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.

Key insight

In 2021, Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) was the most common category among residents in Whyalla Jenkins, accounting for 21.3% (417 people). This share was higher than Whyalla (C) (17.7%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49), which increased by 417 people and 21.3 percentage points.

Section overview

Age structure - Service age groups

Whyalla Jenkins - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises service age groups for Whyalla Jenkins in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Whyalla (C) and change since 2016.

Age structure - Service age groups snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Whyalla Jenkins, with comparison markers for Whyalla (C).

Whyalla Jenkins
Whyalla (C)

Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)

2021 count

153

% of total

7.8%

Change from 2016

+7.8pp

Primary schoolers (5 to 11)

2021 count

205

% of total

10.5%

Change from 2016

+10.5pp

Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)

2021 count

157

% of total

8.0%

Change from 2016

+8.0pp

Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)

2021 count

162

% of total

8.3%

Change from 2016

+8.3pp

Young workforce (25 to 34)

2021 count

329

% of total

16.8%

Change from 2016

+16.8pp

Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)

2021 count

417

% of total

21.3%

Change from 2016

+21.3pp

Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)

2021 count

216

% of total

11.0%

Change from 2016

+11.0pp

Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)

2021 count

148

% of total

7.5%

Change from 2016

-22.5pp

Seniors (70 to 84)

2021 count

143

% of total

7.3%

Change from 2016

+7.3pp

Elderly aged (85 and over)

2021 count

24

% of total

1.2%

Change from 2016

+1.2pp

Data table

Service age groups for Whyalla Jenkins. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Whyalla (C).

Service age groups for Whyalla Jenkins. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Whyalla (C).
Service age groups for Whyalla Jenkins. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Whyalla (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Whyalla (C)%Count%Whyalla (C)%Countpp
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)1537.8%5.4%00.0%6.1%+153+7.8pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)20510.5%8.7%00.0%9.2%+205+10.5pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)1578.0%7.5%00.0%7.9%+157+8.0pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)1628.3%7.7%00.0%8.0%+162+8.3pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)32916.8%12.7%00.0%12.7%+329+16.8pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)41721.3%17.7%00.0%19.1%+417+21.3pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)21611.0%14.6%00.0%14.4%+216+11.0pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)1487.5%12.0%330.0%10.5%+145-22.5pp
Seniors (70 to 84)1437.3%11.5%00.0%10.0%+143+7.3pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)241.2%2.1%00.0%2.0%+24+1.2pp
Total1,961100.0%100.0%10100.0%100.0%+1,9510.0pp