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 Bayside (NSW), accounting for 21.3% (37,298 people). This share was similar to Greater Sydney (21.5%).

Section overview

Age structure - Service age groups

Bayside (NSW) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises service age groups for Bayside (NSW) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Sydney and change since 2016.

Age structure - Service age groups snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Bayside (NSW), with comparison markers for Greater Sydney.

Bayside (NSW)
Greater Sydney

Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)

2021 count

9,984

% of total

5.7%

Change from 2016

-

Primary schoolers (5 to 11)

2021 count

11,810

% of total

6.7%

Change from 2016

-

Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)

2021 count

9,243

% of total

5.3%

Change from 2016

-

Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)

2021 count

16,932

% of total

9.7%

Change from 2016

-

Young workforce (25 to 34)

2021 count

36,529

% of total

20.9%

Change from 2016

-

Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)

2021 count

37,298

% of total

21.3%

Change from 2016

-

Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)

2021 count

19,235

% of total

11.0%

Change from 2016

-

Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)

2021 count

15,222

% of total

8.7%

Change from 2016

-

Seniors (70 to 84)

2021 count

15,107

% of total

8.6%

Change from 2016

-

Elderly aged (85 and over)

2021 count

3,802

% of total

2.2%

Change from 2016

-

Data table

Service age groups for Bayside (NSW). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Sydney.

Service age groups for Bayside (NSW). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Sydney.
Service age groups for Bayside (NSW). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Sydney.
Category20212016Change
Count%Greater Sydney%Count%Greater Sydney%Countpp
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)9,9845.7%6.0%--6.4%--
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)11,8106.7%8.8%--8.8%--
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)9,2435.3%7.1%--6.9%--
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)16,9329.7%8.8%--9.6%--
Young workforce (25 to 34)36,52920.9%15.5%--16.1%--
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)37,29821.3%21.5%--21.1%--
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)19,23511.0%12.0%--12.2%--
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)15,2228.7%9.8%--9.5%--
Seniors (70 to 84)15,1078.6%8.7%--7.5%--
Elderly aged (85 and over)3,8022.2%2.0%--2.0%--
Total175,184100.0%100.0%--100.0%--