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, Seniors (70 to 84) was the most common category among residents in Killarney (Qld), accounting for 21.6% (198 people). This share was higher than Southern Downs (R) (15.8%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Seniors (70 to 84), which increased by 179 people and 15.8 percentage points.

Section overview

Age structure - Service age groups

Killarney (Qld) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises service age groups for Killarney (Qld) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Southern Downs (R) and change since 2016.

Age structure - Service age groups snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Killarney (Qld), with comparison markers for Southern Downs (R).

Killarney (Qld)
Southern Downs (R)

Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)

2021 count

24

% of total

2.6%

Change from 2016

-2.9pp

Primary schoolers (5 to 11)

2021 count

53

% of total

5.8%

Change from 2016

-3.4pp

Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)

2021 count

51

% of total

5.6%

Change from 2016

-2.1pp

Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)

2021 count

55

% of total

6.0%

Change from 2016

+1.4pp

Young workforce (25 to 34)

2021 count

44

% of total

4.8%

Change from 2016

-3.5pp

Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)

2021 count

104

% of total

11.3%

Change from 2016

-10.8pp

Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)

2021 count

139

% of total

15.1%

Change from 2016

-2.1pp

Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)

2021 count

185

% of total

20.2%

Change from 2016

+3.6pp

Seniors (70 to 84)

2021 count

198

% of total

21.6%

Change from 2016

+15.8pp

Elderly aged (85 and over)

2021 count

55

% of total

6.0%

Change from 2016

+4.2pp

Data table

Service age groups for Killarney (Qld). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Southern Downs (R).

Service age groups for Killarney (Qld). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Southern Downs (R).
Service age groups for Killarney (Qld). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Southern Downs (R).
Category20212016Change
Count%Southern Downs (R)%Count%Southern Downs (R)%Countpp
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)242.6%4.6%185.5%5.7%+6-2.9pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)535.8%8.4%309.2%9.1%+23-3.4pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)515.6%8.0%257.7%8.2%+26-2.1pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)556.0%6.3%154.6%6.7%+40+1.4pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)444.8%9.5%278.3%9.0%+17-3.5pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)10411.3%15.5%7222.1%16.7%+32-10.8pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)13915.1%13.6%5617.2%14.1%+83-2.1pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)18520.2%15.6%5416.6%14.9%+131+3.6pp
Seniors (70 to 84)19821.6%15.8%195.8%12.9%+179+15.8pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)556.0%2.8%61.8%2.6%+49+4.2pp
Total918100.0%100.0%326100.0%100.0%+5920.0pp