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, Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) was the most common category among residents in Watsonia North, accounting for 20.9% (795 people). This share was lower than Banyule (C) (21.3%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49), which increased by 792 people and 12.3 percentage points.

Section overview

Age structure - Service age groups

Watsonia North - Total persons (Usual residence)

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

Age structure - Service age groups snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Watsonia North, with comparison markers for Banyule (C).

Watsonia North
Banyule (C)

Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)

2021 count

220

% of total

5.8%

Change from 2016

+5.8pp

Primary schoolers (5 to 11)

2021 count

344

% of total

9.1%

Change from 2016

-8.0pp

Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)

2021 count

237

% of total

6.2%

Change from 2016

+6.2pp

Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)

2021 count

283

% of total

7.4%

Change from 2016

+7.4pp

Young workforce (25 to 34)

2021 count

464

% of total

12.2%

Change from 2016

+12.2pp

Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)

2021 count

795

% of total

20.9%

Change from 2016

+12.3pp

Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)

2021 count

417

% of total

11.0%

Change from 2016

+2.4pp

Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)

2021 count

424

% of total

11.2%

Change from 2016

+2.6pp

Seniors (70 to 84)

2021 count

541

% of total

14.2%

Change from 2016

+5.6pp

Elderly aged (85 and over)

2021 count

56

% of total

1.5%

Change from 2016

+1.5pp

Data table

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

Service age groups for Watsonia North. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Banyule (C).
Service age groups for Watsonia North. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Banyule (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Banyule (C)%Count%Banyule (C)%Countpp
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)2205.8%5.6%00.0%6.4%+220+5.8pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)3449.1%8.6%617.1%8.5%+338-8.0pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)2376.2%6.9%00.0%6.5%+237+6.2pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)2837.4%7.7%00.0%8.4%+283+7.4pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)46412.2%12.9%00.0%13.3%+464+12.2pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)79520.9%21.3%38.6%21.1%+792+12.3pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)41711.0%12.4%38.6%12.7%+414+2.4pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)42411.2%11.0%38.6%11.0%+421+2.6pp
Seniors (70 to 84)54114.2%11.0%38.6%9.4%+538+5.6pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)561.5%2.7%00.0%2.7%+56+1.5pp
Total3,799100.0%100.0%35100.0%100.0%+3,7640.0pp