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, Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) was the most common category among residents in Northam (S), accounting for 17.9% (2,034 people). This share was lower than Regional WA (19.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Seniors (70 to 84), which increased by 310 people and 2.6 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Northam (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Northam (S) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional WA and change since 2016.
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Northam (S), with comparison markers for Regional WA.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
584
% of total
5.1%
Change from 2016
-0.9pp
584
5.1%
-0.9pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
1,041
% of total
9.2%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
1,041
9.2%
+0.2pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
874
% of total
7.7%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
874
7.7%
+0.2pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
799
% of total
7.0%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
799
7.0%
-0.2pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
1,240
% of total
10.9%
Change from 2016
-1.0pp
1,240
10.9%
-1.0pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
2,034
% of total
17.9%
Change from 2016
-1.0pp
2,034
17.9%
-1.0pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
1,550
% of total
13.6%
Change from 2016
-1.0pp
1,550
13.6%
-1.0pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
1,632
% of total
14.4%
Change from 2016
+0.9pp
1,632
14.4%
+0.9pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
1,370
% of total
12.1%
Change from 2016
+2.6pp
1,370
12.1%
+2.6pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
232
% of total
2.0%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
232
2.0%
+0.2pp
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
-84
-0.9pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
+41
+0.2pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
+41
+0.2pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
-3
-0.2pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
-86
-1.0pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
-69
-1.0pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
-71
-1.0pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
+130
+0.9pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
+310
+2.6pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
+36
+0.2pp
Data table
Service age groups for Northam (S). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional WA.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional WA% | Count | % | Regional WA% | Count | pp | |
| Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) | 584 | 5.1% | 6.0% | 668 | 6.0% | 6.6% | -84 | -0.9pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 1,041 | 9.2% | 9.5% | 1,000 | 9.0% | 9.8% | +41 | +0.2pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 874 | 7.7% | 7.6% | 833 | 7.5% | 7.4% | +41 | +0.2pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 799 | 7.0% | 6.7% | 802 | 7.2% | 7.0% | -3 | -0.2pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 1,240 | 10.9% | 12.5% | 1,326 | 11.9% | 13.6% | -86 | -1.0pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 2,034 | 17.9% | 19.9% | 2,103 | 18.9% | 20.8% | -69 | -1.0pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 1,550 | 13.6% | 13.7% | 1,621 | 14.6% | 14.1% | -71 | -1.0pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 1,632 | 14.4% | 12.4% | 1,502 | 13.5% | 11.3% | +130 | +0.9pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 1,370 | 12.1% | 10.1% | 1,060 | 9.5% | 7.8% | +310 | +2.6pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 232 | 2.0% | 1.7% | 196 | 1.8% | 1.5% | +36 | +0.2pp |
| Total | 11,358 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 11,112 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +246 | 0.0pp |