Urban and Regional Research Glossary
The following list provides the commonly accepted definitions for Department of Planning and Community Development research terms used on this web site. If you require a definition for research terms not in this list or further clarification on any terms, please visit our Urban and Regional Research contacts page.
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A
ABS population projections
The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces population projections on a regular basis. These are statistical projections for large geographic areas – Australia, the States, capital cities and balance of states. The most recent set was released in 2004, covering the years 2003 to 2101 (ABS cat no. 3222.0). ABS projections usually include multiple sets of assumptions about fertility rates, mortality rates, overseas migration numbers and interstate migration numbers. The most recent set of projections produces 72 different series, with three main series (A, B and C). Series B is the most commonly used series and is known as the “medium” series.
Affordable housing
Commonly means that the dwelling can be rented or purchased without putting the household into ‘housing stress’, which is where they pay more than 30% of disposable income on rent or mortgage repayments. See housing stress.
Age specific death rates
The number of deaths each year, per 1,000 of the population of that age.
Age specific fertility rates
The number of births (occurred or registered) each year according to the age of the mother, per 1,000 of the female population of that age. Five year age-cohorts are used between 15 and 49 years. Births to mothers younger than 15 are included in the 15-19 year age group while those to mothers over 50, are included in the 45-49 year age group.
Age specific migration
The migration patterns for particular age groups.
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
Australia's official statistical agency, whose functions are outlined in the Census and Statistics Act 1905 and other legislation. Many of the definitions supplied here are those used by the ABS. The ABS is responsible for producing official statistics including national accounts figures, population estimates, and the 5-yearly Census of Population and Households.
Average annual growth rate
The compounded growth rate of a population applied to annual intervals. The formula for this is as follows:
=( ( Pj / Pi )1/n - 1) x 100
where
Pj = Population at end of period
Pi = Population at start of period
n = number of years between start and end of period
The average number of people per household in any given area.
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B
Baby Boomers
Those people born in Australia between the end of the Second World War (1945) and the mid 1960's (usually 1965).
Bedrooms
This provides a count of the number of bedrooms in occupied private dwellings, including caravans in caravan parks.
Birthplace
The country of birth of each individual. Current names of countries are used, and in some cases countries are grouped for convenience (for example countries of the former USSR).
Broadhectare land
Undeveloped land identified for residential development, generally located on the fringe of the metropolitan area. Also referred to as greenfield or broadacre land.
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C
Cadastre
The public register of land boundaries that defines the separate holdings of land.
Catchment
The area served by a particular centralised service or function, such as a hospital.
CBD
The central business district (CBD) of Melbourne is the commercial centre of Melbourne, and is usually regarded as the area bounded by Spring, Flinders, Spencer and La Trobe Streets.
CDATA
A proprietary product from the ABS containing data from the Census. CDATA details census data in a range of formats, including tables and maps for a variety of different geographical regions. Specific products are labelled by the year of the Census which they contain data for eg CDATA 2001.
Census
A census consists of the collection, compilation and publication of demographic, economic and social information relating to all persons in a country or area defined by specific boundaries at a particular time (United Nations 1969, Principles and Recommendations for the 1970 Population Censuses). A census differs from a survey as it covers the entire population rather than a segment or sample of the population.
Census of Population and Households
The Census of Population and Households in Australia is carried out every 5 years by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The objective of the Census is to take a snapshot of the number and characteristics of the people in Australia at one point in time.
Collection District (CD)
The smallest geographical area defined by the ABS, used for the collection of census information. In urban areas, there is an average of 225 dwellings in each CD. In rural areas the numbers of dwellings per CD declines as population densities decrease. CDs are defined for each census and are only current at census time. They cover, in aggregate, the whole of Australia without gaps or overlaps. There are approximately 7900 CDs in Victoria.
Completed fertility
Represents the average number of births women in a given age group have had. It is calculated by summing the age-specific birth rates experienced by that age group of women over their reproductive life.
Crown land
Land which has no official tenure under land legislation and which is held and managed by the Government.
