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, Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) was the most common category among residents in Macleay Island, accounting for 27.1% (864 people). This share was higher than Redland (C) (13.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Seniors (70 to 84), which increased by 792 people and 3.6 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Macleay Island - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Macleay Island in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Redland (C) and change since 2016.
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Macleay Island, with comparison markers for Redland (C).
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
59
% of total
1.8%
Change from 2016
+1.8pp
59
1.8%
+1.8pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
118
% of total
3.7%
Change from 2016
+3.7pp
118
3.7%
+3.7pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
134
% of total
4.2%
Change from 2016
+2.4pp
134
4.2%
+2.4pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
95
% of total
3.0%
Change from 2016
+1.6pp
95
3.0%
+1.6pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
141
% of total
4.4%
Change from 2016
+3.0pp
141
4.4%
+3.0pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
372
% of total
11.7%
Change from 2016
+7.6pp
372
11.7%
+7.6pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
486
% of total
15.2%
Change from 2016
-4.9pp
486
15.2%
-4.9pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
864
% of total
27.1%
Change from 2016
-14.9pp
864
27.1%
-14.9pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
842
% of total
26.4%
Change from 2016
+3.6pp
842
26.4%
+3.6pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
81
% of total
2.5%
Change from 2016
+2.5pp
81
2.5%
+2.5pp
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
+59
+1.8pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
+118
+3.7pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
+130
+2.4pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
+92
+1.6pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
+138
+3.0pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
+363
+7.6pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
+442
-4.9pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
+772
-14.9pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
+792
+3.6pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
+81
+2.5pp
Data table
Service age groups for Macleay Island. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Redland (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Redland (C)% | Count | % | Redland (C)% | Count | pp | |
| Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) | 59 | 1.8% | 5.1% | 0 | 0.0% | 5.5% | +59 | +1.8pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 118 | 3.7% | 8.6% | 0 | 0.0% | 9.2% | +118 | +3.7pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 134 | 4.2% | 8.0% | 4 | 1.8% | 8.1% | +130 | +2.4pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 95 | 3.0% | 7.5% | 3 | 1.4% | 8.1% | +92 | +1.6pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 141 | 4.4% | 10.1% | 3 | 1.4% | 10.7% | +138 | +3.0pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 372 | 11.7% | 19.1% | 9 | 4.1% | 19.7% | +363 | +7.6pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 486 | 15.2% | 13.8% | 44 | 20.1% | 14.4% | +442 | -4.9pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 864 | 27.1% | 13.1% | 92 | 42.0% | 12.4% | +772 | -14.9pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 842 | 26.4% | 12.3% | 50 | 22.8% | 9.6% | +792 | +3.6pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 81 | 2.5% | 2.4% | 0 | 0.0% | 2.2% | +81 | +2.5pp |
| Total | 3,193 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 219 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +2,974 | 0.0pp |