The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released today a series of four measures, called Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), which compare the relative social and economic conditions of cities, towns and suburbs across Australia.

According to the ABS the most disadvantaged areas of Australia are located in remote areas of Northern Territory and Queensland, while the most advantaged areas are located in capital cities such as Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne (ranked using the Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage).

SEIFA is calculated on a range of variables from the 2006 Census. Each index summarises a different aspect of the socio-economic conditions of people living in an area. The indexes broadly compare areas and therefore areas ranked at the top and bottom are likely to show similar levels of advantage or disadvantage.

The four indexes in SEIFA 2006 are:

• The Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage: is a continuum of advantage (high values) to disadvantage (low values), and is derived from Census variables related to both advantage and disadvantage. Media are recommended to use this index.
• The Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage: focuses primarily on disadvantage, and is derived from Census variables like low income, low educational attainment, unemployment, and dwellings without motor vehicles. Note: This index cannot be reversed to show advantaged areas.
• The Index of Economic Resources: focuses on the financial aspects of advantage and disadvantage, using Census variables relating to residents' incomes, housing expenditure and assets.
• The Index of Education and Occupation: includes Census variables relating to educational attainment, employment and vocational skills.

Related Links:

Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas

Australian Bureau of Statistics 

Central Ranges LLEN Environmental Scan 2008-2011