Crude birth rate
Relates to the number of live births registered in any given year per 1,000 estimated resident population for that year at June 30.
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D
Deaths
The death of a person where a death certificate can be issued. A death is counted as indigenous where the death information form contains an identifier of indigenous status.
Decentralisation
The movement of people, jobs and activities from the centre or core of major metropolitan areas to suburban and outlying locations.
Demography
The scientific and statistical study of population and in particular the size of populations, their development and structure. It therefore focuses on the empirical, mathematical and statistical analysis of births and fertility, deaths and mortality and migration processes and their effects on population size, structure, composition and distribution and on the causes and consequences of changes in these variables.
Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
The Australian Government agency that gathers immigration data. Previously the Department of Immigration, Multiculturalism and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA).
DPCD
Department of Planning and Community Development
DSE
Department of Sustainability and Environment
Dwelling
A building or structure in which people live. This can be a building, such as a house, part of a building, such as a flat, or it could be a caravan, a tent or humpy.
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E
Economic growth
The increase of the productive capacity and output of a country (or region), usually measured in terms of Gross National Product.
Empty nesters
People whose children have grown up and left the parental home. The term usually refers to couples still living together rather than those who have separated or one of the partners has died.
Employed
Those persons aged 15 years or more who are (i) in paid employment for one hour or more per week, (ii) employers, self-employed persons or unpaid family helpers who worked in the family business or farm for one hour or more per week, (iii) were employees with a job who were on leave, stood down or on strike, on workers' compensation or doing paid study, or (iv) employers, self-employed persons or unpaid family helpers not at work.
Enumerated population
The number of people counted in a particular area on census night, including temporary visitors and excluding residents who were absent on census night.
Estimated Resident Population (ERP)
The official Australian Bureau of Statistics estimate of the Australian population. The ERP is based on results of the Census and is compiled at 30 June each census year and updated for Australia, States and Territories quarterly between censuses, and annually for statistical local areas. The intercensal estimates are revised each time the census is taken.
Exurban
See peri-urban.
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F
Family
A family consists of two or more persons, one of whom is at least 15 years of age, who are related by blood, marriage (including de facto) adoption, step or fostering, and who are usually resident in the same household.
Fertility rate
The average number of children a woman can expect to have over her life, based on current rates of childbearing.
Fringe Melbourne or urban fringe
This term usually refers to the non-urban area within the Melbourne metropolitan area and includes both 'towns' such as Pakenham, Melton and Sunbury as well as areas that are considered rural. However, the term “fringe LGAs” is often used to refer to all of the outer municipalities in Melbourne that border regional Victoria, including Wyndham, Melton, Hume, Whittlesea, Nillumbik, Yarra Ranges, Cardinia, and Casey.
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G
Generation X
Refers to people born from the mid 1960s to the late 1970s. Australia recorded its highest number of births in 1971.
Generation Y
Refers to people born between 1980 and 2000. This generation is sometimes referred to as the ‘baby echo’ as the numbers of births climbed in the late 1980s. This was a product of the large numbers of Baby Boomers having children as fertility rates were continuing to decline.
Geographic Information System (GIS)
A system for capturing, storing and using data which is spatially referenced. The term is often associated with a specific set of information technology components.
Green Wedges
The Green Wedges are areas on Melbourne's fringe with environmental, social or economic significance. There are 12 green wedges, spanning 17 municipalities and land use in these areas is restricted to exclude major residential and industrial uses.
Group household
A group household is a household containing two or more unrelated people where all persons are aged 15 years or more, and where there are no couple relationships, parent-child relationships or other blood relationships.
Growth areas
Local government areas identified by high rates of dwelling growth and population growth, they currently include Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Whittlesea and Wyndham.
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H
Hinterland
Literally meaning 'back country', the term hinterland refers to a geographical area served by a population, economic or political centre.
Holiday home
See second home.
House
A detached building used for long-term residential purposes. When referring to the physical structures in which people live, the term ‘dwelling’ is used to include all types of private accommodation. See dwelling.
