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 Emu Plains, accounting for 20.7% (1,683 people). This share was lower than Penrith (C) (21%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49), which increased by 1,118 people and 0.8 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Emu Plains - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Emu Plains in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Penrith (C) and change since 2016.
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Emu Plains, with comparison markers for Penrith (C).
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
431
% of total
5.3%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
431
5.3%
+0.4pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
716
% of total
8.8%
Change from 2016
+1.8pp
716
8.8%
+1.8pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
643
% of total
7.9%
Change from 2016
+1.1pp
643
7.9%
+1.1pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
668
% of total
8.2%
Change from 2016
-1.8pp
668
8.2%
-1.8pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
878
% of total
10.8%
Change from 2016
-4.6pp
878
10.8%
-4.6pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
1,683
% of total
20.7%
Change from 2016
+0.8pp
1,683
20.7%
+0.8pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
896
% of total
11.0%
Change from 2016
-3.7pp
896
11.0%
-3.7pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
958
% of total
11.8%
Change from 2016
+2.1pp
958
11.8%
+2.1pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
1,050
% of total
12.9%
Change from 2016
+3.7pp
1,050
12.9%
+3.7pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
215
% of total
2.6%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
215
2.6%
+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)
+293
+0.4pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
+519
+1.8pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
+450
+1.1pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
+384
-1.8pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
+441
-4.6pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
+1,118
+0.8pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
+479
-3.7pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
+683
+2.1pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
+789
+3.7pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
+148
+0.2pp
Data table
Service age groups for Emu Plains. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Penrith (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Penrith (C)% | Count | % | Penrith (C)% | Count | pp | |
| Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) | 431 | 5.3% | 7.2% | 138 | 4.9% | 7.4% | +293 | +0.4pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 716 | 8.8% | 9.9% | 197 | 7.0% | 9.8% | +519 | +1.8pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 643 | 7.9% | 7.8% | 193 | 6.8% | 7.8% | +450 | +1.1pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 668 | 8.2% | 9.3% | 284 | 10.0% | 9.9% | +384 | -1.8pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 878 | 10.8% | 15.2% | 437 | 15.4% | 15.4% | +441 | -4.6pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 1,683 | 20.7% | 21.0% | 565 | 19.9% | 20.5% | +1,118 | +0.8pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 896 | 11.0% | 11.4% | 417 | 14.7% | 12.3% | +479 | -3.7pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 958 | 11.8% | 9.5% | 275 | 9.7% | 9.7% | +683 | +2.1pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 1,050 | 12.9% | 7.5% | 261 | 9.2% | 6.0% | +789 | +3.7pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 215 | 2.6% | 1.2% | 67 | 2.4% | 1.2% | +148 | +0.2pp |
| Total | 8,126 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 2,833 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +5,293 | 0.0pp |