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 Port Noarlunga South, accounting for 20.9% (639 people). This share was higher than Onkaparinga (C) (19.2%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Seniors (70 to 84), which increased by 98 people and 2.3 percentage points.

Section overview

Age structure - Service age groups

Port Noarlunga South - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises service age groups for Port Noarlunga South in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Onkaparinga (C) and change since 2016.

Age structure - Service age groups snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Port Noarlunga South, with comparison markers for Onkaparinga (C).

Port Noarlunga South
Onkaparinga (C)

Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)

2021 count

194

% of total

6.3%

Change from 2016

+0.5pp

Primary schoolers (5 to 11)

2021 count

285

% of total

9.3%

Change from 2016

+1.4pp

Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)

2021 count

200

% of total

6.5%

Change from 2016

-0.4pp

Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)

2021 count

220

% of total

7.2%

Change from 2016

-1.3pp

Young workforce (25 to 34)

2021 count

417

% of total

13.6%

Change from 2016

+0.8pp

Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)

2021 count

639

% of total

20.9%

Change from 2016

-1.7pp

Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)

2021 count

385

% of total

12.6%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)

2021 count

370

% of total

12.1%

Change from 2016

-1.8pp

Seniors (70 to 84)

2021 count

331

% of total

10.8%

Change from 2016

+2.3pp

Elderly aged (85 and over)

2021 count

43

% of total

1.4%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Data table

Service age groups for Port Noarlunga South. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Onkaparinga (C).

Service age groups for Port Noarlunga South. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Onkaparinga (C).
Service age groups for Port Noarlunga South. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Onkaparinga (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Onkaparinga (C)%Count%Onkaparinga (C)%Countpp
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)1946.3%5.4%1595.8%6.2%+35+0.5pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)2859.3%8.6%2177.9%8.9%+68+1.4pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)2006.5%7.3%1906.9%7.5%+10-0.4pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)2207.2%7.9%2328.5%8.4%-12-1.3pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)41713.6%12.2%35012.8%12.4%+67+0.8pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)63920.9%19.2%61722.6%19.7%+22-1.7pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)38512.6%13.1%33812.4%13.3%+47+0.2pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)37012.1%12.3%38013.9%12.4%-10-1.8pp
Seniors (70 to 84)33110.8%11.8%2338.5%9.1%+98+2.3pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)431.4%2.2%351.3%2.1%+8+0.1pp
Total3,058100.0%100.0%2,734100.0%100.0%+3240.0pp