Household
Either a group of two or more related or unrelated people who usually reside in the same dwelling, who regard themselves as a household, and who make common provision for food or other essentials for living or a person who makes provision for his/her own food and other essentials for living, without combining with any other person to form part of a multi-person household.
Household size
The number of persons per household. Average household size is simply the average number of persons per household in any given area.
Household type
The type of household within a dwelling. The most commonly used types are Group households, Lone person households, Other households and Family households which include Couples without Children, Couples with Children, Single Parent Families and Other Family Households. Note that family households can contain non-family members, such as unrelated persons and visitors. The Other household category includes households for which information for all persons has been imputed, and households containing only persons aged under 15 years.
Housing Affordability
The issue of the ability of purchasers or renters to afford housing appropriate to their needs, and in a location that provides access to jobs, education or services. An examination of housing affordability will generally relate to the amount of disposable income required to rent or buy housing and can also include assessment of other related costs (for example, increased transport costs due to location of housing).
Housing stress
Housing stress is commonly accepted as the situation where households in the bottom 40% of the household income distribution have housing costs that exceed 30% of their disposable income.
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I
Income
This is the usual gross weekly income of all people aged 15 years and over. It is the income before tax, superannuation, health insurance, and other deductions. It includes income from family allowance and supplement, pensions, unemployment benefits, student allowance, maintenance (child support), superannuation, wages, salary, overtime, dividends, rents received, interest received, farm or business income (less operation expenses) and workers compensation. Household income is the sum of the personal incomes of each resident present in the household.
Income quartiles
Income quartiles simply divide the population, based on its income recorded by the Census, into four groups that contain equal numbers of people for a large geographical area (such as Victoria). The range of incomes that covers each of these one-quarter of the population groups can then be used to compare to other areas to see what proportion of the population fits into each of the income quartiles. Income quartiles can be calculated for individuals and for households.
While household incomes provide some measure of well-being, they should not be used to interpret growth or declines in well-being at an individual level. For instance, where household size is declining, household incomes may also show some decline without necessarily impacting upon the well-being of individuals in those households.
Industry
The type of industry in which persons are employed. Industries were classified according to the Australian Standard Industrial Classification (ASIC) until the publication in 2006 of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC). The main tasks that a person performed in the main job held during the week prior to Census night and the name and address of the employer are used to determine the industry of employment. Listed below are the major groups of the ASIC Second Edition -- the ANZSIC groupings are similar and can be downloaded from the ABS website.
- Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
Includes all units mainly engaged in 'agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting'. The term agriculture is used here in the broad sense to include the breeding, keeping or cultivation of all kinds of animal or vegetable life except forest trees and marine life. Forestry includes afforestation, harvesting and gathering of forest products. Fishing includes the catching, gathering, breeding and cultivation of marine life from ocean, coastal and inland waters. Hunting includes the catching or taking of all types of animal wildlife on land.
Mining
Includes all units mainly engaged in 'mining', in exploration for minerals, and in the provision of a wide variety of services to mining and mineral exploration as well as mining units under development.
Manufacturing
Includes all units mainly engaged in manufacturing. In a broad sense manufacturing relates to the physical or chemical transformation of materials or components into new products, whether the work is performed by power driven machines or by hand.
Electricity, Gas and Water Supply
Includes all units mainly engaged in the generation, transmission or distribution of electricity; the manufacture of town gas from coal and/or petroleum or the distribution of manufactured town gas, natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas through a mains reticulation system; the storage, purification or supply of water; or the operation of sewerage or drainage systems including sewerage treatment plants.
Construction
Includes all units mainly engaged in constructing buildings (including the on-site assembly and erection of prefabricated buildings), roads, railroads, aerodromes, irrigation projects, harbour or river works, water, gas, sewerage or stormwater drains or mains, electricity or other transmission lines or towers, pipelines, oil refineries or other specified civil engineering projects. In general, units mainly engaged in the repair of buildings or of other structures are also included in this Division, as are those engaged in the alteration or renovation of buildings, preparation of mine sites, demolition or excavation.
