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, Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) was the most common category among residents in The Branch, accounting for 20% (26 people). This share was higher than Mid-Coast (A) (13.2%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59), which increased by 26 people and 20 percentage points.

Section overview

Age structure - Service age groups

The Branch - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises service age groups for The Branch in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Mid-Coast (A) and change since 2016.

Age structure - Service age groups snapshot

2021 distribution by category for The Branch, with comparison markers for Mid-Coast (A).

The Branch
Mid-Coast (A)

Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)

2021 count

6

% of total

4.6%

Change from 2016

+4.6pp

Primary schoolers (5 to 11)

2021 count

9

% of total

6.9%

Change from 2016

+6.9pp

Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)

2021 count

24

% of total

18.5%

Change from 2016

+18.5pp

Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)

2021 count

4

% of total

3.1%

Change from 2016

+3.1pp

Young workforce (25 to 34)

2021 count

0

% of total

0.0%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)

2021 count

20

% of total

15.4%

Change from 2016

+15.4pp

Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)

2021 count

26

% of total

20.0%

Change from 2016

+20.0pp

Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)

2021 count

23

% of total

17.7%

Change from 2016

+17.7pp

Seniors (70 to 84)

2021 count

10

% of total

7.7%

Change from 2016

+7.7pp

Elderly aged (85 and over)

2021 count

0

% of total

0.0%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Data table

Service age groups for The Branch. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mid-Coast (A).

Service age groups for The Branch. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mid-Coast (A).
Service age groups for The Branch. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mid-Coast (A).
Category20212016Change
Count%Mid-Coast (A)%Count%Mid-Coast (A)%Countpp
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)64.6%4.1%00.0%4.6%+6+4.6pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)96.9%7.1%00.0%7.6%+9+6.9pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)2418.5%6.5%00.0%6.8%+24+18.5pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)43.1%5.3%00.0%5.6%+4+3.1pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)00.0%7.9%00.0%7.4%00.0pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)2015.4%14.0%00.0%15.0%+20+15.4pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)2620.0%13.2%00.0%14.5%+26+20.0pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)2317.7%17.9%00.0%17.7%+23+17.7pp
Seniors (70 to 84)107.7%20.1%00.0%17.0%+10+7.7pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)00.0%4.0%00.0%3.8%00.0pp
Total130100.0%100.0%3100.0%100.0%+1270.0pp