Statistics research guide

You may need to access statistical data to support or illustrate your research. This guide will help you find and access key records and resources.

What the Library holds

You may find statistics in different formats:

  • Print: like government documents and historical census reports
  • Microform: like census results tables on microfiche
  • CD ROMs: historical reports sometimes have CD ROM versions
  • Online: Library records may link directly to the Australian Bureau of Statistics
  • Other online resources from the Library's eResources collection

Australian Bureau of Statistics

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is the lead source for a range of Australian statistics. Many full-text publications are available on the ABS website, and there is a growing number of historical publications. Use the search bar at the top, and the menu at the bottom of the ABS home page to help you navigate the website.

Featured resource

Includes statistics and information on the Australian people, geography, resources, transport and communication, trade and finance.

Statistics - Commonwealth Bureau of Census and Statistics

Commonwealth Bureau of Census and Statistics (Australia), The Australian Commonwealth : its resources and production, 1908, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-52803046

In this guide

cover of book 'Australians, historical statistics'

Wray Vamplew, (1987), Australians, historical statistics / editor, Wray Vamplew. Broadway, N.S.W., Australia : Fairfax, Syme & Weldon Associates, nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn1781123

Historical statistics

The major official sources of Australian colonial statistics are available on microform as part of the ABS Colonial Microfiche collection.

Research guide
Cover of the first Commonwealth census, 1911

George Knibbs & Commonwealth Bureau of Census and Statistics (Australia), The first Commonwealth census, 3rd April, 1911 : notes, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-52795086

Population and census report statistics

Census information is useful for the study of historical and contemporary statistics and population trends.

Research guide
cover of the book 'The little book of Australia'

David Dale, (2010), The little book of Australia / David Dale. Crows Nest, N.S.W. : Allen & Unwin, nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn4737717

Australian statistics

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is usually the first stop for statistics information.

Research guide
cover of the 'Province of Ontario' 1877

Ontario. Parliament & Sydney Intercolonial Exhibition (1877 : Sydney, N.S.W.). (1877). The Province of Ontario as it is : containing manufacturing, commercial, statistical and other valuable information. Toronto, Ontario : Legislature of the Province of Ontario nla.gov.au/nla.obj-33590540

Overseas statistics

Some of the major overseas government statistical agencies, the equivalents of the Australian Bureau of Statistics, provide comprehensive, free information from national to local levels.

Research guide
old brochure about Canberra

[Australian Capital Territory including Canberra : geographic ephemera collected by the National Library of Australia], nla.gov.au/nla.obj-36052758

Other statistics topics

How to find statistics in the Library and elsewhere

Research guide
Page published: 15 Oct 2021

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