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 Black Rock (Vic.), accounting for 16.9% (1,078 people). This share was lower than Bayside (C) (19.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49), which decreased by 1,831 people and 4 percentage points.

Section overview

Age structure - Service age groups

Black Rock (Vic.) - Total persons (Usual residence)

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

Age structure - Service age groups snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Black Rock (Vic.), with comparison markers for Bayside (C).

Black Rock (Vic.)
Bayside (C)

Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)

2021 count

249

% of total

3.9%

Change from 2016

-1.3pp

Primary schoolers (5 to 11)

2021 count

503

% of total

7.9%

Change from 2016

-0.5pp

Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)

2021 count

544

% of total

8.5%

Change from 2016

+0.8pp

Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)

2021 count

461

% of total

7.2%

Change from 2016

-1.9pp

Young workforce (25 to 34)

2021 count

391

% of total

6.1%

Change from 2016

-6.3pp

Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)

2021 count

1,078

% of total

16.9%

Change from 2016

-4.0pp

Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)

2021 count

1,057

% of total

16.5%

Change from 2016

+3.3pp

Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)

2021 count

939

% of total

14.7%

Change from 2016

+5.2pp

Seniors (70 to 84)

2021 count

942

% of total

14.7%

Change from 2016

+5.3pp

Elderly aged (85 and over)

2021 count

210

% of total

3.3%

Change from 2016

-0.8pp

Data table

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

Service age groups for Black Rock (Vic.). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Bayside (C).
Service age groups for Black Rock (Vic.). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Bayside (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Bayside (C)%Count%Bayside (C)%Countpp
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)2493.9%4.4%7185.2%5.1%-469-1.3pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)5037.9%8.6%1,1668.4%9.7%-663-0.5pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)5448.5%8.7%1,0797.7%8.2%-535+0.8pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)4617.2%7.8%1,2749.1%7.4%-813-1.9pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)3916.1%7.8%1,72712.4%8.2%-1,336-6.3pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)1,07816.9%19.4%2,90920.9%21.4%-1,831-4.0pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)1,05716.5%15.7%1,83813.2%14.9%-781+3.3pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)93914.7%12.1%1,3299.5%11.5%-390+5.2pp
Seniors (70 to 84)94214.7%12.2%1,3179.4%9.9%-375+5.3pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)2103.3%3.4%5754.1%3.7%-365-0.8pp
Total6,389100.0%100.0%13,940100.0%100.0%-7,5510.0pp