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 Palmyra (Qld), accounting for 20.8% (52 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 24 people and 10.2 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Palmyra (Qld) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Palmyra (Qld) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Mackay (R) and change since 2016.
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Palmyra (Qld), with comparison markers for Mackay (R).
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
16
% of total
6.4%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
16
6.4%
+0.3pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
21
% of total
8.4%
Change from 2016
-3.0pp
21
8.4%
-3.0pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
21
% of total
8.4%
Change from 2016
-1.4pp
21
8.4%
-1.4pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
27
% of total
10.8%
Change from 2016
+5.9pp
27
10.8%
+5.9pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
17
% of total
6.8%
Change from 2016
-2.7pp
17
6.8%
-2.7pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
33
% of total
13.2%
Change from 2016
-5.0pp
33
13.2%
-5.0pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
47
% of total
18.8%
Change from 2016
-1.7pp
47
18.8%
-1.7pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
52
% of total
20.8%
Change from 2016
+10.2pp
52
20.8%
+10.2pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
16
% of total
6.4%
Change from 2016
+2.2pp
16
6.4%
+2.2pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
4
% of total
1.6%
Change from 2016
+1.6pp
4
1.6%
+1.6pp
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
0
+0.3pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
-9
-3.0pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
-5
-1.4pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
+14
+5.9pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
-8
-2.7pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
-15
-5.0pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
-7
-1.7pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
+24
+10.2pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
+5
+2.2pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
+4
+1.6pp
Data table
Service age groups for Palmyra (Qld). 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) | 16 | 6.4% | 6.2% | 16 | 6.1% | 6.7% | 0 | +0.3pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 21 | 8.4% | 9.6% | 30 | 11.4% | 9.9% | -9 | -3.0pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 21 | 8.4% | 8.3% | 26 | 9.8% | 8.1% | -5 | -1.4pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 27 | 10.8% | 7.8% | 13 | 4.9% | 8.1% | +14 | +5.9pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 17 | 6.8% | 12.8% | 25 | 9.5% | 13.5% | -8 | -2.7pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 33 | 13.2% | 19.9% | 48 | 18.2% | 20.7% | -15 | -5.0pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 47 | 18.8% | 13.8% | 54 | 20.5% | 14.2% | -7 | -1.7pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 52 | 20.8% | 11.4% | 28 | 10.6% | 10.1% | +24 | +10.2pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 16 | 6.4% | 8.6% | 11 | 4.2% | 7.2% | +5 | +2.2pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 4 | 1.6% | 1.6% | 0 | 0.0% | 1.4% | +4 | +1.6pp |
| Total | 250 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 264 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -14 | 0.0pp |