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, Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) was the most common category among residents in Southern Midlands (M), accounting for 17.2% (1,143 people). This share was similar to Regional Tas. (17%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Seniors (70 to 84), which increased by 184 people and 1.9 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Southern Midlands (M) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Southern Midlands (M) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Tas. and change since 2016.
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Southern Midlands (M), with comparison markers for Regional Tas..
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
352
% of total
5.3%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
352
5.3%
+0.3pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
538
% of total
8.1%
Change from 2016
-1.1pp
538
8.1%
-1.1pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
506
% of total
7.6%
Change from 2016
-0.8pp
506
7.6%
-0.8pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
521
% of total
7.8%
Change from 2016
+0.7pp
521
7.8%
+0.7pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
746
% of total
11.2%
Change from 2016
+1.5pp
746
11.2%
+1.5pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
1,143
% of total
17.2%
Change from 2016
-1.8pp
1,143
17.2%
-1.8pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
1,053
% of total
15.8%
Change from 2016
-0.6pp
1,053
15.8%
-0.6pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
988
% of total
14.8%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
988
14.8%
+0.6pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
749
% of total
11.2%
Change from 2016
+1.9pp
749
11.2%
+1.9pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
89
% of total
1.3%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
89
1.3%
-0.2pp
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
+48
+0.3pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
-20
-1.1pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
-2
-0.8pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
+91
+0.7pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
+160
+1.5pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
-4
-1.8pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
+63
-0.6pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
+132
+0.6pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
+184
+1.9pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
-2
-0.2pp
Data table
Service age groups for Southern Midlands (M). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Tas..
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional Tas.% | Count | % | Regional Tas.% | Count | pp | |
| Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) | 352 | 5.3% | 5.0% | 304 | 5.0% | 5.4% | +48 | +0.3pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 538 | 8.1% | 7.8% | 558 | 9.2% | 8.5% | -20 | -1.1pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 506 | 7.6% | 7.1% | 508 | 8.4% | 7.3% | -2 | -0.8pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 521 | 7.8% | 7.2% | 430 | 7.1% | 7.8% | +91 | +0.7pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 746 | 11.2% | 11.9% | 586 | 9.7% | 10.2% | +160 | +1.5pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 1,143 | 17.2% | 17.0% | 1,147 | 19.0% | 18.1% | -4 | -1.8pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 1,053 | 15.8% | 13.9% | 990 | 16.4% | 14.8% | +63 | -0.6pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 988 | 14.8% | 14.4% | 856 | 14.2% | 14.2% | +132 | +0.6pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 749 | 11.2% | 13.4% | 565 | 9.3% | 11.3% | +184 | +1.9pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 89 | 1.3% | 2.4% | 91 | 1.5% | 2.3% | -2 | -0.2pp |
| Total | 6,662 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 6,043 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +619 | 0.0pp |