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 Western Downs (R), accounting for 17.9% (6,042 people). This share was lower than Regional Qld (19%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49), which decreased by 479 people and 1.6 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Western Downs (R) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Western Downs (R) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Qld and change since 2016.
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Western Downs (R), with comparison markers for Regional Qld.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
2,220
% of total
6.6%
Change from 2016
-0.6pp
2,220
6.6%
-0.6pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
3,488
% of total
10.3%
Change from 2016
-0.5pp
3,488
10.3%
-0.5pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
2,834
% of total
8.4%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
2,834
8.4%
+0.1pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
2,656
% of total
7.8%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
2,656
7.8%
0.0pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
4,405
% of total
13.0%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
4,405
13.0%
+0.6pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
6,042
% of total
17.9%
Change from 2016
-1.6pp
6,042
17.9%
-1.6pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
4,390
% of total
13.0%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
4,390
13.0%
+0.1pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
3,821
% of total
11.3%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
3,821
11.3%
+0.6pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
3,345
% of total
9.9%
Change from 2016
+1.3pp
3,345
9.9%
+1.3pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
626
% of total
1.8%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
626
1.8%
0.0pp
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
-176
-0.6pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
-121
-0.5pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
+50
+0.1pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
+51
0.0pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
+248
+0.6pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
-479
-1.6pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
+67
+0.1pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
+232
+0.6pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
+472
+1.3pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
+29
0.0pp
Data table
Service age groups for Western Downs (R). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Qld.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional Qld% | Count | % | Regional Qld% | Count | pp | |
| Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) | 2,220 | 6.6% | 5.4% | 2,396 | 7.2% | 6.1% | -176 | -0.6pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 3,488 | 10.3% | 8.9% | 3,609 | 10.8% | 9.4% | -121 | -0.5pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 2,834 | 8.4% | 7.8% | 2,784 | 8.3% | 7.7% | +50 | +0.1pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 2,656 | 7.8% | 7.9% | 2,605 | 7.8% | 8.3% | +51 | 0.0pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 4,405 | 13.0% | 12.4% | 4,157 | 12.4% | 12.4% | +248 | +0.6pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 6,042 | 17.9% | 19.0% | 6,521 | 19.5% | 19.6% | -479 | -1.6pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 4,390 | 13.0% | 13.2% | 4,323 | 12.9% | 13.4% | +67 | +0.1pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 3,821 | 11.3% | 12.2% | 3,589 | 10.7% | 11.7% | +232 | +0.6pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 3,345 | 9.9% | 11.3% | 2,873 | 8.6% | 9.4% | +472 | +1.3pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 626 | 1.8% | 2.1% | 597 | 1.8% | 1.9% | +29 | 0.0pp |
| Total | 33,843 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 33,444 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +399 | 0.0pp |