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, Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) was the most common category among residents in Break O'Day (M), accounting for 22.3% (1,513 people). This share was higher than Regional Tas. (14.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Seniors (70 to 84), which increased by 321 people and 3.3 percentage points.

Section overview

Age structure - Service age groups

Break O'Day (M) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises service age groups for Break O'Day (M) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Tas. and change since 2016.

Age structure - Service age groups change

Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.

2016
2021

Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)

-1

-0.4pp

Primary schoolers (5 to 11)

-18

-1.0pp

Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)

-26

-0.9pp

Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)

+44

+0.2pp

Young workforce (25 to 34)

+125

+1.2pp

Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)

+68

-0.5pp

Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)

-22

-2.0pp

Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)

+181

+0.5pp

Seniors (70 to 84)

+321

+3.3pp

Elderly aged (85 and over)

+1

-0.3pp

Data table

Service age groups for Break O'Day (M). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Tas..

Service age groups for Break O'Day (M). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Tas..
Service age groups for Break O'Day (M). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Tas..
Category20212016Change
Count%Regional Tas.%Count%Regional Tas.%Countpp
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)2573.8%5.0%2584.2%5.4%-1-0.4pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)4196.2%7.8%4377.2%8.5%-18-1.0pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)3294.9%7.1%3555.8%7.3%-26-0.9pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)3054.5%7.2%2614.3%7.8%+44+0.2pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)4957.3%11.9%3706.1%10.2%+125+1.2pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)99014.6%17.0%92215.1%18.1%+68-0.5pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)1,06115.7%13.9%1,08317.7%14.8%-22-2.0pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)1,51322.3%14.4%1,33221.8%14.2%+181+0.5pp
Seniors (70 to 84)1,25018.5%13.4%92915.2%11.3%+321+3.3pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)1522.2%2.4%1512.5%2.3%+1-0.3pp
Total6,770100.0%100.0%6,104100.0%100.0%+6660.0pp