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, Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) was the most common category among residents in Stratford (Qld), accounting for 23.5% (281 people). This share was higher than Cairns (R) (20.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Seniors (70 to 84), which increased by 59 people and 4.7 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Stratford (Qld) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Stratford (Qld) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Cairns (R) and change since 2016.
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Stratford (Qld), with comparison markers for Cairns (R).
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
79
% of total
6.6%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
79
6.6%
-0.2pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
90
% of total
7.5%
Change from 2016
-2.2pp
90
7.5%
-2.2pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
121
% of total
10.1%
Change from 2016
+3.5pp
121
10.1%
+3.5pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
87
% of total
7.3%
Change from 2016
+1.3pp
87
7.3%
+1.3pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
114
% of total
9.5%
Change from 2016
-3.9pp
114
9.5%
-3.9pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
281
% of total
23.5%
Change from 2016
-1.9pp
281
23.5%
-1.9pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
181
% of total
15.1%
Change from 2016
-1.5pp
181
15.1%
-1.5pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
126
% of total
10.5%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
126
10.5%
-0.7pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
111
% of total
9.3%
Change from 2016
+4.7pp
111
9.3%
+4.7pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
8
% of total
0.7%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
8
0.7%
+0.2pp
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
+2
-0.2pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
-20
-2.2pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
+46
+3.5pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
+19
+1.3pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
-39
-3.9pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
-8
-1.9pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
-8
-1.5pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
-1
-0.7pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
+59
+4.7pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
+2
+0.2pp
Data table
Service age groups for Stratford (Qld). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Cairns (R).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Cairns (R)% | Count | % | Cairns (R)% | Count | pp | |
| Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) | 79 | 6.6% | 5.5% | 77 | 6.8% | 6.5% | +2 | -0.2pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 90 | 7.5% | 9.2% | 110 | 9.7% | 9.9% | -20 | -2.2pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 121 | 10.1% | 8.3% | 75 | 6.6% | 8.1% | +46 | +3.5pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 87 | 7.3% | 7.7% | 68 | 6.0% | 8.0% | +19 | +1.3pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 114 | 9.5% | 13.2% | 153 | 13.4% | 13.6% | -39 | -3.9pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 281 | 23.5% | 20.9% | 289 | 25.4% | 21.9% | -8 | -1.9pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 181 | 15.1% | 13.6% | 189 | 16.6% | 13.6% | -8 | -1.5pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 126 | 10.5% | 11.2% | 127 | 11.2% | 10.4% | -1 | -0.7pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 111 | 9.3% | 8.8% | 52 | 4.6% | 6.6% | +59 | +4.7pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 8 | 0.7% | 1.5% | 6 | 0.5% | 1.3% | +2 | +0.2pp |
| Total | 1,198 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 1,138 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +60 | 0.0pp |