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, Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) was the most common category among residents in Balberra, accounting for 20% (85 people). This share was higher than Mackay (R) (11.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69), which increased by 44 people and 11 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Balberra - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Balberra in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Mackay (R) and change since 2016.
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Balberra, with comparison markers for Mackay (R).
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
14
% of total
3.3%
Change from 2016
-3.0pp
14
3.3%
-3.0pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
48
% of total
11.3%
Change from 2016
+3.4pp
48
11.3%
+3.4pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
38
% of total
8.9%
Change from 2016
+0.8pp
38
8.9%
+0.8pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
31
% of total
7.3%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
31
7.3%
+0.3pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
30
% of total
7.1%
Change from 2016
-3.2pp
30
7.1%
-3.2pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
74
% of total
17.4%
Change from 2016
-1.6pp
74
17.4%
-1.6pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
72
% of total
16.9%
Change from 2016
-3.2pp
72
16.9%
-3.2pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
85
% of total
20.0%
Change from 2016
+11.0pp
85
20.0%
+11.0pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
42
% of total
9.9%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
42
9.9%
+0.1pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
5
% of total
1.2%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
5
1.2%
+0.3pp
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
-15
-3.0pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
+12
+3.4pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
+1
+0.8pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
-1
+0.3pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
-17
-3.2pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
-13
-1.6pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
-20
-3.2pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
+44
+11.0pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
-3
+0.1pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
+1
+0.3pp
Data table
Service age groups for Balberra. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mackay (R).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Mackay (R)% | Count | % | Mackay (R)% | Count | pp | |
| Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) | 14 | 3.3% | 6.2% | 29 | 6.3% | 6.7% | -15 | -3.0pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 48 | 11.3% | 9.6% | 36 | 7.9% | 9.9% | +12 | +3.4pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 38 | 8.9% | 8.3% | 37 | 8.1% | 8.1% | +1 | +0.8pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 31 | 7.3% | 7.8% | 32 | 7.0% | 8.1% | -1 | +0.3pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 30 | 7.1% | 12.8% | 47 | 10.3% | 13.5% | -17 | -3.2pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 74 | 17.4% | 19.9% | 87 | 19.0% | 20.7% | -13 | -1.6pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 72 | 16.9% | 13.8% | 92 | 20.1% | 14.2% | -20 | -3.2pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 85 | 20.0% | 11.4% | 41 | 9.0% | 10.1% | +44 | +11.0pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 42 | 9.9% | 8.6% | 45 | 9.8% | 7.2% | -3 | +0.1pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 5 | 1.2% | 1.6% | 4 | 0.9% | 1.4% | +1 | +0.3pp |
| Total | 425 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 457 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -32 | 0.0pp |