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 Carpentaria (S), accounting for 16.2% (338 people). This share was lower than Regional Qld (19%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24), which increased by 49 people and 1.7 percentage points.

Section overview

Age structure - Service age groups

Carpentaria (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises service age groups for Carpentaria (S) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Qld and change since 2016.

Age structure - Service age groups snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Carpentaria (S), with comparison markers for Regional Qld.

Carpentaria (S)
Regional Qld

Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)

2021 count

154

% of total

7.4%

Change from 2016

+0.5pp

Primary schoolers (5 to 11)

2021 count

226

% of total

10.8%

Change from 2016

-0.2pp

Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)

2021 count

125

% of total

6.0%

Change from 2016

-0.4pp

Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)

2021 count

238

% of total

11.4%

Change from 2016

+1.7pp

Young workforce (25 to 34)

2021 count

293

% of total

14.0%

Change from 2016

+0.8pp

Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)

2021 count

338

% of total

16.2%

Change from 2016

-2.0pp

Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)

2021 count

303

% of total

14.5%

Change from 2016

-1.3pp

Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)

2021 count

246

% of total

11.8%

Change from 2016

+1.2pp

Seniors (70 to 84)

2021 count

167

% of total

8.0%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

Elderly aged (85 and over)

2021 count

15

% of total

0.7%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

Data table

Service age groups for Carpentaria (S). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Qld.

Service age groups for Carpentaria (S). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Qld.
Service age groups for Carpentaria (S). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Qld.
Category20212016Change
Count%Regional Qld%Count%Regional Qld%Countpp
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)1547.4%5.4%1366.9%6.1%+18+0.5pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)22610.8%8.9%21511.0%9.4%+11-0.2pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)1256.0%7.8%1256.4%7.7%0-0.4pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)23811.4%7.9%1899.7%8.3%+49+1.7pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)29314.0%12.4%25813.2%12.4%+35+0.8pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)33816.2%19.0%35618.2%19.6%-18-2.0pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)30314.5%13.2%31015.8%13.4%-7-1.3pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)24611.8%12.2%20810.6%11.7%+38+1.2pp
Seniors (70 to 84)1678.0%11.3%1537.8%9.4%+14+0.2pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)150.7%2.1%100.5%1.9%+5+0.2pp
Total2,090100.0%100.0%1,958100.0%100.0%+1320.0pp