Housing

Dwelling type

About this topic

Dwelling type shows the structure of dwellings, such as separate houses, medium density housing, and higher density housing. It is a core measure of built form and residential density within an area.

This topic helps explain the housing role of an area and the kinds of households it may attract. It is best read with household size, household type, tenure, and age structure, because built form and population characteristics are closely related.

Interpretation notes

  • Dwelling structure describes the physical form of dwellings counted on Census night rather than tenure, housing condition, or household makeup.
  • It is strongest when read alongside household size and tenure, because structure alone does not show who lives there.

Key insight

In 2021, separate houses was the most common dwelling type among dwellings in Surf Coast (S), accounting for 92.7% (13,329 dwellings). This share was higher than Regional Vic. (89.2%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in separate houses, which increased by 3,378 dwellings and 1.2 percentage points.

Section overview

Dwelling structure

Surf Coast (S) - Dwellings (Enumerated)

This table summarises dwelling type for Surf Coast (S) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Vic. and change since 2016.

Dwelling structure change

Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.

2016
2021

Separate house

+3,378

+1.2pp

Medium density

+140

-0.6pp

High density

-7

-0.2pp

Caravans, cabin, houseboat

+37

+0.1pp

Other

-12

-0.1pp

Not stated

-32

-0.4pp

Data table

Dwelling type for Surf Coast (S). Dwelling structure. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Vic..

Dwelling type for Surf Coast (S). Dwelling structure. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Vic..
Dwelling type for Surf Coast (S). Dwelling structure. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Vic..
Category20212016Change
Count%Regional Vic.%Count%Regional Vic.%Countpp
Separate house13,32992.7%89.2%9,95191.5%88.2%+3,378+1.2pp
Medium density8746.1%9.2%7346.7%9.7%+140-0.6pp
High density560.4%0.2%630.6%0.2%-7-0.2pp
Caravans, cabin, houseboat760.5%0.9%390.4%0.9%+37+0.1pp
Other130.1%0.3%250.2%0.4%-12-0.1pp
Not stated300.2%0.2%620.6%0.6%-32-0.4pp
Total Occupied Private Dwellings14,380100.0%100.0%10,881100.0%100.0%+3,4990.0pp