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 Mount Vernon, accounting for 16.8% (208 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 208 people and 16.8 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Mount Vernon - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Mount Vernon in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Penrith (C) and change since 2016.
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Mount Vernon, with comparison markers for Penrith (C).
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
54
% of total
4.4%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
54
4.4%
-0.2pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
103
% of total
8.3%
Change from 2016
+3.7pp
103
8.3%
+3.7pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
141
% of total
11.4%
Change from 2016
+11.4pp
141
11.4%
+11.4pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
151
% of total
12.2%
Change from 2016
+12.2pp
151
12.2%
+12.2pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
123
% of total
10.0%
Change from 2016
-0.8pp
123
10.0%
-0.8pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
208
% of total
16.8%
Change from 2016
+16.8pp
208
16.8%
+16.8pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
193
% of total
15.6%
Change from 2016
+11.0pp
193
15.6%
+11.0pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
145
% of total
11.7%
Change from 2016
-14.5pp
145
11.7%
-14.5pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
114
% of total
9.2%
Change from 2016
+4.6pp
114
9.2%
+4.6pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
22
% of total
1.8%
Change from 2016
+1.8pp
22
1.8%
+1.8pp
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
+51
-0.2pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
+100
+3.7pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
+141
+11.4pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
+151
+12.2pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
+116
-0.8pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
+208
+16.8pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
+190
+11.0pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
+128
-14.5pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
+111
+4.6pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
+22
+1.8pp
Data table
Service age groups for Mount Vernon. 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) | 54 | 4.4% | 7.2% | 3 | 4.6% | 7.4% | +51 | -0.2pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 103 | 8.3% | 9.9% | 3 | 4.6% | 9.8% | +100 | +3.7pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 141 | 11.4% | 7.8% | 0 | 0.0% | 7.8% | +141 | +11.4pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 151 | 12.2% | 9.3% | 0 | 0.0% | 9.9% | +151 | +12.2pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 123 | 10.0% | 15.2% | 7 | 10.8% | 15.4% | +116 | -0.8pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 208 | 16.8% | 21.0% | 0 | 0.0% | 20.5% | +208 | +16.8pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 193 | 15.6% | 11.4% | 3 | 4.6% | 12.3% | +190 | +11.0pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 145 | 11.7% | 9.5% | 17 | 26.2% | 9.7% | +128 | -14.5pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 114 | 9.2% | 7.5% | 3 | 4.6% | 6.0% | +111 | +4.6pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 22 | 1.8% | 1.2% | 0 | 0.0% | 1.2% | +22 | +1.8pp |
| Total | 1,235 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 65 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +1,170 | 0.0pp |