Population
Service age groups
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.
Related topics
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, Mid-life adults (35 to 49) was the most common category among residents in Cocos Islands, accounting for 20.6% (122 people). This share was higher than Other Territories (19.8%).
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Cocos Islands - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Cocos Islands in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Other Territories and change since 2016.
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Cocos Islands, with comparison markers for Other Territories.
Early childhood (0 to 4)
Primary school age (5 to 11)
Secondary school age (12 to 17)
Young adults (18 to 24)
Early career adults (25 to 34)
Mid-life adults (35 to 49)
Pre-retirement adults (50 to 59)
Retirement transition (60 to 69)
Established seniors (70 to 84)
Advanced age (85 years and over)
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Data table
Service age groups for Cocos Islands. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Other Territories.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Other Territories% | Count | % | Other Territories% | Count | pp | |
| Early childhood (0 to 4) | 34 | 5.7% | 4.9% | - | - | 5.9% | - | - |
| Primary school age (5 to 11) | 76 | 12.8% | 8.8% | - | - | 8.8% | - | - |
| Secondary school age (12 to 17) | 14 | 2.4% | 6.4% | - | - | 6.2% | - | - |
| Young adults (18 to 24) | 45 | 7.6% | 5.7% | - | - | 6.3% | - | - |
| Early career adults (25 to 34) | 57 | 9.6% | 12.2% | - | - | 12.5% | - | - |
| Mid-life adults (35 to 49) | 122 | 20.6% | 19.8% | - | - | 21.5% | - | - |
| Pre-retirement adults (50 to 59) | 70 | 11.8% | 15.6% | - | - | 16.5% | - | - |
| Retirement transition (60 to 69) | 92 | 15.5% | 14.6% | - | - | 13.9% | - | - |
| Established seniors (70 to 84) | 65 | 11.0% | 11.1% | - | - | 7.8% | - | - |
| Advanced age (85 years and over) | 10 | 1.7% | 1.4% | - | - | 1.1% | - | - |
| Total | 593 | 100.0% | 100.0% | - | - | 100.0% | - | - |