Wholesale and Retail Trade
Includes all units mainly engaged in wholesale trade. The term 'wholesale trade' is used here in the broad sense to include the resale (as agents or principals) of new or used goods to businesses or to institutional (including Government) users.
Retail Trade includes all units mainly engaged in the resale of new or used goods to final consumers for personal or household consumption or in selected repair activities such as repair of household equipment or motor vehicles. Businesses engaged in retail trade include department stores or other shops, motor vehicle retailers and service outlets, stalls, mail order houses, hawkers, door-to-door sellers, milk vendors, vending machine operators and consumer cooperatives. Units mainly selling goods on commission basis to final consumers for personal or household consumption are included. However, cafes, restaurants, hotels and motels are included on Division H Accommodation, Cafes and Restaurants.
Accommodation, Cafes and Restaurants
Includes all units mainly engaged in providing hospitality services in the form of accommodation, meals and drinks.
Transport and Storage
Includes all units mainly engaged in providing hospitality services in the form of accommodation, meals and drinks.
Communication Services
Includes all units mainly engaged in providing postal, courier and telecommunications services.
Finance, Property and Business Services
Includes all units mainly engaged in the provision of finance, in investing money in predominantly financial assets, in providing services to lenders, borrowers and investors, in providing insurance cover of all types, and in providing services to insurance underwriters and to people of organisations seeking insurance. This division includes all units predominantly engaged in renting and leasing assets as well as units engaged in providing a wide variety of business services.
Public Administration and Defence
Includes all Central, State and Local Government units mainly engaged in government administration and regulatory activities, as well as judicial authorities and commissions, representatives of overseas governments, and the Army, Navy and Air Defence forces and civilian units mainly engaged in defence administration.
Education
Includes all units mainly engaged in providing education.
Community Services
Includes all units mainly engaged in providing community services.
Recreational, Personal and Other Services
Includes units, which are mainly engaged in providing personal services, and recreational facilities and services.
Infant mortality rate
The number of infants per 1,000 live births who die before the age of one year.
Infill development
New residential development that occurs on small sites in established suburbs and produces less than ten new dwellings.
Infrastructure
The installations and facilities that provide a fundamental framework for an economy, facilitating industrial, agricultural and other forms of economic development. It includes the provision of transport, communication, power supplies and other public utilities.
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L
Labour force
People aged 15 years and over who are employed or unemployed and actively looking for work.
Labour intensive
A form of production in which a high proportion of labour is used relative to the amount of land or capital employed.
Local Government Area (LGA)
The geographical area for which an incorporated local government council is responsible.
Lone-person household
This is defined as a person who makes provision for the essentials of living without combining with any other person to form part of a multi-person household.
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M
Marital status
Married persons are those who are reported as being married (including de facto) and where both are usual residents of the household at the time of the census. A de facto marriage is regarded as one where the relationship of two people of the same or opposite sex is reported as de facto, partner, common law husband/wife/spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend.
Mean
The average value of a set of numbers. For example, the mean annual income in Victoria would be equal to the sum of the incomes of every Victorian divided by the total number of Victorians.
Median
In statistics, the median is the middle value of a set of numbers or data points; half will fall above the median and half below.
Medium density housing
Generally defined as more than one dwelling on an ordinary house block, or any form of attached housing such as townhouses or apartments.
Melbourne metropolitan area
This area covers the metropolitan area of Melbourne, including outlying towns such as Werribee, Melton, Sunbury, Craigieburn, Healesville and Pakenham as well as the Mornington Peninsula. This area is equivalent to the 31 Melbourne Local Government Areas and is also referred to as the 'Melbourne region'.
Melbourne Statistical Division (MSD)
This area covers the same area as the Melbourne Metropolitan area except for the upper part of Yarra Ranges Shire. The MSD is defined by the ABS and is sometimes used as a more convenient geographical area in preference to the Melbourne Metropolitan area. In 2001 there was only a difference of 567 persons in the Melbourne Metropolitan area, compared to the MSD.
