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 Whyalla, accounting for 18.8% (680 people). This share was higher than Whyalla (C) (17.7%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49), which decreased by 106 people and 2.8 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Whyalla - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Whyalla 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, with comparison markers for Whyalla (C).
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
154
% of total
4.3%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
154
4.3%
-0.3pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
269
% of total
7.5%
Change from 2016
-1.0pp
269
7.5%
-1.0pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
289
% of total
8.0%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
289
8.0%
+0.4pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
227
% of total
6.3%
Change from 2016
-1.2pp
227
6.3%
-1.2pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
381
% of total
10.6%
Change from 2016
+1.0pp
381
10.6%
+1.0pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
680
% of total
18.8%
Change from 2016
-2.8pp
680
18.8%
-2.8pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
607
% of total
16.8%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
607
16.8%
0.0pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
505
% of total
14.0%
Change from 2016
+2.8pp
505
14.0%
+2.8pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
409
% of total
11.3%
Change from 2016
+1.8pp
409
11.3%
+1.8pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
116
% of total
3.2%
Change from 2016
-0.4pp
116
3.2%
-0.4pp
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
-14
-0.3pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
-41
-1.0pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
+13
+0.4pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
-46
-1.2pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
+32
+1.0pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
-106
-2.8pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
-4
0.0pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
+98
+2.8pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
+63
+1.8pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
-14
-0.4pp
Data table
Service age groups for Whyalla. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Whyalla (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Whyalla (C)% | Count | % | Whyalla (C)% | Count | pp | |
| Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) | 154 | 4.3% | 5.4% | 168 | 4.6% | 6.1% | -14 | -0.3pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 269 | 7.5% | 8.7% | 310 | 8.5% | 9.2% | -41 | -1.0pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 289 | 8.0% | 7.5% | 276 | 7.6% | 7.9% | +13 | +0.4pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 227 | 6.3% | 7.7% | 273 | 7.5% | 8.0% | -46 | -1.2pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 381 | 10.6% | 12.7% | 349 | 9.6% | 12.7% | +32 | +1.0pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 680 | 18.8% | 17.7% | 786 | 21.6% | 19.1% | -106 | -2.8pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 607 | 16.8% | 14.6% | 611 | 16.8% | 14.4% | -4 | 0.0pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 505 | 14.0% | 12.0% | 407 | 11.2% | 10.5% | +98 | +2.8pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 409 | 11.3% | 11.5% | 346 | 9.5% | 10.0% | +63 | +1.8pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 116 | 3.2% | 2.1% | 130 | 3.6% | 2.0% | -14 | -0.4pp |
| Total | 3,609 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 3,635 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -26 | 0.0pp |