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Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Community Insights
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Housing circumstances and health

There were 263,036 Indigenous households in 2016
24% of Indigenous Australians aged 18 and over lived in social housing in 2018–19
33% of Indigenous adults were private renters in 2018–19

Wayne Quilliam Photography

Housing circumstances—such as tenure, affordability, living space and location—are key determinants of health and wellbeing. A lack of safe, secure and affordable housing can also lead to experiences of homelessness. Given the high proportion of  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in overcrowded conditions and being homeless, housing is increasingly being targeted as a key policy area for improving the health and wellbeing among Indigenous Australians.

This section provides an overview of housing, experiences of homelessness and relevant health issues impacted by housing conditions among Indigenous Australians. Multiple definitions of homelessness are used throughout this topic, aligning with different data sources.

You can also find regional statistics in the Regional overview dashboard; search for your community and select the relevant topic.

Key facts
31%

of Indigenous Australians (18+) lived in homes owned by the occupants, 68% were renters

82%

of Indigenous Australians lived in appropriately sized housing

13%

of Indigenous households lacked basic domestic facilities in working condition

29%

of Indigenous Australians (15+) had experienced homelessness

Indigenous Australians who experienced homelessness
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