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 The Summit, accounting for 18.1% (79 people). This share was higher than Southern Downs (R) (15.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69), which increased by 52 people and 7.6 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
The Summit - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for The Summit 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 The Summit, with comparison markers for Southern Downs (R).
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
23
% of total
5.3%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
23
5.3%
+0.6pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
40
% of total
9.2%
Change from 2016
-3.6pp
40
9.2%
-3.6pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
25
% of total
5.7%
Change from 2016
-2.9pp
25
5.7%
-2.9pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
19
% of total
4.4%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
19
4.4%
-0.3pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
29
% of total
6.7%
Change from 2016
-1.1pp
29
6.7%
-1.1pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
69
% of total
15.8%
Change from 2016
-8.3pp
69
15.8%
-8.3pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
78
% of total
17.9%
Change from 2016
-1.2pp
78
17.9%
-1.2pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
79
% of total
18.1%
Change from 2016
+7.6pp
79
18.1%
+7.6pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
72
% of total
16.5%
Change from 2016
+6.4pp
72
16.5%
+6.4pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
3
% of total
0.7%
Change from 2016
-0.5pp
3
0.7%
-0.5pp
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
+11
+0.6pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
+7
-3.6pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
+3
-2.9pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
+7
-0.3pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
+9
-1.1pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
+7
-8.3pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
+29
-1.2pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
+52
+7.6pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
+46
+6.4pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
0
-0.5pp
Data table
Service age groups for The Summit. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Southern Downs (R).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Southern Downs (R)% | Count | % | Southern Downs (R)% | Count | pp | |
| Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) | 23 | 5.3% | 4.6% | 12 | 4.7% | 5.7% | +11 | +0.6pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 40 | 9.2% | 8.4% | 33 | 12.8% | 9.1% | +7 | -3.6pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 25 | 5.7% | 8.0% | 22 | 8.6% | 8.2% | +3 | -2.9pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 19 | 4.4% | 6.3% | 12 | 4.7% | 6.7% | +7 | -0.3pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 29 | 6.7% | 9.5% | 20 | 7.8% | 9.0% | +9 | -1.1pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 69 | 15.8% | 15.5% | 62 | 24.1% | 16.7% | +7 | -8.3pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 78 | 17.9% | 13.6% | 49 | 19.1% | 14.1% | +29 | -1.2pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 79 | 18.1% | 15.6% | 27 | 10.5% | 14.9% | +52 | +7.6pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 72 | 16.5% | 15.8% | 26 | 10.1% | 12.9% | +46 | +6.4pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 3 | 0.7% | 2.8% | 3 | 1.2% | 2.6% | 0 | -0.5pp |
| Total | 436 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 257 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +179 | 0.0pp |