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, Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) was the most common category among residents in Moreland (C), accounting for 23% (39,369 people). This share was higher than Greater Melbourne (21.5%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49), which increased by 3,427 people and 0.9 percentage points.

Section overview

Age structure - Service age groups

Moreland (C) - Total persons (Usual residence)

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

Age structure - Service age groups snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Moreland (C), with comparison markers for Greater Melbourne.

Moreland (C)
Greater Melbourne

Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)

2021 count

9,733

% of total

5.7%

Change from 2016

-0.6pp

Primary schoolers (5 to 11)

2021 count

12,182

% of total

7.1%

Change from 2016

-0.1pp

Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)

2021 count

8,819

% of total

5.1%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)

2021 count

15,419

% of total

9.0%

Change from 2016

-0.9pp

Young workforce (25 to 34)

2021 count

37,160

% of total

21.7%

Change from 2016

-0.1pp

Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)

2021 count

39,369

% of total

23.0%

Change from 2016

+0.9pp

Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)

2021 count

18,582

% of total

10.8%

Change from 2016

+0.6pp

Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)

2021 count

12,954

% of total

7.6%

Change from 2016

+0.5pp

Seniors (70 to 84)

2021 count

12,467

% of total

7.3%

Change from 2016

-0.5pp

Elderly aged (85 and over)

2021 count

4,678

% of total

2.7%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Data table

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

Service age groups for Moreland (C). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Melbourne.
Service age groups for Moreland (C). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Melbourne.
Category20212016Change
Count%Greater Melbourne%Count%Greater Melbourne%Countpp
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)9,7335.7%5.9%10,2756.3%6.4%-542-0.6pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)12,1827.1%8.7%11,7437.2%8.5%+439-0.1pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)8,8195.1%6.9%8,0134.9%6.7%+806+0.2pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)15,4199.0%8.9%16,0639.9%10.0%-644-0.9pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)37,16021.7%16.0%35,41921.8%16.3%+1,741-0.1pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)39,36923.0%21.5%35,94222.1%21.1%+3,427+0.9pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)18,58210.8%11.9%16,61210.2%11.9%+1,970+0.6pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)12,9547.6%9.5%11,4797.1%9.3%+1,475+0.5pp
Seniors (70 to 84)12,4677.3%8.6%12,7257.8%7.7%-258-0.5pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)4,6782.7%2.0%4,3152.7%2.0%+3630.0pp
Total171,357100.0%100.0%162,558100.0%100.0%+8,7990.0pp