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 Elizabeth South, accounting for 17.1% (503 people). This share was lower than Playford (C) (18.5%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49), which increased by 493 people and 8.3 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Elizabeth South - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Elizabeth South in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Playford (C) and change since 2016.
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Elizabeth South, with comparison markers for Playford (C).
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
191
% of total
6.5%
Change from 2016
+1.2pp
191
6.5%
+1.2pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
287
% of total
9.8%
Change from 2016
+6.3pp
287
9.8%
+6.3pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
246
% of total
8.4%
Change from 2016
+8.4pp
246
8.4%
+8.4pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
288
% of total
9.8%
Change from 2016
+5.4pp
288
9.8%
+5.4pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
443
% of total
15.1%
Change from 2016
+12.5pp
443
15.1%
+12.5pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
503
% of total
17.1%
Change from 2016
+8.3pp
503
17.1%
+8.3pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
402
% of total
13.7%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
402
13.7%
-0.3pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
282
% of total
9.6%
Change from 2016
-15.8pp
282
9.6%
-15.8pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
241
% of total
8.2%
Change from 2016
-6.7pp
241
8.2%
-6.7pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
50
% of total
1.7%
Change from 2016
+1.7pp
50
1.7%
+1.7pp
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
+185
+1.2pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
+283
+6.3pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
+246
+8.4pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
+283
+5.4pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
+440
+12.5pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
+493
+8.3pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
+386
-0.3pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
+253
-15.8pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
+224
-6.7pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
+50
+1.7pp
Data table
Service age groups for Elizabeth South. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Playford (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Playford (C)% | Count | % | Playford (C)% | Count | pp | |
| Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) | 191 | 6.5% | 7.5% | 6 | 5.3% | 8.6% | +185 | +1.2pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 287 | 9.8% | 11.0% | 4 | 3.5% | 10.6% | +283 | +6.3pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 246 | 8.4% | 8.1% | 0 | 0.0% | 7.8% | +246 | +8.4pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 288 | 9.8% | 9.5% | 5 | 4.4% | 10.5% | +283 | +5.4pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 443 | 15.1% | 15.9% | 3 | 2.6% | 15.3% | +440 | +12.5pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 503 | 17.1% | 18.5% | 10 | 8.8% | 18.2% | +493 | +8.3pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 402 | 13.7% | 11.6% | 16 | 14.0% | 12.3% | +386 | -0.3pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 282 | 9.6% | 9.1% | 29 | 25.4% | 8.4% | +253 | -15.8pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 241 | 8.2% | 7.2% | 17 | 14.9% | 6.9% | +224 | -6.7pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 50 | 1.7% | 1.6% | 0 | 0.0% | 1.5% | +50 | +1.7pp |
| Total | 2,933 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 114 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +2,819 | 0.0pp |