when is the next census in australia

The next national Census in Australia is scheduled for Tuesday, 11 August 2026.

Key details

• The 2026 Census will be Australia’s nineteenth national Census of Population and Housing, run by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

• Census night is specifically set for 11 August 2026 , with households able to complete their forms online or via paper around that date.

• Australia runs its Census every five years, so the previous one was in 2021 and the next after 2026 is expected in 2031 if the five‑year cycle continues.

Why this Census matters

• The Census provides a comprehensive snapshot of Australia’s population, housing, and social and economic characteristics.

• Governments, businesses, and community organisations use the data to plan services like transport, schools, hospitals, and local infrastructure.

Extra “latest news” angle

• The ABS has released a 2026 Census topics and data release plan, confirming new questions on gender and sexual orientation for the 2026 form.

• Most 2026 Census data is planned for release from June 2027, with further releases in October 2027 and early 2028.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.