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 Pirie City and Dists (M), accounting for 16.1% (2,781 people). This share was lower than Regional SA (16.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49), which decreased by 283 people and 1.5 percentage points.

Section overview

Age structure - Service age groups

Port Pirie City and Dists (M) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises service age groups for Port Pirie City and Dists (M) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional SA and change since 2016.

Age structure - Service age groups snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Port Pirie City and Dists (M), with comparison markers for Regional SA.

Port Pirie City and Dists (M)
Regional SA

Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)

2021 count

915

% of total

5.3%

Change from 2016

-0.1pp

Primary schoolers (5 to 11)

2021 count

1,421

% of total

8.2%

Change from 2016

-0.3pp

Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)

2021 count

1,339

% of total

7.7%

Change from 2016

-0.7pp

Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)

2021 count

1,374

% of total

8.0%

Change from 2016

+0.4pp

Young workforce (25 to 34)

2021 count

1,916

% of total

11.1%

Change from 2016

+0.8pp

Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)

2021 count

2,781

% of total

16.1%

Change from 2016

-1.5pp

Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)

2021 count

2,372

% of total

13.7%

Change from 2016

-0.5pp

Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)

2021 count

2,243

% of total

13.0%

Change from 2016

+0.4pp

Seniors (70 to 84)

2021 count

2,406

% of total

13.9%

Change from 2016

+1.5pp

Elderly aged (85 and over)

2021 count

526

% of total

3.0%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Data table

Service age groups for Port Pirie City and Dists (M). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional SA.

Service age groups for Port Pirie City and Dists (M). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional SA.
Service age groups for Port Pirie City and Dists (M). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional SA.
Category20212016Change
Count%Regional SA%Count%Regional SA%Countpp
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)9155.3%4.9%9435.4%5.5%-28-0.1pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)1,4218.2%8.1%1,4788.5%8.6%-57-0.3pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)1,3397.7%7.0%1,4568.4%7.2%-117-0.7pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)1,3748.0%6.5%1,3287.6%6.8%+46+0.4pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)1,91611.1%10.5%1,79510.3%10.4%+121+0.8pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)2,78116.1%16.4%3,06417.6%17.8%-283-1.5pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)2,37213.7%13.9%2,47114.2%14.6%-99-0.5pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)2,24313.0%15.1%2,19612.6%14.4%+47+0.4pp
Seniors (70 to 84)2,40613.9%14.7%2,15212.4%12.1%+254+1.5pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)5263.0%2.8%4992.9%2.7%+27+0.1pp
Total17,282100.0%100.0%17,364100.0%100.0%-820.0pp