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, Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) was the most common category among residents in Parkville (Vic.) (part), accounting for 37.1% (2,625 people). This share was higher than Melbourne (C) (20%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24), which decreased by 245 people and 1.6 percentage points.

Section overview

Age structure - Service age groups

Parkville (Vic.) (part) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises service age groups for Parkville (Vic.) (part) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Melbourne (C) and change since 2016.

Age structure - Service age groups snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Parkville (Vic.) (part), with comparison markers for Melbourne (C).

Parkville (Vic.) (part)
Melbourne (C)

Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)

2021 count

176

% of total

2.5%

Change from 2016

-0.5pp

Primary schoolers (5 to 11)

2021 count

200

% of total

2.8%

Change from 2016

+0.8pp

Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)

2021 count

211

% of total

3.0%

Change from 2016

+0.6pp

Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)

2021 count

2,625

% of total

37.1%

Change from 2016

-1.6pp

Young workforce (25 to 34)

2021 count

1,650

% of total

23.3%

Change from 2016

+0.5pp

Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)

2021 count

931

% of total

13.2%

Change from 2016

+2.9pp

Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)

2021 count

388

% of total

5.5%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)

2021 count

347

% of total

4.9%

Change from 2016

-0.6pp

Seniors (70 to 84)

2021 count

378

% of total

5.3%

Change from 2016

-0.3pp

Elderly aged (85 and over)

2021 count

146

% of total

2.1%

Change from 2016

-2.3pp

Data table

Service age groups for Parkville (Vic.) (part). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Melbourne (C).

Service age groups for Parkville (Vic.) (part). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Melbourne (C).
Service age groups for Parkville (Vic.) (part). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Melbourne (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Melbourne (C)%Count%Melbourne (C)%Countpp
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)1762.5%2.9%2243.0%3.2%-48-0.5pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)2002.8%2.8%1502.0%2.4%+50+0.8pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)2113.0%2.1%1792.4%2.4%+32+0.6pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)2,62537.1%20.0%2,87038.7%28.1%-245-1.6pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)1,65023.3%35.4%1,68822.8%32.7%-38+0.5pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)93113.2%19.7%76010.3%15.6%+171+2.9pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)3885.5%6.9%3965.3%6.5%-8+0.2pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)3474.9%5.2%4105.5%5.0%-63-0.6pp
Seniors (70 to 84)3785.3%4.1%4135.6%3.2%-35-0.3pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)1462.1%0.8%3244.4%0.9%-178-2.3pp
Total7,074100.0%100.0%7,409100.0%100.0%-3350.0pp