data website

Port Phillip in Profile - based on Census 2001

Australian Bureau of Statistics - raw data from Census available for the whole of Australia.

If you would like some help navigting the website, or would like more information on how to use Census data effectively, please contact the Coordinator, Social Planning and Policy via ASSIST on (03) 9209 6777 or TTy (03) 9209 6713. Alternatively, use eServices to ask us a question, request information or give us feedback online.