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 Barcaldine (R), accounting for 17% (485 people). This share was lower than Regional Qld (19%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49), which decreased by 66 people and 2.2 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Barcaldine (R) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Barcaldine (R) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Qld and change since 2016.
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Barcaldine (R), with comparison markers for Regional Qld.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
147
% of total
5.2%
Change from 2016
-1.7pp
147
5.2%
-1.7pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
292
% of total
10.2%
Change from 2016
-0.8pp
292
10.2%
-0.8pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
194
% of total
6.8%
Change from 2016
+1.6pp
194
6.8%
+1.6pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
183
% of total
6.4%
Change from 2016
-1.0pp
183
6.4%
-1.0pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
339
% of total
11.9%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
339
11.9%
0.0pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
485
% of total
17.0%
Change from 2016
-2.2pp
485
17.0%
-2.2pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
429
% of total
15.1%
Change from 2016
+0.8pp
429
15.1%
+0.8pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
349
% of total
12.2%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
349
12.2%
+0.4pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
354
% of total
12.4%
Change from 2016
+1.5pp
354
12.4%
+1.5pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
63
% of total
2.2%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
63
2.2%
+0.4pp
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
-50
-1.7pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
-23
-0.8pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
+45
+1.6pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
-28
-1.0pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
-1
0.0pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
-66
-2.2pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
+20
+0.8pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
+11
+0.4pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
+41
+1.5pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
+11
+0.4pp
Data table
Service age groups for Barcaldine (R). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Qld.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional Qld% | Count | % | Regional Qld% | Count | pp | |
| Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) | 147 | 5.2% | 5.4% | 197 | 6.9% | 6.1% | -50 | -1.7pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 292 | 10.2% | 8.9% | 315 | 11.0% | 9.4% | -23 | -0.8pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 194 | 6.8% | 7.8% | 149 | 5.2% | 7.7% | +45 | +1.6pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 183 | 6.4% | 7.9% | 211 | 7.4% | 8.3% | -28 | -1.0pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 339 | 11.9% | 12.4% | 340 | 11.9% | 12.4% | -1 | 0.0pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 485 | 17.0% | 19.0% | 551 | 19.2% | 19.6% | -66 | -2.2pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 429 | 15.1% | 13.2% | 409 | 14.3% | 13.4% | +20 | +0.8pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 349 | 12.2% | 12.2% | 338 | 11.8% | 11.7% | +11 | +0.4pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 354 | 12.4% | 11.3% | 313 | 10.9% | 9.4% | +41 | +1.5pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 63 | 2.2% | 2.1% | 52 | 1.8% | 1.9% | +11 | +0.4pp |
| Total | 2,849 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 2,865 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -16 | 0.0pp |