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 Willoughby East, accounting for 22.6% (422 people). This share was lower than Willoughby (C) (24.5%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Secondary schoolers (12 to 17), which increased by 52 people and 2.6 percentage points.
Section overview
Age structure - Service age groups
Willoughby East - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises service age groups for Willoughby East in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Willoughby (C) and change since 2016.
Age structure - Service age groups snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Willoughby East, with comparison markers for Willoughby (C).
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
2021 count
102
% of total
5.5%
Change from 2016
-1.6pp
102
5.5%
-1.6pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
2021 count
243
% of total
13.0%
Change from 2016
-1.5pp
243
13.0%
-1.5pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
2021 count
213
% of total
11.4%
Change from 2016
+2.6pp
213
11.4%
+2.6pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
2021 count
126
% of total
6.8%
Change from 2016
-0.8pp
126
6.8%
-0.8pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
2021 count
88
% of total
4.7%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
88
4.7%
-0.3pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
2021 count
422
% of total
22.6%
Change from 2016
-3.1pp
422
22.6%
-3.1pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
2021 count
263
% of total
14.1%
Change from 2016
+0.7pp
263
14.1%
+0.7pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
2021 count
185
% of total
9.9%
Change from 2016
+0.8pp
185
9.9%
+0.8pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
2021 count
153
% of total
8.2%
Change from 2016
+1.6pp
153
8.2%
+1.6pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
2021 count
37
% of total
2.0%
Change from 2016
+1.3pp
37
2.0%
+1.3pp
Chart view
Age structure - Service age groups change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)
-27
-1.6pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)
-22
-1.5pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)
+52
+2.6pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)
-13
-0.8pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)
-3
-0.3pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)
-46
-3.1pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)
+18
+0.7pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)
+20
+0.8pp
Seniors (70 to 84)
+32
+1.6pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)
+24
+1.3pp
Data table
Service age groups for Willoughby East. 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) | 102 | 5.5% | 5.2% | 129 | 7.1% | 6.6% | -27 | -1.6pp |
| Primary schoolers (5 to 11) | 243 | 13.0% | 9.7% | 265 | 14.5% | 9.6% | -22 | -1.5pp |
| Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) | 213 | 11.4% | 7.6% | 161 | 8.8% | 6.4% | +52 | +2.6pp |
| Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24) | 126 | 6.8% | 7.2% | 139 | 7.6% | 8.1% | -13 | -0.8pp |
| Young workforce (25 to 34) | 88 | 4.7% | 12.4% | 91 | 5.0% | 15.2% | -3 | -0.3pp |
| Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) | 422 | 22.6% | 24.5% | 468 | 25.7% | 23.9% | -46 | -3.1pp |
| Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) | 263 | 14.1% | 12.4% | 245 | 13.4% | 11.7% | +18 | +0.7pp |
| Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) | 185 | 9.9% | 9.5% | 165 | 9.1% | 9.1% | +20 | +0.8pp |
| Seniors (70 to 84) | 153 | 8.2% | 8.9% | 121 | 6.6% | 7.0% | +32 | +1.6pp |
| Elderly aged (85 and over) | 37 | 2.0% | 2.6% | 13 | 0.7% | 2.3% | +24 | +1.3pp |
| Total | 1,864 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 1,822 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +42 | 0.0pp |