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 Hope Vale (S), accounting for 18.4% (180 people). This share was lower than Regional Qld (19%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69), which increased by 25 people and 2.3 percentage points.

Section overview

Age structure - Service age groups

Hope Vale (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises service age groups for Hope Vale (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 Hope Vale (S), with comparison markers for Regional Qld.

Hope Vale (S)
Regional Qld

Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)

2021 count

108

% of total

11.1%

Change from 2016

+0.6pp

Primary schoolers (5 to 11)

2021 count

134

% of total

13.7%

Change from 2016

+1.1pp

Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)

2021 count

85

% of total

8.7%

Change from 2016

-1.3pp

Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)

2021 count

109

% of total

11.2%

Change from 2016

-2.2pp

Young workforce (25 to 34)

2021 count

173

% of total

17.7%

Change from 2016

+1.4pp

Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)

2021 count

180

% of total

18.4%

Change from 2016

-3.0pp

Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)

2021 count

94

% of total

9.6%

Change from 2016

+1.0pp

Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)

2021 count

68

% of total

7.0%

Change from 2016

+2.3pp

Seniors (70 to 84)

2021 count

29

% of total

3.0%

Change from 2016

+0.3pp

Elderly aged (85 and over)

2021 count

8

% of total

0.8%

Change from 2016

-0.3pp

Data table

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

Service age groups for Hope Vale (S). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Qld.
Service age groups for Hope Vale (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)10811.1%5.4%9610.5%6.1%+12+0.6pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)13413.7%8.9%11612.6%9.4%+18+1.1pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)858.7%7.8%9210.0%7.7%-7-1.3pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)10911.2%7.9%12313.4%8.3%-14-2.2pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)17317.7%12.4%15016.3%12.4%+23+1.4pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)18018.4%19.0%19621.4%19.6%-16-3.0pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)949.6%13.2%798.6%13.4%+15+1.0pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)687.0%12.2%434.7%11.7%+25+2.3pp
Seniors (70 to 84)293.0%11.3%252.7%9.4%+4+0.3pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)80.8%2.1%101.1%1.9%-2-0.3pp
Total976100.0%100.0%918100.0%100.0%+580.0pp