Mesh Blocks
Mesh Blocks are a new micro level of geographic unit, about four or fives times smaller than a Collection District, that are currently being developed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The minimum number of dwellings in each Mesh Block will be between 20 and 50 except where a Mesh Block is deliberately designed to have zero population. Mesh Blocks will be used for both population statistics and other types of data, such as agricultural production. Mesh Blocks will be small so that they can aggregate reasonably accurately to many different geographical regions, administrative, management and political boundaries. Thus, by coding statistics to Mesh Blocks, it will be possible to produce summary statistics for a whole range of geographical regions not currently represented.
Metadata
Information about data or data sets. Metadata is essential for the user to determine correct use of a data set, whether in digital or analogue form.
Metropolis
A term applied loosely to any large city, but specifically to that city in a country which is the seat of government, of ecclesiastical authority, or of commercial activity.
Migration
The movement of people from one area to another. This movement may take place within a city or region, between different States (interstate migration) or between different countries (overseas migration).
Mobile population
A term which recognises the dynamic nature of populations. Increasingly, people are travelling more and living or working in multiple locations. Most population data counts people in a single location, therefore a full understanding of population change and servicing needs requires consideration of population mobility. See also service population; second home.
Mode of travel
The method of travel to work for each person aged 15 years or more who was employed during the week before the census. Up to three different methods of travel are recorded for each person.
Mortality
The frequency with which deaths occur in a population. Age specific mortality rates relate to the propensity of people of a given age to die before their next birthday.
Mortgage repayments
These are housing loan repayments being paid by a household to purchase the dwelling in which it was enumerated. It may also be applicable to caravans.
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N
Natural increase
The difference between the number of births and the number of deaths. When this difference is negative it is referred to as Natural Decrease.
Net migration
The number of people moving into an area, minus the number of people moving out of that area. Net interstate migration for Victoria is the number of people arriving from other states of Australia minus the number of people leaving Victoria to move interstate. Net overseas migration is the number of immigrants arriving from overseas, minus the number of emigrants leaving to move overseas.
Net population growth
The total amount of population change, whether positive or negative, between two periods in any given area.
Non-private dwelling
A non-private dwelling is a form of establishment which provides a communal type of accommodation eg hotels, motels, boarding houses, prisons and hospitals.
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O
Occupation
The type of work carried out regardless of the industry in which it is performed. This variable was coded using the Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO) Second Edition until the introduction in 2006 of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). The Occupation code assigned is based on the main job held during the week prior to Census night. Listed below are the major group levels of the ASCO Second Edition -- the updated ANZSCO groupings are similar and can be downloaded from the ABS website.
- Managers and Administrators
Managers and administrators head government, legislative, industrial, commercial, agricultural and other establishments, or departments within these organisations. They determine the policy of the organisation or department, and direct its functioning, usually through other managers, and coordinate economic, social, technical, legal and other policies.
Professionals
Professionals perform analytical, conceptual and creative tasks through the application of theoretical knowledge and experience in the fields of science, engineering, business and information, health, education, social welfare and the arts.
Associate Professionals
Associate Professionals perform complex technical and administrative support functions which require an understanding of the underlying theories and methods of a particular field and significant practical skills. Tasks are often performed in support of professionals.
Tradespersons and Related Workers
Tradespersons and Related Workers perform a variety of tasks, applying a body of trade or industry specific technical knowledge and operate a wide variety of complex precision machinery or plant to complete several stages in the fabrication and maintenance of products.
Advanced Clerical and Service Workers
Advanced Clerical and Service Workers perform a range of complex organisational, administrative, service and liaison tasks requiring a degree of independence, discretion, and judgement.
Intermediate Clerical, Sales and Service Workers
Intermediate Clerical, Sales and Service Workers perform a range of clerical, sales, and service tasks requiring a limited degree of discretion and judgement.
Intermediate Production and Transport Workers
Intermediate Production and Transport Workers operate plant, machinery, vehicles and other equipment to transport passengers and goods, to move materials, to generate power and to perform various agricultural, manufacturing and construction functions.
