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 Balaclava (NSW), accounting for 23.2% (133 people). This share was higher than Wingecarribee (A) (16.3%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Primary schoolers (5 to 11), which increased by 35 people and 5.3 percentage points.

Section overview

Age structure - Service age groups

Balaclava (NSW) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises service age groups for Balaclava (NSW) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Wingecarribee (A) and change since 2016.

Age structure - Service age groups snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Balaclava (NSW), with comparison markers for Wingecarribee (A).

Balaclava (NSW)
Wingecarribee (A)

Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)

2021 count

44

% of total

7.7%

Change from 2016

+1.2pp

Primary schoolers (5 to 11)

2021 count

65

% of total

11.3%

Change from 2016

+5.3pp

Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)

2021 count

34

% of total

5.9%

Change from 2016

+1.7pp

Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)

2021 count

40

% of total

7.0%

Change from 2016

+0.3pp

Young workforce (25 to 34)

2021 count

67

% of total

11.7%

Change from 2016

+0.8pp

Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)

2021 count

133

% of total

23.2%

Change from 2016

+2.6pp

Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)

2021 count

86

% of total

15.0%

Change from 2016

-1.3pp

Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)

2021 count

72

% of total

12.5%

Change from 2016

-0.2pp

Seniors (70 to 84)

2021 count

49

% of total

8.5%

Change from 2016

-1.0pp

Elderly aged (85 and over)

2021 count

7

% of total

1.2%

Change from 2016

-0.4pp

Data table

Service age groups for Balaclava (NSW). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Wingecarribee (A).

Service age groups for Balaclava (NSW). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Wingecarribee (A).
Service age groups for Balaclava (NSW). Age structure - Service age groups. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Wingecarribee (A).
Category20212016Change
Count%Wingecarribee (A)%Count%Wingecarribee (A)%Countpp
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)447.7%4.9%326.5%4.9%+12+1.2pp
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)6511.3%8.0%306.0%8.7%+35+5.3pp
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)345.9%7.5%214.2%8.2%+13+1.7pp
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)407.0%6.1%336.7%6.1%+7+0.3pp
Young workforce (25 to 34)6711.7%9.0%5410.9%8.3%+13+0.8pp
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)13323.2%16.3%10220.6%17.2%+31+2.6pp
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)8615.0%13.4%8116.3%13.8%+5-1.3pp
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)7212.5%14.1%6312.7%14.9%+9-0.2pp
Seniors (70 to 84)498.5%17.4%479.5%15.0%+2-1.0pp
Elderly aged (85 and over)71.2%3.3%81.6%3.0%-1-0.4pp
Total574100.0%100.0%496100.0%100.0%+780.0pp