The Cootamundra region has been chosen as one of the locations for a Census test, ahead of the next big national snapshot, due in 2021.

About 20,000 households in the Wagga area will be asked to participate in the test on Tuesday, October 15, and people will be able to complete a few days either side of that date.

The test area will include parts of the Wagga, Coolamon, Junee, Lockhart, Greater Hume Shire and Cootamundra-Gundagai local government areas, as well as Brisbane.

The two regions were selected because together they covered urban, regional and more remote populations.

Chris Libreri from the ABS said tests are an important part of the Census planning cycle.

"Before each Census, it's important to test how we will run the Census to ensure our processes work and that the Census form captures the right data, in the right way," he said. About one week before Census test night, some households in Wagga and surrounds will receive an invitation from ABS to participate.

"We value the participation of people in the Wagga and surrounding area who willingly provide their time to complete the test, ensuring that we capture a broad cross-section of the community," Mr Libreri said.

"Every response helps improve our processes so our next national Census in 2021 is easier for people to participate, cheaper to run, and produces quality data."

The Census test will also provide short-term job opportunities.

"We will be employing around 100 field officers to assist us on the ground to deliver Census forms to those who will be completing by paper," Mr Libreri said.

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