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, Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) was the most common category among residents in Goyder (DC), accounting for 19.7% (799 people). This share was higher than Regional SA (15.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49), which decreased by 138 people and 3 percentage points.

Section overview

Age structure - Service age groups

Goyder (DC) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises service age groups for Goyder (DC) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional SA and change since 2016.

Age structure - Service age groups snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Goyder (DC), with comparison markers for Regional SA.

Goyder (DC)
Regional SA

Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)

2021 count

174

% of total

4.3%

Change from 2016

-0.5pp

Primary schoolers (5 to 11)

2021 count

303

% of total

7.5%

Change from 2016

-0.1pp

Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)

2021 count

287

% of total

7.1%

Change from 2016

-1.0pp

Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)

2021 count

231

% of total

5.7%

Change from 2016

+0.3pp

Young workforce (25 to 34)

2021 count

346

% of total

8.5%

Change from 2016

+0.6pp

Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)

2021 count

592

% of total

14.6%

Change from 2016

-3.0pp

Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)

2021 count

591

% of total

14.6%

Change from 2016

-2.5pp

Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)

2021 count

799

% of total

19.7%

Change from 2016

+3.4pp

Seniors (70 to 84)

2021 count

617

% of total

15.2%

Change from 2016

+2.7pp

Elderly aged (85 and over)

2021 count

111

% of total

2.7%

Change from 2016

+0.6pp

Data table

Service age groups for Goyder (DC). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional SA.

Service age groups for Goyder (DC). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional SA.
Service age groups for Goyder (DC). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional SA.
Category20212016Change
Count%Regional SA%Count%Regional SA%Countpp
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)1744.3%4.9%2004.8%5.5%-26-0.5pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)3037.5%8.1%3147.6%8.6%-11-0.1pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)2877.1%7.0%3338.1%7.2%-46-1.0pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)2315.7%6.5%2235.4%6.8%+8+0.3pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)3468.5%10.5%3277.9%10.4%+19+0.6pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)59214.6%16.4%73017.6%17.8%-138-3.0pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)59114.6%13.9%70617.1%14.6%-115-2.5pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)79919.7%15.1%67416.3%14.4%+125+3.4pp
Seniors (70 to 84)61715.2%14.7%51712.5%12.1%+100+2.7pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)1112.7%2.8%852.1%2.7%+26+0.6pp
Total4,060100.0%100.0%4,136100.0%100.0%-760.0pp