Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) - National Statistics - Statistics - Library Guides at University of Queensland Library

National statistics

The ABS homepage provides access to various Australian statistics relating to:

ABS Home page
Links to key national statistics and access to the most recent releases of data, statistics and reports.
Search
Use the ABS search icon at the top right of the home page to find data by topic.
Browse statistics
Browse for specific information. ABS data is grouped by major subject areas and then by topic or indicator. Click on the subject area of your choice.
View latest releases
View a list of the latest statistical releases or current articles published by ABS. Refer to the calendar of future releases so you can plan to have the most up to date information.

Understanding statistics
A help page designed by the ABS to support statistical literacy and assist in understanding, evaluating and communicating statistical data and information.
Methods
Outlines the reasons for data collection and the methodologies used for different topics, indicators and datasets.
Standards
Information on the statistical standards used to collect data and all necessary information for consistent measurement.
Census methodology and concepts
Access guidance and information on the 2021 census data collection, methodology, and processing. Understand Census variables and definitions and key concepts.
Statistical geography
Information to help you understand the geographies and standards used, and how to work with ABS data by region or area.
How to download data
Most ABS releases and tables can be downloaded as CSV or XLSX
Citing ABS statistics
All ABS data should be cited. Find out how to cite a range of ABS resources.
Accessibility
Outlines ABS support for accessibility and highlights any known issues

Archived ABS data is available through the ABS website and can be accessed in several ways:

Use the search or advanced search option for a topic of your choice and limit your results to particular years, or add the term 'archived' to locate older material.
Use the "Previous Releases" tab when viewing a set of current statistics to access older versions.
Browse older ABS statistics and publications using the Historical Publications Online pages.

Australian Historical Population Statistics
Australian Historical Population Statistics provides a wide range of demographic data from 1788 (where possible) - 2016, compiled in spreadsheet format. It covers topics such as population growth, age and sex, births, deaths, life expectancy, migration, country of birth, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.

UQ Library
UQ Library has a print collection of historical ABS publications pre-1994, which supplement material on the ABS website.

In Library Search, use the Advanced Search to enter your keyword or topic. From the results page, use the filters to limit results to Australian Bureau of Statistics.