New Report: 2021 Census Data

Australian Bureau of Statistics

A new report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics using the 2021 Census dataset finds that approximately 8 million Australians live with a long-term health condition. Over 2.1 million Australians live with arthritis. 

The proportion of those with a long-term health condition increased with age. More than three out of every five (63%) people aged 65+ reported having at least one long-term health condition compared with one in five (22%) 15–34 year olds.

Mental illness is the most reported long-term health condition overall, followed by arthritis, and many people reported living with more than one long-term condition.

Previous research has shown us that, as with many chronic health conditions, people living with arthritis are more likely to also live with a mental health condition.

Here are 5 key points taken from the 2021 Census dataset:

1.  According to the census data, over 2.1 million Australians reported being diagnosed with arthritis

2.  Arthritis is the second most reported chronic health condition overall in the census

3.  Women were more likely to report having a long-term health condition, with arthritis being the most commonly reported

4.  Overall, more than 4.8 million people said they suffered one of the 10 long-term conditions listed in the census, 1.5 million reported living with two, and another 750,000 have three. Many of these long-term conditions share similar risk factors to those for arthritis.

5.  New census data on arthritis can show governments where more services are needed

To access the full report, visit https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/health-census/2021