Elementary Clerical, Sales and Service Workers
Elementary Clerical, Sales and Service Workers perform a range of clerical, sales and service tasks, usually under supervision, within established routines and procedures.
Labourers and Related Workers
Labourers and Related Workers perform routine tasks, usually working under close supervision.
Other residential dwellings
A broad Australian Bureau of Statistics definition of dwellings other than attached houses, including semi-detached houses, flats and apartments.
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P
Peri-urban
Literally means ‘around an urban area’. The terms peri-metropolitan or exurban may also be used. In discussions on population, land use and planning it usually refers to areas around cities which display a particular style of semi-rural development and function. It usually involves rural residential lifestyles in which people live on rural land but do not undertake commercial agricultural operations on it. Such residents may commute to nearby towns and cities for work or may be retired. Often, peri-urban development includes second homes which may be vacant part of the time. See also tree change; sea change; second homes.
Peri-urban development
Refers to a rural residential style of development that occurs around larger towns and cities, in which people live on rural land but do not undertake commercial agricultural operations. Such residents may commute to nearby towns and cities for work or may be retired. Often peri-urban development includes second homes which may be vacant for part of the time. See also tree change; sea change; second home.
Participation rate
The ratio of the labour force to the civilian population aged 15 years or more.
Peak population
A measure of the highest population level which an area might experience. Coastal, alpine or other locations which attract greater numbers of people at particular times of the year generally have a great variation in their population level. Because the provision of infrastructure and services needs to take peak capacity requirements into consideration, a knowledge of estimated peak populations is important to governments. See also service population.
Population density
The number of people in relation to the space in which they live. The most common measure is the number of persons per square kilometre.
Population projections
Estimates of the future size and characteristics of a population, based on the pattern of past trends and the predicted future pattern of births, deaths, migration and land availability.
Private dwellings
A private dwelling is normally a house, flat, part of a house, or even a room; or a house attached to, or rooms above, shops or offices; an occupied caravan in a caravan park or craft in a marina; a houseboat; or a tent if it is standing on its own block of land.
Public sector
That part of a national economy subject to direct government ownership and control. The constituents of the public sector are the departments of central and local government, various government agencies and the nationalised industries. The public sector is motivated by the welfare of the community as a whole.
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Q
Quartile
The values which divide a frequency distribution or set of ranked observations into four equal parts.
Quintile
The values which divide a frequency distribution or set of ranked observations into five equal parts.
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R
Redevelopment sites
Parcels of land that are being redeveloped from their current urban use (for example, industrial, commercial or residential) into residential dwellings. Data on major redevelopment sites in Victoria are gathered by the government's Urban Development Program for the purposes of analysing current and future land supply. Major Redevelopment Sites are those in which the total dwelling yield of the development is 10 or greater.
Regional Victoria
This refers to those areas of Victoria which fall outside the Melbourne metropolitan area.
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S
Sea change
Migration of a person to a coastal region with the objective of improving their lifestyle. See also tree change; peri-urban development; second home.
Second home
Often referred to as holiday homes, second homes are dwellings that are owned by, but not the principal residence of, an individual. In some areas (especially coastal sea change and inland tree change regions) such dwellings comprise a large proportion of the housing stock and may be occupied to different degrees at different times of the year. With the advent of telecommuting and more flexible working arrangements, such houses can become part-time residences in a multiple-residence household rather than simply being used for holiday purposes. See also tree change; sea change; peri-urban development.
Sector
Parts of the economy as judged by the economic activity that they constitute. For example agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining constitute the primary sector.
Separate house
A house standing separately in its own grounds but separated from other dwellings by at least half a metre.
Service population
Refers to the population which requires local services. While the local residents of a region will be included in this category, there may also be other groups who place demands upon local services such as: tourists and other visitors; casual workers; second home residents and other property owners who live outside the region but visit for periods of time. Coastal regions are particularly affected by service populations due to the large increase in visitors during peak holiday season and during major events. In such cases, the peak population can be 4-5 times higher than the local resident population, placing stress on a range of government and community services. See also mobile population; peak population.
