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, Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) was the most common category among residents in Palmer (SA), accounting for 25.1% (54 people). This share was higher than Mid Murray (DC) (16.5%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59), which increased by 21 people and 8.8 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Palmer (SA) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Palmer (SA) 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 Palmer (SA), with comparison markers for Mid Murray (DC).
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
6
% of total
2.8%
Change from 2016
-7.1pp
6
2.8%
-7.1pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
12
% of total
5.6%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
12
5.6%
-0.3pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
7
% of total
3.3%
Change from 2016
-3.6pp
7
3.3%
-3.6pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
30
% of total
14.0%
Change from 2016
+5.6pp
30
14.0%
+5.6pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
14
% of total
6.5%
Change from 2016
+1.5pp
14
6.5%
+1.5pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
22
% of total
10.2%
Change from 2016
-7.1pp
22
10.2%
-7.1pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
54
% of total
25.1%
Change from 2016
+8.8pp
54
25.1%
+8.8pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
28
% of total
13.0%
Change from 2016
+3.1pp
28
13.0%
+3.1pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
26
% of total
12.1%
Change from 2016
+8.6pp
26
12.1%
+8.6pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
0
% of total
0.0%
Change from 2016
-1.5pp
0
0.0%
-1.5pp
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
-14
-7.1pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
0
-0.3pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
-7
-3.6pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
+13
+5.6pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
+4
+1.5pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
-13
-7.1pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
+21
+8.8pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
+8
+3.1pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
+19
+8.6pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
-3
-1.5pp
Data table
Service age groups for Palmer (SA). 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) | 6 | 2.8% | 3.6% | 20 | 9.9% | 4.1% | -14 | -7.1pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 12 | 5.6% | 6.2% | 12 | 5.9% | 6.3% | 0 | -0.3pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 7 | 3.3% | 5.8% | 14 | 6.9% | 5.5% | -7 | -3.6pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 30 | 14.0% | 4.9% | 17 | 8.4% | 6.2% | +13 | +5.6pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 14 | 6.5% | 7.8% | 10 | 5.0% | 8.4% | +4 | +1.5pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 22 | 10.2% | 14.9% | 35 | 17.3% | 16.9% | -13 | -7.1pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 54 | 25.1% | 16.5% | 33 | 16.3% | 17.3% | +21 | +8.8pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 28 | 13.0% | 19.9% | 20 | 9.9% | 18.8% | +8 | +3.1pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 26 | 12.1% | 17.7% | 7 | 3.5% | 13.8% | +19 | +8.6pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 0 | 0.0% | 2.3% | 3 | 1.5% | 2.2% | -3 | -1.5pp |
| Total | 215 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 202 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +13 | 0.0pp |