Preliminary results show 17,437 people completed the census, which is the highest number of people to ever complete a Bendigo council survey. 

Acting chief executive Pauline Gordon said the census would help guide the region's healthy and active future. 

It collected information about residents’ recreation habits, where they go and what they do to remain active and their access to fresh food. 

“The city has never been able to obtain such wide-ranging information like this before directly from residents and is grateful to everyone who took the time to complete the census," she said. 

"It will help inform council’s future decision making on where and what projects it will invest in.”

The census will also assist council in understanding barriers that may prevent people from being active. 

Active and healthy communities manager Patrick Jess said in the past that the 2013–2017 Council Plan included strategic objectives to improve open spaces and walking and cycling paths.

"By completing this survey, residents will be able to further inform the council plan and council’s long term priorities," he said. 

The highest number of respondents were in the 60-69 year-old age bracket, followed by those aged 50-59 and 40-49; it was also shown that more females than males completed the census. 

The highest participation rates came from those residents in central Bendigo, Epsom, Eaglehawk, Huntly, Jackass Flat, Maiden Gully, Mandurang and Strathfieldsaye. 

A full report will be released in late August.