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 Cowirra, accounting for 26.5% (41 people). This share was higher than Mid Murray (DC) (19.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49), which decreased by 277 people and 14.2 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Cowirra - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Cowirra in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Mid Murray (DC) and change since 2016.
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Cowirra, with comparison markers for Mid Murray (DC).
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
4
% of total
2.6%
Change from 2016
-4.1pp
4
2.6%
-4.1pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
0
% of total
0.0%
Change from 2016
-11.2pp
0
0.0%
-11.2pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
7
% of total
4.5%
Change from 2016
-6.3pp
7
4.5%
-6.3pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
4
% of total
2.6%
Change from 2016
-2.7pp
4
2.6%
-2.7pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
3
% of total
1.9%
Change from 2016
-4.4pp
3
1.9%
-4.4pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
15
% of total
9.7%
Change from 2016
-14.2pp
15
9.7%
-14.2pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
32
% of total
20.6%
Change from 2016
+5.1pp
32
20.6%
+5.1pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
41
% of total
26.5%
Change from 2016
+13.7pp
41
26.5%
+13.7pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
23
% of total
14.8%
Change from 2016
+7.7pp
23
14.8%
+7.7pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
5
% of total
3.2%
Change from 2016
+2.5pp
5
3.2%
+2.5pp
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
-78
-4.1pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
-137
-11.2pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
-125
-6.3pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
-61
-2.7pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
-74
-4.4pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
-277
-14.2pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
-157
+5.1pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
-116
+13.7pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
-64
+7.7pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
-4
+2.5pp
Data table
Service age groups for Cowirra. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mid Murray (DC).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Mid Murray (DC)% | Count | % | Mid Murray (DC)% | Count | pp | |
| Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) | 4 | 2.6% | 3.6% | 82 | 6.7% | 4.1% | -78 | -4.1pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 0 | 0.0% | 6.2% | 137 | 11.2% | 6.3% | -137 | -11.2pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 7 | 4.5% | 5.8% | 132 | 10.8% | 5.5% | -125 | -6.3pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 4 | 2.6% | 4.9% | 65 | 5.3% | 6.2% | -61 | -2.7pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 3 | 1.9% | 7.8% | 77 | 6.3% | 8.4% | -74 | -4.4pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 15 | 9.7% | 14.9% | 292 | 23.9% | 16.9% | -277 | -14.2pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 32 | 20.6% | 16.5% | 189 | 15.5% | 17.3% | -157 | +5.1pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 41 | 26.5% | 19.9% | 157 | 12.8% | 18.8% | -116 | +13.7pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 23 | 14.8% | 17.7% | 87 | 7.1% | 13.8% | -64 | +7.7pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 5 | 3.2% | 2.3% | 9 | 0.7% | 2.2% | -4 | +2.5pp |
| Total | 155 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 1,222 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -1,067 | 0.0pp |