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 West Wimmera (S), accounting for 16.8% (675 people). This share was higher than Regional Vic. (13.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Seniors (70 to 84), which increased by 106 people and 2.3 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
West Wimmera (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for West Wimmera (S) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Vic. and change since 2016.
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for West Wimmera (S), with comparison markers for Regional Vic..
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
239
% of total
6.0%
Change from 2016
+0.7pp
239
6.0%
+0.7pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
300
% of total
7.5%
Change from 2016
-0.4pp
300
7.5%
-0.4pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
236
% of total
5.9%
Change from 2016
-1.7pp
236
5.9%
-1.7pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
206
% of total
5.1%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
206
5.1%
-0.7pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
350
% of total
8.7%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
350
8.7%
-0.2pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
605
% of total
15.1%
Change from 2016
-1.1pp
605
15.1%
-1.1pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
648
% of total
16.2%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
648
16.2%
-0.2pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
675
% of total
16.8%
Change from 2016
+1.8pp
675
16.8%
+1.8pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
620
% of total
15.5%
Change from 2016
+2.3pp
620
15.5%
+2.3pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
138
% of total
3.4%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
138
3.4%
+0.1pp
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
+32
+0.7pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
-9
-0.4pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
-61
-1.7pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
-22
-0.7pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
+4
-0.2pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
-29
-1.1pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
+6
-0.2pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
+90
+1.8pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
+106
+2.3pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
+8
+0.1pp
Data table
Service age groups for West Wimmera (S). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Vic..
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional Vic.% | Count | % | Regional Vic.% | Count | pp | |
| Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) | 239 | 6.0% | 5.4% | 207 | 5.3% | 5.8% | +32 | +0.7pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 300 | 7.5% | 8.4% | 309 | 7.9% | 8.7% | -9 | -0.4pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 236 | 5.9% | 7.2% | 297 | 7.6% | 7.4% | -61 | -1.7pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 206 | 5.1% | 7.3% | 228 | 5.8% | 7.9% | -22 | -0.7pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 350 | 8.7% | 11.7% | 346 | 8.9% | 10.9% | +4 | -0.2pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 605 | 15.1% | 17.6% | 634 | 16.2% | 18.1% | -29 | -1.1pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 648 | 16.2% | 13.1% | 642 | 16.4% | 13.9% | +6 | -0.2pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 675 | 16.8% | 13.6% | 585 | 15.0% | 13.4% | +90 | +1.8pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 620 | 15.5% | 13.0% | 514 | 13.2% | 11.1% | +106 | +2.3pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 138 | 3.4% | 2.7% | 130 | 3.3% | 2.7% | +8 | +0.1pp |
| Total | 4,006 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 3,903 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +103 | 0.0pp |