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 Central Highlands (M) (Tas.), accounting for 18.3% (460 people). This share was higher than Regional Tas. (14.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Seniors (70 to 84), which increased by 103 people and 2.1 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Central Highlands (M) (Tas.) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Central Highlands (M) (Tas.) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Tas. and change since 2016.
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Central Highlands (M) (Tas.), with comparison markers for Regional Tas..
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
129
% of total
5.1%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
129
5.1%
+0.6pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
176
% of total
7.0%
Change from 2016
-1.6pp
176
7.0%
-1.6pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
162
% of total
6.4%
Change from 2016
+1.1pp
162
6.4%
+1.1pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
163
% of total
6.5%
Change from 2016
+1.6pp
163
6.5%
+1.6pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
247
% of total
9.8%
Change from 2016
+1.3pp
247
9.8%
+1.3pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
402
% of total
16.0%
Change from 2016
-0.8pp
402
16.0%
-0.8pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
408
% of total
16.2%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
408
16.2%
-0.7pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
460
% of total
18.3%
Change from 2016
-0.8pp
460
18.3%
-0.8pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
385
% of total
15.3%
Change from 2016
+2.1pp
385
15.3%
+2.1pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
30
% of total
1.2%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
30
1.2%
+0.3pp
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
+32
+0.6pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
-9
-1.6pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
+48
+1.1pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
+59
+1.6pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
+64
+1.3pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
+43
-0.8pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
+47
-0.7pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
+50
-0.8pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
+103
+2.1pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
+10
+0.3pp
Data table
Service age groups for Central Highlands (M) (Tas.). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Tas..
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional Tas.% | Count | % | Regional Tas.% | Count | pp | |
| Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) | 129 | 5.1% | 5.0% | 97 | 4.5% | 5.4% | +32 | +0.6pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 176 | 7.0% | 7.8% | 185 | 8.6% | 8.5% | -9 | -1.6pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 162 | 6.4% | 7.1% | 114 | 5.3% | 7.3% | +48 | +1.1pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 163 | 6.5% | 7.2% | 104 | 4.9% | 7.8% | +59 | +1.6pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 247 | 9.8% | 11.9% | 183 | 8.5% | 10.2% | +64 | +1.3pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 402 | 16.0% | 17.0% | 359 | 16.8% | 18.1% | +43 | -0.8pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 408 | 16.2% | 13.9% | 361 | 16.9% | 14.8% | +47 | -0.7pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 460 | 18.3% | 14.4% | 410 | 19.1% | 14.2% | +50 | -0.8pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 385 | 15.3% | 13.4% | 282 | 13.2% | 11.3% | +103 | +2.1pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 30 | 1.2% | 2.4% | 20 | 0.9% | 2.3% | +10 | +0.3pp |
| Total | 2,520 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 2,141 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +379 | 0.0pp |