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, Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) was the most common category among residents in Inverell, accounting for 16% (2,857 people). This share was lower than Regional NSW (17.5%).
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Inverell - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Inverell in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional NSW and change since 2016.
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Inverell, with comparison markers for Regional NSW.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
1,021
% of total
5.7%
Change from 2016
-
1,021
5.7%
-
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
1,651
% of total
9.2%
Change from 2016
-
1,651
9.2%
-
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
1,437
% of total
8.0%
Change from 2016
-
1,437
8.0%
-
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
1,333
% of total
7.5%
Change from 2016
-
1,333
7.5%
-
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
1,972
% of total
11.0%
Change from 2016
-
1,972
11.0%
-
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
2,857
% of total
16.0%
Change from 2016
-
2,857
16.0%
-
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
2,295
% of total
12.9%
Change from 2016
-
2,295
12.9%
-
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
2,301
% of total
12.9%
Change from 2016
-
2,301
12.9%
-
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
2,497
% of total
14.0%
Change from 2016
-
2,497
14.0%
-
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
476
% of total
2.7%
Change from 2016
-
476
2.7%
-
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Data table
Service age groups for Inverell. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional NSW.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional NSW% | Count | % | Regional NSW% | Count | pp | |
| Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) | 1,021 | 5.7% | 5.5% | - | - | 5.8% | - | - |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 1,651 | 9.2% | 8.6% | - | - | 8.9% | - | - |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 1,437 | 8.0% | 7.4% | - | - | 7.3% | - | - |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 1,333 | 7.5% | 7.6% | - | - | 7.9% | - | - |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 1,972 | 11.0% | 11.6% | - | - | 11.0% | - | - |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 2,857 | 16.0% | 17.5% | - | - | 18.0% | - | - |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 2,295 | 12.9% | 12.8% | - | - | 13.8% | - | - |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 2,301 | 12.9% | 13.3% | - | - | 13.1% | - | - |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 2,497 | 14.0% | 13.0% | - | - | 11.4% | - | - |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 476 | 2.7% | 2.8% | - | - | 2.7% | - | - |
| Total | 17,853 | 100.0% | 100.0% | - | - | 100.0% | - | - |