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, Young workforce (25 to 34) was the most common category among residents in Lewisham (NSW), accounting for 27% (1,095 people). This share was higher than Inner West (A) (19.3%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Young workforce (25 to 34), which increased by 1,003 people and 20.4 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Lewisham (NSW) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Lewisham (NSW) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Inner West (A) and change since 2016.
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Lewisham (NSW), with comparison markers for Inner West (A).
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
214
% of total
5.3%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
214
5.3%
+0.6pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
245
% of total
6.0%
Change from 2016
-4.6pp
245
6.0%
-4.6pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
170
% of total
4.2%
Change from 2016
-6.7pp
170
4.2%
-6.7pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
348
% of total
8.6%
Change from 2016
-1.6pp
348
8.6%
-1.6pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
1,095
% of total
27.0%
Change from 2016
+20.4pp
1,095
27.0%
+20.4pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
980
% of total
24.1%
Change from 2016
+5.4pp
980
24.1%
+5.4pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
376
% of total
9.3%
Change from 2016
-6.7pp
376
9.3%
-6.7pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
309
% of total
7.6%
Change from 2016
-6.2pp
309
7.6%
-6.2pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
257
% of total
6.3%
Change from 2016
-1.5pp
257
6.3%
-1.5pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
94
% of total
2.3%
Change from 2016
+0.9pp
94
2.3%
+0.9pp
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
+149
+0.6pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
+97
-4.6pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
+18
-6.7pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
+206
-1.6pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
+1,003
+20.4pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
+720
+5.4pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
+154
-6.7pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
+117
-6.2pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
+148
-1.5pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
+75
+0.9pp
Data table
Service age groups for Lewisham (NSW). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Inner West (A).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Inner West (A)% | Count | % | Inner West (A)% | Count | pp | |
| Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) | 214 | 5.3% | 5.0% | 65 | 4.7% | 5.9% | +149 | +0.6pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 245 | 6.0% | 6.8% | 148 | 10.6% | 7.1% | +97 | -4.6pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 170 | 4.2% | 5.3% | 152 | 10.9% | 4.6% | +18 | -6.7pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 348 | 8.6% | 7.8% | 142 | 10.2% | 8.5% | +206 | -1.6pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 1,095 | 27.0% | 19.3% | 92 | 6.6% | 20.3% | +1,003 | +20.4pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 980 | 24.1% | 24.2% | 260 | 18.7% | 24.8% | +720 | +5.4pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 376 | 9.3% | 12.7% | 222 | 16.0% | 12.0% | +154 | -6.7pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 309 | 7.6% | 9.1% | 192 | 13.8% | 8.6% | +117 | -6.2pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 257 | 6.3% | 7.9% | 109 | 7.8% | 6.6% | +148 | -1.5pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 94 | 2.3% | 2.0% | 19 | 1.4% | 1.7% | +75 | +0.9pp |
| Total | 4,060 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 1,390 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +2,670 | 0.0pp |