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, Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) was the most common category among residents in Buloke (S), accounting for 16.6% (1,027 people). This share was higher than Regional Vic. (13.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49), which decreased by 118 people and 1.9 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Buloke (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Buloke (S) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Vic. and change since 2016.
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Buloke (S), with comparison markers for Regional Vic..
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
293
% of total
4.7%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
293
4.7%
+0.6pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
426
% of total
6.9%
Change from 2016
-1.8pp
426
6.9%
-1.8pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
449
% of total
7.3%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
449
7.3%
0.0pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
351
% of total
5.7%
Change from 2016
+1.0pp
351
5.7%
+1.0pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
554
% of total
9.0%
Change from 2016
+1.4pp
554
9.0%
+1.4pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
836
% of total
13.5%
Change from 2016
-1.9pp
836
13.5%
-1.9pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
979
% of total
15.8%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
979
15.8%
0.0pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
1,027
% of total
16.6%
Change from 2016
+0.5pp
1,027
16.6%
+0.5pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
1,003
% of total
16.2%
Change from 2016
+1.4pp
1,003
16.2%
+1.4pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
288
% of total
4.7%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
288
4.7%
-0.7pp
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
+37
+0.6pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
-113
-1.8pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
-5
0.0pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
+62
+1.0pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
+85
+1.4pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
-118
-1.9pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
0
0.0pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
+26
+0.5pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
+83
+1.4pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
-48
-0.7pp
Data table
Service age groups for Buloke (S). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Vic..
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional Vic.% | Count | % | Regional Vic.% | Count | pp | |
| Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) | 293 | 4.7% | 5.4% | 256 | 4.1% | 5.8% | +37 | +0.6pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 426 | 6.9% | 8.4% | 539 | 8.7% | 8.7% | -113 | -1.8pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 449 | 7.3% | 7.2% | 454 | 7.3% | 7.4% | -5 | 0.0pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 351 | 5.7% | 7.3% | 289 | 4.7% | 7.9% | +62 | +1.0pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 554 | 9.0% | 11.7% | 469 | 7.6% | 10.9% | +85 | +1.4pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 836 | 13.5% | 17.6% | 954 | 15.4% | 18.1% | -118 | -1.9pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 979 | 15.8% | 13.1% | 979 | 15.8% | 13.9% | 0 | 0.0pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 1,027 | 16.6% | 13.6% | 1,001 | 16.1% | 13.4% | +26 | +0.5pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 1,003 | 16.2% | 13.0% | 920 | 14.8% | 11.1% | +83 | +1.4pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 288 | 4.7% | 2.7% | 336 | 5.4% | 2.7% | -48 | -0.7pp |
| Total | 6,178 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 6,201 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -23 | 0.0pp |