4 February 2014

Latest results from the 2013 Census show that the median annual income for West Coast households increased 45.5 percent since the 2006 Census, from $37,800 to $55,000. This was the largest percentage increase in the country. Nationally, the median household income reached $63,800, up from $51,400 in 2006.

2013 Census regional summary tables – part 2, released today, gives an interesting impression of the West Coast region and its districts.

“For instance, the West Coast region also had the highest percentage increase in the number of households with six-figure incomes. In the year to 31 March 2013, 19.1 percent of households in the region reported an income of $100,000 or more, up from 9.0 percent in 2006,” Census General Manager Sarah Minson said.

The number of West Coast residents employed in the mining industry increased from 630 in 2006 to 1,134 in 2013. This was the largest increase of all industries in the region. At the 2013 Census, the mining industry accounted for 7.3 percent of the employed West Coast population, up from 4.2 percent in 2006.

The largest industry on the West Coast region was agriculture, forestry, and fishing, which accounted for 11.6 percent of the employed population in 2013. This was down from 13.4 percent in 2006.

“This local breakdown of census information is some of the most important, as it will help communities and service providers plan for the future,” Ms Minson said. “Providers of local services such as health, education, community, and recreational facilities can use census data to form a picture of the region and what it needs to succeed.”

2013 Census regional summary tables – part 2 has more information on topics such as religion, relationship status, occupation, and smoking.

ENDS

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