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 Rainbow Flat, accounting for 21.4% (148 people). This share was higher than Mid-Coast (A) (17.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69), which increased by 118 people and 3.6 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Rainbow Flat - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Rainbow Flat in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Mid-Coast (A) and change since 2016.
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Rainbow Flat, with comparison markers for Mid-Coast (A).
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
17
% of total
2.5%
Change from 2016
-2.2pp
17
2.5%
-2.2pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
56
% of total
8.1%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
56
8.1%
+0.4pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
58
% of total
8.4%
Change from 2016
-7.0pp
58
8.4%
-7.0pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
40
% of total
5.8%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
40
5.8%
-0.7pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
20
% of total
2.9%
Change from 2016
-1.2pp
20
2.9%
-1.2pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
130
% of total
18.8%
Change from 2016
+6.4pp
130
18.8%
+6.4pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
105
% of total
15.2%
Change from 2016
+2.8pp
105
15.2%
+2.8pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
148
% of total
21.4%
Change from 2016
+3.6pp
148
21.4%
+3.6pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
112
% of total
16.2%
Change from 2016
+4.4pp
112
16.2%
+4.4pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
10
% of total
1.4%
Change from 2016
-0.4pp
10
1.4%
-0.4pp
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
+9
-2.2pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
+43
+0.4pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
+32
-7.0pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
+29
-0.7pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
+13
-1.2pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
+109
+6.4pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
+84
+2.8pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
+118
+3.6pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
+92
+4.4pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
+7
-0.4pp
Data table
Service age groups for Rainbow Flat. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mid-Coast (A).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Mid-Coast (A)% | Count | % | Mid-Coast (A)% | Count | pp | |
| Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) | 17 | 2.5% | 4.1% | 8 | 4.7% | 4.6% | +9 | -2.2pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 56 | 8.1% | 7.1% | 13 | 7.7% | 7.6% | +43 | +0.4pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 58 | 8.4% | 6.5% | 26 | 15.4% | 6.8% | +32 | -7.0pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 40 | 5.8% | 5.3% | 11 | 6.5% | 5.6% | +29 | -0.7pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 20 | 2.9% | 7.9% | 7 | 4.1% | 7.4% | +13 | -1.2pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 130 | 18.8% | 14.0% | 21 | 12.4% | 15.0% | +109 | +6.4pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 105 | 15.2% | 13.2% | 21 | 12.4% | 14.5% | +84 | +2.8pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 148 | 21.4% | 17.9% | 30 | 17.8% | 17.7% | +118 | +3.6pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 112 | 16.2% | 20.1% | 20 | 11.8% | 17.0% | +92 | +4.4pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 10 | 1.4% | 4.0% | 3 | 1.8% | 3.8% | +7 | -0.4pp |
| Total | 693 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 169 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +524 | 0.0pp |