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• Child care
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  • Family income
  • Parental employment
  • Family expenditure on children
  • Poverty
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• Glossary

What does this mean?

In Kids Stats family income refers to the financial capacity of a family to purchase goods and services. 

Why is it important?

The ability of a family to purchase goods and services is key to their standard of living.

Most research has found that low family income is highly correlated with poor child health and well-being [1]. Children living in poor families have been found to have higher injury rates, are likely to be hospitalised more frequently, are more likely to become obese and have worse dental health than other children [2].

The negative outcomes associated with low levels of family income can persist over the course of a child’s life [3]. 

Indicator

Many different methods are used to measure income. However, there is currently no indicator of family income that is considered suitable for inclusion in Kids Stats. This is an area for future development.

Notes:
[1] Jolly, D. (1990). The impact of adversity on child health: poverty and disadvantage. The Australian College of Paediatrics, Melbourne.
[2] Al-Yaman, F., Bryant, M. & Sargeant, H. (2003). Australia’s children: their health and wellbeing 2002. AIHW Cat No. PHE 36. AIHW, Canberra.
[3] Keating, D. P. and Hertzman, C. (eds) (1999). Developmental Health and the Wealth of Nations: Social, Biological, and Educational Dynamics. Guilford Press, New York.

For details of the references and to find out more about the data follow the link to Glossary and further information.