Housing Atlas

Housing experiences and suitability as determinants of health: Population patterns of housing and correlated health risk factors and outcomes

Published: 2019

Introduction

Adequate and affordable housing is an important determinant of health. This report explores the housing circumstances of different population groups, drawing on small area geographic data from the 2016 Census of Population and Housing, health surveys, income support payment datasets, and administrative health datasets (e.g., perinatal statistics, potentially preventable hospitalisations, mortality) to examine area-level associations between the housing circumstances of different population groups and between housing circumstances and health outcomes.

Certain population groups are overrepresented among those living in poor quality dwellings, in unaffordable housing, or in precarious tenure arrangements, and may therefore be at higher risk of housing-related health impacts. Data reveal differences in housing circumstances among people living with a disability, older people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (hereafter ‘Aboriginal’) people, older Aboriginal people, people born in predominantly non-English-speaking countries, recent migrants from predominantly non-English-speaking countries, families with children aged under 15 years, and single parent families. The housing circumstances of these different population groups also vary widely between states and territories.

By exploring national data about housing circumstances and health at small geographic area levels, this report provides an evidence base for understanding the many and diverse ways in which housing may influence—and be influenced by—health and health inequalities. In particular, data suggest that housing-related factors such as housing affordability may be an important mediator of the relationship between socioeconomic disadvantage and health.

Key Findings

Housing circumstances

Close to one-quarter of migrants arriving in Australia in the last ten years from non-English-speaking countries were living in a crowded dwelling; they also were more than twice as likely as the national average to live in a rented house.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were more than twice as likely as the national average to live in a rented home; and were more than eight times as likely to live in social housing.

Housing and health

Housing tenure was often associated with poor self-assessed health; for example, areas with a higher proportion of social housing tended to have more people reporting fair or poor health. The strongest associations were seen for South Australia and Tasmania.
In addition, in some states there was an elevated prevalence of non-communicable diseases and behavioural risk factors, with those living in areas with a high density of social housing most likely to be smokers, and to be classified as obese. These associations were strongest in Tasmania and South Australia.

More key findings can be found here

Link to Housing Atlas report here

View the Housing Atlas

Housing Atlas: Maps

Single map

The Single Map presents all indicators for all areas allowing users to explore and understand patterns and trends for a range of datasets.

Double map

The Double Map enables users to select two different indicators to compare on two synchronised maps within the same view. The two indicators selected are also presented as a Scatterplot to assess potential correlations.

Area Profile map

The Area profile Map presents the indicators in a single view using a spine chart. In this way users can readily see how the selected area compares with the national average percentage or rate for each indicator.

*For the Area profile templates to show any data, you must select an area by highlighting it on the map. Learn more ...

Housing Atlas: Remoteness Graphs and Inequality Graphs

Remoteness Graphs

The Remoteness Graphs present the Housing Atlas indicators, where available, by Remoteness Area, for Australia and the State/ Territory areas (excluding ACT). For information on the Remoteness classes or interpreting the graphs, refer to the Remoteness graphs: Introduction.

Inequality Graphs

The Inequality graphs present the Housing Atlas indicators, where available, by Quintiles of Socioeconomic Disadvantage of Area, for Australia, States/ Territories, and the Capital cities and Rest of State/ Territory areas. For background information and an overview on interpreting the graphs, refer to the Inequality graphs: Introduction.

Housing Atlas: Data workbooks

View Notes on the data

Authored by PHIDU