State of the Regions Dataset

The State of the Regions (SOR) dataset is the country’s only economic and employment dataset that provides annual economic and employment information at the LGA level. The SOR dataset is intended for use in local economic development planning and project assessment. Every year, 100s of councils across Australia use our location specific economic data to inform policy decisions, attract investment and secure grant money for essential community infrastructure.

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Understanding economic change at the local level

This upcoming release is particularly significant as it arrives at a crucial moment for the Australian economy. With the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses struggling with recruitment challenges, households facing pressure on their savings, and a climate of global uncertainty, the availability of accurate and up-to-date data is essential for informed decision-making.

More than 250 councils around Australia use economy.id to analyse the State of the Regions Dataset at the LGA level

State of the Regions Economic Indicators

A set of headline economic measures for every Local Government Area (LGA) in Australia. The indicators provide a snapshot of each local economy at a point in time, showing how it contributes to the broader State economy and how it is performing in relation to other areas. Click here to access to the State of the Regions Economic Indicators.

Economic Health Check (consulting report)

This is a value-added for clients that puts the State of the Regions Dataset in the hands of our economic experts. Our experts draw on their knowledge of urban and regional economic development and years of experience working with decision makers across Australia. This information is used by councils to develop evidence based economic development strategies, investment attraction plans and support grant applications. Click here for more details.

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Case Study

How Northern Beaches Council used the State of the Regions data to inform their economic development strategy.

Northern Beaches Council needed a comprehensive understanding of the local economy to support the development of an action plan and economic development strategy.

Read the full case study here →

What is the State of the Regions Dataset?

ince 1998 National Economics (NIEIR) has prepared an annual State of the Regions report for the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) with the primary purpose of updating local councils on regional economic trends. In conjunction with the report NIEIR also produces a series of economic indicators which include comprehensive data series at the Local Government Area (LGA) level. We refer to this at the State of the Regions Economic Indicators.

The State of the Regions Economic Indicators is the country’s only economic and employment dataset that provides quarterly and annual economic and employment information at the LGA level. This means the impact of COVID-19 and other local economic changes can be clearly seen on each industry sector at the local level.

Why prepare economic data for Local Government Areas?

Reliable primary economic data sets exist only at the national, state and regional level at best. The only way to get a realistic measure of GRP, number of jobs and other economic indicators at the local area level is to undertake economic modelling. The most significant challenge with local area economic modelling is to ensure that the process reflects the unique economic characteristics of the local area, while still being consistent with State and National Accounts. A common mistake is to apply national and state-level propensities at the local level, which are no accurate as industries perform differently in different places.

This is why we have partnered with NIEIR, Australia’s industry leaders in the development and provision of robust economic modelling at the smallest credible geographic unit. Their approach builds the economic story from the ground up and is dedicated to producing quality information for local government and regional decision makers.

Responding to change

The economy is constantly changing, and local government officers need to stay up to date on the latest trends and opportunities. The State of the Regions data can help them understand factors such as employment rates, industry trends, competitive advantages and regional differences.

Targeted policy

State of the Regions data can help policymakers target policy interventions to specific industries that are most in need of support. For example, data on falling employment in a particular industry can inform policies to address challenges or unlock barriers to growth.

Monitoring policy

Local area data can be used to monitor the effectiveness of policy interventions over time. This can help policymakers to identify what is working well and what needs to be improved, and to adjust their policies accordingly.

Strategic planning

Local area data can inform local planning processes by providing insights into local economic conditions and trends. This can help planners identify opportunities for economic growth and development, and to plan land use and housing accordingly.

What are the benefits of using NIEIR's State of the Region Dataset

The SOR dataset provides economic development officers and strategic planners with the most comprehensive and up-to-date information available on local government areas. Unlike other models that rely on a top-down economic model, the SOR data is based on a bottom-up economic model.This bottom-up approach, based on 20 years of experience means that the data is location specific, industry specific and updated annually so you can make confident, informed-decisions.

This bottom-up approach provides a range of benefits, including:

Tailored to local conditions

A bottom-up approach incorporates local data and insights, resulting in a more accurate and tailored economic model that reflects the unique conditions and characteristics of a particular region. This can be particularly useful for understanding the dynamics of local economies, comparing growth to other regions and identifying opportunities for growth and investment.

Improved decision making

Bottom-up economic models can provide decision-makers with detailed and accurate data about local economic conditions, trends, and opportunities. This can help economic development professionals and planners make more informed decisions about policy development, land use needs, initiatives and investment decisions.

Improved monitoring

The economy is constantly changing, and local government officers need to stay up to date on the latest trends and opportunities. Because our data is updated every year, you can stay ahead of the curve and respond quickly to changing market conditions. By leveraging our dataset, you can become a more effective economic development officer and help your community thrive.

Local government

Industry services

NIEIR State of the Regions Dataset

Every year, 100s of councils and organisations across Australia use our location specific economic data to make informed decisions