Some key population statistics (census 2001) are:

Canterbury City has a population of 130,947, of whom 48% were born overseas. Those over 40 years of age make up 41,6 % of the population, while those under 20 make up 26.9% of the population.

The most common countries of birth, ranked in decreasing order, are China, Lebanon and Greece.

Only 30% of the population speak English at home.

The three most commonly spoken languages at home are Arabic (including Lebanese), Greek and Chinese languages

Those identifying as being of Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander origin made up 0.51% of the population.

Level of unemployment as at September 2003 were reported at 7.2%

The median weekly income is $300-$399.

To summarise: in Central Sydney, Canterbury is the least advantaged LGA by comparison with NSW as a whole. Canterbury has proportionately fewer people on high incomes and generally people with lower levels of education and fewer skilled workers and it is an area of great multicultural diversity. The demographic characteristics of Canterbury provide important information relating to the health of the community.

There is a consistent relationship between socio-economic status and health.

As Canterbury is an area that is socially disadvantaged, it is also, in general terms, less healthy than most other communities. It is "needy" in virtually every aspect of health care.