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 Racecourse, accounting for 21% (38 people). This share was higher than Mackay (R) (19.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69), which increased by 27 people and 15 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Racecourse - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Racecourse in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Mackay (R) and change since 2016.
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Racecourse, with comparison markers for Mackay (R).
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
18
% of total
9.9%
Change from 2016
+6.6pp
18
9.9%
+6.6pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
22
% of total
12.2%
Change from 2016
+4.0pp
22
12.2%
+4.0pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
19
% of total
10.5%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
19
10.5%
+0.2pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
6
% of total
3.3%
Change from 2016
-3.2pp
6
3.3%
-3.2pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
6
% of total
3.3%
Change from 2016
-3.2pp
6
3.3%
-3.2pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
38
% of total
21.0%
Change from 2016
+2.0pp
38
21.0%
+2.0pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
22
% of total
12.2%
Change from 2016
-11.2pp
22
12.2%
-11.2pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
37
% of total
20.4%
Change from 2016
+15.0pp
37
20.4%
+15.0pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
13
% of total
7.2%
Change from 2016
+1.8pp
13
7.2%
+1.8pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
9
% of total
5.0%
Change from 2016
+3.4pp
9
5.0%
+3.4pp
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
+12
+6.6pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
+7
+4.0pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
0
+0.2pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
-6
-3.2pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
-6
-3.2pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
+3
+2.0pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
-21
-11.2pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
+27
+15.0pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
+3
+1.8pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
+6
+3.4pp
Data table
Service age groups for Racecourse. 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) | 18 | 9.9% | 6.2% | 6 | 3.3% | 6.7% | +12 | +6.6pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 22 | 12.2% | 9.6% | 15 | 8.2% | 9.9% | +7 | +4.0pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 19 | 10.5% | 8.3% | 19 | 10.3% | 8.1% | 0 | +0.2pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 6 | 3.3% | 7.8% | 12 | 6.5% | 8.1% | -6 | -3.2pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 6 | 3.3% | 12.8% | 12 | 6.5% | 13.5% | -6 | -3.2pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 38 | 21.0% | 19.9% | 35 | 19.0% | 20.7% | +3 | +2.0pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 22 | 12.2% | 13.8% | 43 | 23.4% | 14.2% | -21 | -11.2pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 37 | 20.4% | 11.4% | 10 | 5.4% | 10.1% | +27 | +15.0pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 13 | 7.2% | 8.6% | 10 | 5.4% | 7.2% | +3 | +1.8pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 9 | 5.0% | 1.6% | 3 | 1.6% | 1.4% | +6 | +3.4pp |
| Total | 181 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 184 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -3 | 0.0pp |