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 Northern Areas (DC), accounting for 16.9% (772 people). This share was higher than Regional SA (15.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Seniors (70 to 84), which increased by 117 people and 2.5 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Northern Areas (DC) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Northern Areas (DC) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional SA and change since 2016.
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Northern Areas (DC), with comparison markers for Regional SA.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
245
% of total
5.4%
Change from 2016
-0.8pp
245
5.4%
-0.8pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
401
% of total
8.8%
Change from 2016
+0.8pp
401
8.8%
+0.8pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
297
% of total
6.5%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
297
6.5%
-0.2pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
272
% of total
6.0%
Change from 2016
-0.4pp
272
6.0%
-0.4pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
403
% of total
8.8%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
403
8.8%
-0.2pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
695
% of total
15.2%
Change from 2016
-0.4pp
695
15.2%
-0.4pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
662
% of total
14.5%
Change from 2016
-2.0pp
662
14.5%
-2.0pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
772
% of total
16.9%
Change from 2016
+0.9pp
772
16.9%
+0.9pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
688
% of total
15.1%
Change from 2016
+2.5pp
688
15.1%
+2.5pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
131
% of total
2.9%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
131
2.9%
-0.2pp
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
-34
-0.8pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
+37
+0.8pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
-6
-0.2pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
-18
-0.4pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
-5
-0.2pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
-12
-0.4pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
-83
-2.0pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
+48
+0.9pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
+117
+2.5pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
-10
-0.2pp
Data table
Service age groups for Northern Areas (DC). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional SA.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional SA% | Count | % | Regional SA% | Count | pp | |
| Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) | 245 | 5.4% | 4.9% | 279 | 6.2% | 5.5% | -34 | -0.8pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 401 | 8.8% | 8.1% | 364 | 8.0% | 8.6% | +37 | +0.8pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 297 | 6.5% | 7.0% | 303 | 6.7% | 7.2% | -6 | -0.2pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 272 | 6.0% | 6.5% | 290 | 6.4% | 6.8% | -18 | -0.4pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 403 | 8.8% | 10.5% | 408 | 9.0% | 10.4% | -5 | -0.2pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 695 | 15.2% | 16.4% | 707 | 15.6% | 17.8% | -12 | -0.4pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 662 | 14.5% | 13.9% | 745 | 16.5% | 14.6% | -83 | -2.0pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 772 | 16.9% | 15.1% | 724 | 16.0% | 14.4% | +48 | +0.9pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 688 | 15.1% | 14.7% | 571 | 12.6% | 12.1% | +117 | +2.5pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 131 | 2.9% | 2.8% | 141 | 3.1% | 2.7% | -10 | -0.2pp |
| Total | 4,559 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 4,524 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +35 | 0.0pp |