Population

Service age groups

About this topic

Service age groups divide the population into broad life-stage bands such as children, young adults, working-age adults, and older people. The groupings are designed to reflect typical demand for age-based services and facilities rather than exact five-year cohorts.

This view is useful for planning childcare, schools, recreation, aged services, and other community infrastructure. It works best alongside five year age groups, household type, and dwelling data, which add more detail about who is living in an area and how needs may change over time.

Interpretation notes

  • This is a derived grouping rather than a direct Census question, so the age bands are planning-oriented summaries built from standard age data.
  • Percentages relate to the total population; use five year age groups when exact cohort detail matters.

Key insight

In 2021, Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) was the most common category among residents in Albany, accounting for 19.2% (270 people). This share was higher than Albany (C) (13.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Seniors (70 to 84), which increased by 112 people and 7.2 percentage points.

Section overview

Age structure - Service age groups

Albany - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises service age groups for Albany in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Albany (C) and change since 2016.

Age structure - Service age groups snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Albany, with comparison markers for Albany (C).

Albany
Albany (C)

Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)

2021 count

40

% of total

2.9%

Change from 2016

-0.4pp

Primary schoolers (5 to 11)

2021 count

72

% of total

5.1%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)

2021 count

72

% of total

5.1%

Change from 2016

-1.9pp

Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)

2021 count

87

% of total

6.2%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Young workforce (25 to 34)

2021 count

145

% of total

10.3%

Change from 2016

+0.9pp

Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)

2021 count

166

% of total

11.8%

Change from 2016

-3.0pp

Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)

2021 count

240

% of total

17.1%

Change from 2016

-1.0pp

Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)

2021 count

270

% of total

19.2%

Change from 2016

-4.0pp

Seniors (70 to 84)

2021 count

269

% of total

19.2%

Change from 2016

+7.2pp

Elderly aged (85 and over)

2021 count

39

% of total

2.8%

Change from 2016

-0.2pp

Data table

Service age groups for Albany. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Albany (C).

Service age groups for Albany. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Albany (C).
Service age groups for Albany. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Albany (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Albany (C)%Count%Albany (C)%Countpp
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)402.9%5.0%433.3%5.4%-3-0.4pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)725.1%8.3%644.9%8.8%+8+0.2pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)725.1%8.3%927.0%8.6%-20-1.9pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)876.2%6.6%826.2%7.1%+50.0pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)14510.3%10.7%1249.4%10.6%+21+0.9pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)16611.8%17.1%19414.8%18.3%-28-3.0pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)24017.1%13.4%23818.1%13.9%+2-1.0pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)27019.2%13.9%30523.2%13.3%-35-4.0pp
Seniors (70 to 84)26919.2%13.6%15712.0%11.3%+112+7.2pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)392.8%3.0%403.0%2.9%-1-0.2pp
Total1,403100.0%100.0%1,313100.0%100.0%+900.0pp