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 Sydenham (NSW), accounting for 25.5% (281 people). This share was higher than Inner West (A) (24.2%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49), which increased by 278 people and 14.8 percentage points.

Section overview

Age structure - Service age groups

Sydenham (NSW) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises service age groups for Sydenham (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 Sydenham (NSW), with comparison markers for Inner West (A).

Sydenham (NSW)
Inner West (A)

Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)

2021 count

41

% of total

3.7%

Change from 2016

+3.7pp

Primary schoolers (5 to 11)

2021 count

60

% of total

5.5%

Change from 2016

+5.5pp

Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)

2021 count

28

% of total

2.5%

Change from 2016

+2.5pp

Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)

2021 count

98

% of total

8.9%

Change from 2016

+8.9pp

Young workforce (25 to 34)

2021 count

269

% of total

24.5%

Change from 2016

+24.5pp

Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)

2021 count

281

% of total

25.5%

Change from 2016

+14.8pp

Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)

2021 count

111

% of total

10.1%

Change from 2016

-0.6pp

Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)

2021 count

84

% of total

7.6%

Change from 2016

-3.1pp

Seniors (70 to 84)

2021 count

73

% of total

6.6%

Change from 2016

+6.6pp

Elderly aged (85 and over)

2021 count

20

% of total

1.8%

Change from 2016

+1.8pp

Data table

Service age groups for Sydenham (NSW). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Inner West (A).

Service age groups for Sydenham (NSW). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Inner West (A).
Service age groups for Sydenham (NSW). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Inner West (A).
Category20212016Change
Count%Inner West (A)%Count%Inner West (A)%Countpp
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)413.7%5.0%00.0%5.9%+41+3.7pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)605.5%6.8%00.0%7.1%+60+5.5pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)282.5%5.3%00.0%4.6%+28+2.5pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)988.9%7.8%00.0%8.5%+98+8.9pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)26924.5%19.3%00.0%20.3%+269+24.5pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)28125.5%24.2%310.7%24.8%+278+14.8pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)11110.1%12.7%310.7%12.0%+108-0.6pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)847.6%9.1%310.7%8.6%+81-3.1pp
Seniors (70 to 84)736.6%7.9%00.0%6.6%+73+6.6pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)201.8%2.0%00.0%1.7%+20+1.8pp
Total1,100100.0%100.0%28100.0%100.0%+1,0720.0pp