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 Redlynch, accounting for 24.9% (2,636 people). This share was higher than Cairns (R) (20.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49), which increased by 2,636 people and 24.9 percentage points.

Section overview

Age structure - Service age groups

Redlynch - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises service age groups for Redlynch in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Cairns (R) and change since 2016.

Age structure - Service age groups snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Redlynch, with comparison markers for Cairns (R).

Redlynch
Cairns (R)

Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)

2021 count

631

% of total

6.0%

Change from 2016

+6.0pp

Primary schoolers (5 to 11)

2021 count

1,332

% of total

12.6%

Change from 2016

+12.6pp

Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)

2021 count

1,211

% of total

11.5%

Change from 2016

+11.5pp

Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)

2021 count

771

% of total

7.3%

Change from 2016

+7.3pp

Young workforce (25 to 34)

2021 count

998

% of total

9.4%

Change from 2016

+9.4pp

Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)

2021 count

2,636

% of total

24.9%

Change from 2016

+24.9pp

Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)

2021 count

1,434

% of total

13.6%

Change from 2016

+13.6pp

Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)

2021 count

844

% of total

8.0%

Change from 2016

+8.0pp

Seniors (70 to 84)

2021 count

584

% of total

5.5%

Change from 2016

+5.5pp

Elderly aged (85 and over)

2021 count

144

% of total

1.4%

Change from 2016

+1.4pp

Data table

Service age groups for Redlynch. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Cairns (R).

Service age groups for Redlynch. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Cairns (R).
Service age groups for Redlynch. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Cairns (R).
Category20212016Change
Count%Cairns (R)%Count%Cairns (R)%Countpp
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)6316.0%5.5%00.0%6.5%+631+6.0pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)1,33212.6%9.2%00.0%9.9%+1,332+12.6pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)1,21111.5%8.3%00.0%8.1%+1,211+11.5pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)7717.3%7.7%00.0%8.0%+771+7.3pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)9989.4%13.2%00.0%13.6%+998+9.4pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)2,63624.9%20.9%00.0%21.9%+2,636+24.9pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)1,43413.6%13.6%00.0%13.6%+1,434+13.6pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)8448.0%11.2%00.0%10.4%+844+8.0pp
Seniors (70 to 84)5845.5%8.8%00.0%6.6%+584+5.5pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)1441.4%1.5%00.0%1.3%+144+1.4pp
Total10,571100.0%100.0%3100.0%100.0%+10,5680.0pp