Data API

ABS Data API (Beta) is an online machine-to-machine service that allows you to pull data and metadata directly from the ABS into your system. You can request detailed ABS statistics including economic, social and Census data and classifications such as Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) and Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC).

You can customise your query to return only the data and metadata you are interested in, in the format you want.

All statistics in Data API are pre-aggregated. If you wish to access detailed microdata from the ABS, TableBuilder is the recommended tool.

• Detailed economic, social and population statistics
• Available in eXtensible Markup Language (XML), JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) and Comma-Separated Values (CSV) (If no format is selected the API will return XML)
• Metadata primarily available in XML (some metadata is also available in JSON)
• Fully compliant with SDMX 2.1 - the Statistical Data and Metadata Exchange information model

Datasets are loaded as soon as possible after their 11:30am release on the ABS website. However, there is typically a 30-60 minute delay in the release to Data API. Check the ABS website for the latest data.

Data API is for customers who need to draw statistics or classifications from the ABS directly into their own system, application, website, or database. Data API can help automate the process of accessing ABS data.

You will need some technical expertise to use Data API. However, plugins exist to assist you in connecting from popular statistical analysis software such as Excel, PowerBI, and R. More information is available in our Data API user guide.

There are detailed instructions on how to access this service in the Data API User Guide.

Data Explorer interface provides a user-friendly way to search and filter data available in Data API. The ‘Developer API’ button in Data Explorer will generate a Data API request for the data you are viewing. You can also test Data API directly."

Authentication is optional for ABS Data API. If you decide to use Data API for a production system or application, we strongly encourage you to register for an API key. The key identifies your API requests and makes it easier for us to investigate any issues you have.

If you wish to register for an API key, please contact us. Provide your name or organisation name and a brief description of what you will use the API for. It may take a few days for us to respond.

The endpoint for Data API is:

https://api.data.abs.gov.au 

Access to Data API is free.

If you have feedback or require assistance using Data API, please contact the ABS APIs team at api.data@abs.gov.au.

The ABS Privacy Policy outlines how the ABS handles any personal information that you provide to us in requesting access to this service.

As this is a machine-to-machine service there are no in-built accessibility features.

The ABS Website contains a wide range of statistical outputs in an accessible format.

ABS Data API is in a “Beta” stage. This beta release allows you to use Data API before it is released in its final form and gives you the opportunity to provide the ABS with feedback as we work to enhance the service.

Availability of ABS Data API (Beta) is not guaranteed. Performance and availability may be impacted during periods of high use. The ABS monitors the service and will work to resolve any issues as soon as possible.

The service may be subject to change.