Community & Business
11 August, 2026
Census Night is Tonight
Census night is tonight, but more than a million households completed the form a week earlier.
The official Census night is tonight (Tuesday, August 11) however, many people started early after the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reminded people across the nation they can complete their Census as soon as they receive their instructions.
Emily Walter, Census national spokesperson, said on August 4 that the ABS has already received more than a million completed Census forms one week out before Census night.
The official count at 11.15am on Tuesday, August 4 was 1,231,712 households had completed the Census.
This included 406,141 Census household completions in New South Wales, followed by Victoria (359,903), Queensland (213,496), Western Australia (122,250), South Australia (73,806), Tasmania (24,396), the Australian Capital Territory (24,035)and Northern Territory (5,853).
“Most households across Australia have started to receive Census letters with instructions on how to complete their Census, or how to order a paper form,” Walter said.
“If you are yet to receive your instructions or would like to complete the Census separately from the rest of your household, head to the Census website to get a Census number or request a paper form."
There are a range of support options on the website, including translated material, details on how to get in touch with the Census Contact Centre and where to find in-person help at local Pop-up Hubs across the country.
People who won’t be at their usual residence on Census night should go to the Census website and indicate whether the house will be vacant and if residents will be staying elsewhere or travelling.
For more information, visit census.abs.gov.au
Census night is Tuesday, August 11 2026. The Census is compulsory. Everyone in Australia on Census night must be included on a Census form. This includes visitors and visa holders.
