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 Loxton Waikerie (DC), accounting for 16% (1,872 people). This share was lower than Regional SA (16.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Seniors (70 to 84), which increased by 360 people and 2.9 percentage points.

Section overview

Age structure - Service age groups

Loxton Waikerie (DC) - Total persons (Usual residence)

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

Age structure - Service age groups change

Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.

2016
2021

Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)

-52

-0.6pp

Primary schoolers (5 to 11)

+27

+0.1pp

Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)

-46

-0.5pp

Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)

-47

-0.5pp

Young workforce (25 to 34)

+171

+1.3pp

Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)

-173

-1.8pp

Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)

-48

-0.6pp

Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)

-2

-0.2pp

Seniors (70 to 84)

+360

+2.9pp

Elderly aged (85 and over)

+8

0.0pp

Data table

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

Service age groups for Loxton Waikerie (DC). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional SA.
Service age groups for Loxton Waikerie (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)6125.2%4.9%6645.8%5.5%-52-0.6pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)9748.3%8.1%9478.2%8.6%+27+0.1pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)8357.2%7.0%8817.7%7.2%-46-0.5pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)6925.9%6.5%7396.4%6.8%-47-0.5pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)1,17910.1%10.5%1,0088.8%10.4%+171+1.3pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)1,87216.0%16.4%2,04517.8%17.8%-173-1.8pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)1,59313.7%13.9%1,64114.3%14.6%-48-0.6pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)1,73514.9%15.1%1,73715.1%14.4%-2-0.2pp
Seniors (70 to 84)1,80415.5%14.7%1,44412.6%12.1%+360+2.9pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)3873.3%2.8%3793.3%2.7%+80.0pp
Total11,666100.0%100.0%11,487100.0%100.0%+1790.0pp