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, Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) was the most common category among residents in Chaffey, accounting for 23.8% (45 people). This share was higher than Renmark Paringa (DC) (14.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69), which increased by 17 people and 9.6 percentage points.

Section overview

Age structure - Service age groups

Chaffey - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises service age groups for Chaffey in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Renmark Paringa (DC) and change since 2016.

Age structure - Service age groups snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Chaffey, with comparison markers for Renmark Paringa (DC).

Chaffey
Renmark Paringa (DC)

Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)

2021 count

7

% of total

3.7%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Primary schoolers (5 to 11)

2021 count

8

% of total

4.2%

Change from 2016

-4.4pp

Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)

2021 count

16

% of total

8.5%

Change from 2016

+0.4pp

Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)

2021 count

11

% of total

5.8%

Change from 2016

-2.3pp

Young workforce (25 to 34)

2021 count

15

% of total

7.9%

Change from 2016

-2.3pp

Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)

2021 count

30

% of total

15.9%

Change from 2016

-0.3pp

Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)

2021 count

24

% of total

12.7%

Change from 2016

-7.1pp

Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)

2021 count

45

% of total

23.8%

Change from 2016

+9.6pp

Seniors (70 to 84)

2021 count

18

% of total

9.5%

Change from 2016

+8.0pp

Elderly aged (85 and over)

2021 count

0

% of total

0.0%

Change from 2016

-1.5pp

Data table

Service age groups for Chaffey. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Renmark Paringa (DC).

Service age groups for Chaffey. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Renmark Paringa (DC).
Service age groups for Chaffey. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Renmark Paringa (DC).
Category20212016Change
Count%Renmark Paringa (DC)%Count%Renmark Paringa (DC)%Countpp
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)73.7%5.3%73.6%5.1%0+0.1pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)84.2%7.6%178.6%8.1%-9-4.4pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)168.5%7.0%168.1%7.7%0+0.4pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)115.8%7.5%168.1%7.3%-5-2.3pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)157.9%12.6%2010.2%11.5%-5-2.3pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)3015.9%16.9%3216.2%18.1%-2-0.3pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)2412.7%12.9%3919.8%13.8%-15-7.1pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)4523.8%14.4%2814.2%14.1%+17+9.6pp
Seniors (70 to 84)189.5%13.1%31.5%11.1%+15+8.0pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)00.0%2.8%31.5%2.9%-3-1.5pp
Total189100.0%100.0%197100.0%100.0%-80.0pp