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.
Related topics
Key insight
In 2021, Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) was the most common category among residents in Wollongbar, accounting for 18.9% (617 people). This share was higher than Ballina (A) (17.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49), which increased by 105 people and 0.8 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Wollongbar - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Wollongbar in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Ballina (A) and change since 2016.
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Wollongbar, with comparison markers for Ballina (A).
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
186
% of total
5.7%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
186
5.7%
-0.1pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
319
% of total
9.8%
Change from 2016
-0.6pp
319
9.8%
-0.6pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
304
% of total
9.3%
Change from 2016
+0.8pp
304
9.3%
+0.8pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
235
% of total
7.2%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
235
7.2%
-0.2pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
341
% of total
10.5%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
341
10.5%
-0.1pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
617
% of total
18.9%
Change from 2016
+0.8pp
617
18.9%
+0.8pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
389
% of total
11.9%
Change from 2016
-2.2pp
389
11.9%
-2.2pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
406
% of total
12.5%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
406
12.5%
0.0pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
395
% of total
12.1%
Change from 2016
+1.2pp
395
12.1%
+1.2pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
57
% of total
1.7%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
57
1.7%
0.0pp
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
+22
-0.1pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
+25
-0.6pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
+65
+0.8pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
+25
-0.2pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
+42
-0.1pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
+105
+0.8pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
-10
-2.2pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
+52
0.0pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
+88
+1.2pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
+9
0.0pp
Data table
Service age groups for Wollongbar. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Ballina (A).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Ballina (A)% | Count | % | Ballina (A)% | Count | pp | |
| Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) | 186 | 5.7% | 4.8% | 164 | 5.8% | 5.0% | +22 | -0.1pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 319 | 9.8% | 7.9% | 294 | 10.4% | 8.0% | +25 | -0.6pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 304 | 9.3% | 6.9% | 239 | 8.5% | 7.4% | +65 | +0.8pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 235 | 7.2% | 6.0% | 210 | 7.4% | 5.7% | +25 | -0.2pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 341 | 10.5% | 9.2% | 299 | 10.6% | 8.6% | +42 | -0.1pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 617 | 18.9% | 17.6% | 512 | 18.1% | 17.8% | +105 | +0.8pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 389 | 11.9% | 13.3% | 399 | 14.1% | 14.8% | -10 | -2.2pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 406 | 12.5% | 14.9% | 354 | 12.5% | 15.2% | +52 | 0.0pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 395 | 12.1% | 15.5% | 307 | 10.9% | 13.3% | +88 | +1.2pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 57 | 1.7% | 4.0% | 48 | 1.7% | 4.2% | +9 | 0.0pp |
| Total | 3,261 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 2,828 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +433 | 0.0pp |