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 Vasse, accounting for 25.1% (717 people). This share was higher than Busselton (C) (19.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49), which increased by 711 people and 13.8 percentage points.

Section overview

Age structure - Service age groups

Vasse - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises service age groups for Vasse in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Busselton (C) and change since 2016.

Age structure - Service age groups snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Vasse, with comparison markers for Busselton (C).

Vasse
Busselton (C)

Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)

2021 count

176

% of total

6.2%

Change from 2016

+6.2pp

Primary schoolers (5 to 11)

2021 count

385

% of total

13.5%

Change from 2016

+13.5pp

Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)

2021 count

304

% of total

10.7%

Change from 2016

+10.7pp

Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)

2021 count

138

% of total

4.8%

Change from 2016

+4.8pp

Young workforce (25 to 34)

2021 count

225

% of total

7.9%

Change from 2016

+7.9pp

Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)

2021 count

717

% of total

25.1%

Change from 2016

+13.8pp

Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)

2021 count

329

% of total

11.5%

Change from 2016

+5.8pp

Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)

2021 count

330

% of total

11.6%

Change from 2016

+11.6pp

Seniors (70 to 84)

2021 count

248

% of total

8.7%

Change from 2016

+3.0pp

Elderly aged (85 and over)

2021 count

15

% of total

0.5%

Change from 2016

+0.5pp

Data table

Service age groups for Vasse. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Busselton (C).

Service age groups for Vasse. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Busselton (C).
Service age groups for Vasse. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Busselton (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Busselton (C)%Count%Busselton (C)%Countpp
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)1766.2%5.0%00.0%6.1%+176+6.2pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)38513.5%9.4%00.0%10.1%+385+13.5pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)30410.7%8.1%00.0%8.1%+304+10.7pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)1384.8%5.2%00.0%5.8%+138+4.8pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)2257.9%9.4%00.0%10.3%+225+7.9pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)71725.1%19.6%611.3%20.5%+711+13.8pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)32911.5%13.0%35.7%12.9%+326+5.8pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)33011.6%13.6%00.0%13.2%+330+11.6pp
Seniors (70 to 84)2488.7%14.0%35.7%10.7%+245+3.0pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)150.5%2.6%00.0%2.3%+15+0.5pp
Total2,853100.0%100.0%53100.0%100.0%+2,8000.0pp