Veteran Data – 2021 ABS Census
The NSW Office for Veterans Affairs has undertaken an analysis of the veteran landscape in NSW using the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2021 Census data and produced a series of reports. The Census is a comprehensive survey conducted every five years that provides a snapshot of Australia's population, including their demographic characteristics, education, employment, and income.
The reports cover population, gender and age, as well as the distribution of current and proposed veterans’ hubs and ex-service organisations. Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) data has also been added to the reports providing the numbers of DVA pensioners, Veteran Card holders and transition data.
The reports provide insights into key trends and patterns in the defence and veteran community across NSW as well as at a regional and local level.
Individuals are able to access the Census and DVA data sets used in these reports from the following links:
Census analysis: interactive data
The interactive reports provide a statewide view of the Census data. Users are able to filter the reports by regional and/or local boundaries.
Region boundaries align with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Statistical Area Level 4 (SA4). Local boundaries align with the Australian Electoral Commission Local Government Areas (LGA).
In April 2026, the reports have been refreshed and some of the key changes include:
- Region names and boundaries have been updated to align with ABS SA4 regions, making them more robust and statistically sound.
- The number of regions has increased from 13 to 16.
- LGA boundaries remain unchanged, however, due to the changes in the regional boundaries, some LGAs may now be included in different regions.
- An interactive map has been included and provides a visual representation of the data and boundaries.
- A comprehensive percentages table has been added.
- A list and map of the LGAs within each SA4 region has been included within the report for ease of access and reference.
- A definitions page has been added.
For any queries about the reports or the data, including corrections, additions or suggestions, please email the NSW Office for Veterans Affairs at VeteransAffairs@veterans.nsw.gov.au.