Spatial information
Information which includes a reference to a two or three dimensional position in space as one of its attributes.
Statistical Division (SD)
Geographical area defined by the ABS, consisting of one or more statistical subdivisions and covering, in aggregate, the whole of Australia without gaps or overlaps. They do not cross State or Territory boundaries and are the largest statistical area building blocks of States and Territories. There are 11 statistical divisions in Victoria.
Statistical Local Area (SLA)
Geographical area defined by the ABS which consists of one or more CDs. SLAs are generally smaller than LGAs. They cover, in aggregate, the whole of Australia without gaps or overlaps. There are 199 SLAs in Victoria.
Statistical Subdivision (SSD)
A geographical area created by the ABS for statistical purposes Victoria is divided into 45 SSDs. SLAs aggregate to SSDs and SSDs aggregate to SDs.
Suburb
A district within the metropolitan area which lies within commuting distance of the centre, and which can have a distinct social and urban identity. Suburbs are registered with the Victorian Registrar of Geographic Names and published in the Victorian Government Gazette.
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T
Tenure
This applies to all private dwellings, and describes whether households are renting or purchasing or whether they own the dwelling in which they were enumerated on census night, or whether they live in the dwelling under some other arrangement. The category 'purchasing' includes being purchased under a rent/buy scheme. The category 'other' includes being occupied rent free and being occupied under a life-tenure scheme. The percentages given represent percentages of households.
Total fertility rate (TFR)
The average number of children a woman can expect to have over her life, based on current rates of childbearing.
Total population
The total number of persons counted in an area on census night. This figure includes all visitors and excludes any residents overseas, interstate or elsewhere in Victoria on census night. See also census.
Tree change
Migration of a person to an inland area with the objective of improving their lifestyle. Areas with high landscape quality and attractive climates often attract such tree change migration. See also sea change; peri-urban development; second homes.
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U
Urban Growth Boundary (UGB)
The boundary placed around Melbourne beyond which land may not be rezoned for residential or industrial use. The UGB has been implemented as part of the Melbourne 2030 planning strategy.
Urban Melbourne
The term 'urban Melbourne' is used to describe the parts of the Melbourne metropolitan area that are contiguously urban or suburban parts of Melbourne. This includes at least some part of every one of the 31 metropolitan local government areas and includes all inner and middle distance locations. The outer nine local government areas (Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mornington Peninsula, Nillumbik, Whittlesea, Wyndham and Yarra Ranges) are split into parts that may be deemed as part of urban Melbourne, rural areas or 'towns'. These include places such as Melton and Sunbury that are not joined to Melbourne although they are to all intents and purposes part of what is generally understood to constitute metropolitan Melbourne.
Unemployed
Persons who have no paid employment but are actively seeking work.
Unemployment rate
The number of unemployed persons expressed as a percentage of the labour force.
Unoccupied private dwellings
The number of private dwellings which are habitable but unoccupied on census night.
Usual residence (Census term)
That place where each person has lived or intends to live for six months or more from the reference date for data collection.
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V
Vacancy rates
Vacancy rates indicate the number of dwellings unoccupied as a proportion of all dwellings in a given area at the time of the census. Vacancy rates will vary according to the time of the year and the location of towns. Coastal areas, for example, have a large number of vacant dwellings at the time of the Census.
Value-adding
Used as a synonym for manufacturing. Adding value to a primary product.
Vehicle
Vehicles for the purpose of the census are registered motor vehicles which are owned or used by members of a household and which were garaged or parked near the occupied private dwelling on census night. Company-owned vehicles kept at home are included, but motor bikes, scooters and tractors are excluded.
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X
Xylophone graph
A graphical means of showing how a local government area (LGA) compares to the rest of the state for a given Census variable.
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Web Site Updates
DPCD's websites are progressively being updated to reflect the changes following the establishment of the department. This means you will continue to see some references to the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) as changes are being made.