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 Grampians (S), accounting for 16.2% (1,933 people). This share was higher than Regional Vic. (13.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Seniors (70 to 84), which increased by 336 people and 2.3 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Northern Grampians (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Northern Grampians (S) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Vic. and change since 2016.
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Northern Grampians (S), with comparison markers for Regional Vic..
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
577
% of total
4.8%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
577
4.8%
+0.3pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
843
% of total
7.1%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
843
7.1%
0.0pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
727
% of total
6.1%
Change from 2016
-1.1pp
727
6.1%
-1.1pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
763
% of total
6.4%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
763
6.4%
0.0pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
1,339
% of total
11.2%
Change from 2016
+1.9pp
1,339
11.2%
+1.9pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
1,766
% of total
14.8%
Change from 2016
-2.0pp
1,766
14.8%
-2.0pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
1,728
% of total
14.5%
Change from 2016
-0.9pp
1,728
14.5%
-0.9pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
1,933
% of total
16.2%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
1,933
16.2%
-0.1pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
1,874
% of total
15.7%
Change from 2016
+2.3pp
1,874
15.7%
+2.3pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
388
% of total
3.2%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
388
3.2%
-0.3pp
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
+58
+0.3pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
+27
0.0pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
-101
-1.1pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
+28
0.0pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
+275
+1.9pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
-152
-2.0pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
-34
-0.9pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
+70
-0.1pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
+336
+2.3pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
-8
-0.3pp
Data table
Service age groups for Northern Grampians (S). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Vic..
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional Vic.% | Count | % | Regional Vic.% | Count | pp | |
| Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) | 577 | 4.8% | 5.4% | 519 | 4.5% | 5.8% | +58 | +0.3pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 843 | 7.1% | 8.4% | 816 | 7.1% | 8.7% | +27 | 0.0pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 727 | 6.1% | 7.2% | 828 | 7.2% | 7.4% | -101 | -1.1pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 763 | 6.4% | 7.3% | 735 | 6.4% | 7.9% | +28 | 0.0pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 1,339 | 11.2% | 11.7% | 1,064 | 9.3% | 10.9% | +275 | +1.9pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 1,766 | 14.8% | 17.6% | 1,918 | 16.8% | 18.1% | -152 | -2.0pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 1,728 | 14.5% | 13.1% | 1,762 | 15.4% | 13.9% | -34 | -0.9pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 1,933 | 16.2% | 13.6% | 1,863 | 16.3% | 13.4% | +70 | -0.1pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 1,874 | 15.7% | 13.0% | 1,538 | 13.4% | 11.1% | +336 | +2.3pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 388 | 3.2% | 2.7% | 396 | 3.5% | 2.7% | -8 | -0.3pp |
| Total | 11,948 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 11,439 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +509 | 0.0pp |