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, Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) was the most common category among residents in Southwood, accounting for 31.6% (18 people). This share was higher than Western Downs (R) (13%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69), which decreased by 45 people and 5.4 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Southwood - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Southwood in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Western Downs (R) and change since 2016.
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Southwood, with comparison markers for Western Downs (R).
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
3
% of total
5.3%
Change from 2016
+4.3pp
3
5.3%
+4.3pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
0
% of total
0.0%
Change from 2016
-8.5pp
0
0.0%
-8.5pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
9
% of total
15.8%
Change from 2016
+5.9pp
9
15.8%
+5.9pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
6
% of total
10.5%
Change from 2016
+5.7pp
6
10.5%
+5.7pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
0
% of total
0.0%
Change from 2016
-3.4pp
0
0.0%
-3.4pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
13
% of total
22.8%
Change from 2016
+6.8pp
13
22.8%
+6.8pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
18
% of total
31.6%
Change from 2016
+16.6pp
18
31.6%
+16.6pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
7
% of total
12.3%
Change from 2016
-5.4pp
7
12.3%
-5.4pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
0
% of total
0.0%
Change from 2016
-8.5pp
0
0.0%
-8.5pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
0
% of total
0.0%
Change from 2016
-1.0pp
0
0.0%
-1.0pp
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
0
+4.3pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
-25
-8.5pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
-20
+5.9pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
-8
+5.7pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
-10
-3.4pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
-34
+6.8pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
-26
+16.6pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
-45
-5.4pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
-25
-8.5pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
-3
-1.0pp
Data table
Service age groups for Southwood. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Western Downs (R).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Western Downs (R)% | Count | % | Western Downs (R)% | Count | pp | |
| Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) | 3 | 5.3% | 6.6% | 3 | 1.0% | 7.2% | 0 | +4.3pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 0 | 0.0% | 10.3% | 25 | 8.5% | 10.8% | -25 | -8.5pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 9 | 15.8% | 8.4% | 29 | 9.9% | 8.3% | -20 | +5.9pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 6 | 10.5% | 7.8% | 14 | 4.8% | 7.8% | -8 | +5.7pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 0 | 0.0% | 13.0% | 10 | 3.4% | 12.4% | -10 | -3.4pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 13 | 22.8% | 17.9% | 47 | 16.0% | 19.5% | -34 | +6.8pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 18 | 31.6% | 13.0% | 44 | 15.0% | 12.9% | -26 | +16.6pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 7 | 12.3% | 11.3% | 52 | 17.7% | 10.7% | -45 | -5.4pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 0 | 0.0% | 9.9% | 25 | 8.5% | 8.6% | -25 | -8.5pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 0 | 0.0% | 1.8% | 3 | 1.0% | 1.8% | -3 | -1.0pp |
| Total | 57 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 294 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -237 | 0.0pp |