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 Middle Cove, accounting for 19.1% (254 people). This share was lower than Willoughby (C) (24.5%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69), which increased by 32 people and 2.5 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Middle Cove - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Middle Cove in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Willoughby (C) and change since 2016.
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Middle Cove, with comparison markers for Willoughby (C).
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
51
% of total
3.8%
Change from 2016
-0.6pp
51
3.8%
-0.6pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
142
% of total
10.7%
Change from 2016
-1.4pp
142
10.7%
-1.4pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
130
% of total
9.8%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
130
9.8%
-0.7pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
110
% of total
8.3%
Change from 2016
+1.2pp
110
8.3%
+1.2pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
53
% of total
4.0%
Change from 2016
-0.6pp
53
4.0%
-0.6pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
254
% of total
19.1%
Change from 2016
-2.0pp
254
19.1%
-2.0pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
213
% of total
16.1%
Change from 2016
-1.2pp
213
16.1%
-1.2pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
171
% of total
12.9%
Change from 2016
+2.5pp
171
12.9%
+2.5pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
141
% of total
10.6%
Change from 2016
+1.4pp
141
10.6%
+1.4pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
40
% of total
3.0%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
40
3.0%
-0.1pp
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
-8
-0.6pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
-20
-1.4pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
-11
-0.7pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
+15
+1.2pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
-9
-0.6pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
-29
-2.0pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
-19
-1.2pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
+32
+2.5pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
+18
+1.4pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
-1
-0.1pp
Data table
Service age groups for Middle Cove. Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Willoughby (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Willoughby (C)% | Count | % | Willoughby (C)% | Count | pp | |
| Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) | 51 | 3.8% | 5.2% | 59 | 4.4% | 6.6% | -8 | -0.6pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 142 | 10.7% | 9.7% | 162 | 12.1% | 9.6% | -20 | -1.4pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 130 | 9.8% | 7.6% | 141 | 10.5% | 6.4% | -11 | -0.7pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 110 | 8.3% | 7.2% | 95 | 7.1% | 8.1% | +15 | +1.2pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 53 | 4.0% | 12.4% | 62 | 4.6% | 15.2% | -9 | -0.6pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 254 | 19.1% | 24.5% | 283 | 21.1% | 23.9% | -29 | -2.0pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 213 | 16.1% | 12.4% | 232 | 17.3% | 11.7% | -19 | -1.2pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 171 | 12.9% | 9.5% | 139 | 10.4% | 9.1% | +32 | +2.5pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 141 | 10.6% | 8.9% | 123 | 9.2% | 7.0% | +18 | +1.4pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 40 | 3.0% | 2.6% | 41 | 3.1% | 2.3% | -1 | -0.1pp |
| Total | 1,327 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 1,340 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -13 | 0.0pp |