idc-logo
svg rectangle color
AustraliaCommunity profile

South Australia

Service age groups

In 2021, South Australia had lower proportion of male children (under 18) and a higher proportion of males aged 60 or older than Australia.

The Age Structure of South Australia provides key insights into the level of demand for age based services and facilities such as child care. It is an indicator of South Australia's residential role and function and how it is likely to change in the future.

Service age groups divide the population into age categories that reflect typical life-stages. They indicate the level of demand for services that target people at different stages in life and how that demand is changing.

To get a more complete picture South Australia's Age Structure should be viewed in conjunction with Household Types and Dwelling Types.

Q:

Derived from the Census question:

'What is the person's date of birth or age?'

Age structure - Service age groups
South Australia - Total males (Enumerated)20212006Change
Service age group (years)Number%Australia %Number%Australia %2006 to 2021
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4)48,3255.56.044,7666.16.6+3,559
Primary schoolers (5 to 11)74,8918.69.168,0479.29.7+6,844
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17)63,2077.27.562,1928.48.7+1,015
Tertiary education and independence (18 to 24)75,9208.78.870,7979.69.7+5,123
Young workforce (25 to 34)117,32313.414.392,47212.513.5+24,851
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49)165,71519.020.1163,14522.121.9+2,570
Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59)112,23412.812.399,30913.512.9+12,925
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69)102,76111.810.766,6149.08.7+36,147
Seniors (70 to 84)95,64910.99.660,8208.27.2+34,829
Elderly aged (85 and over)18,1692.11.79,7071.31.1+8,462
Total874,194100.0100.0737,869100.0100.0+136,325
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2006 and 2021. Compiled and presented by .id (informed decisions).
Please refer to specific data notes for more information

Dominant groups

Analysis of the male service age groups of South Australia in 2021 compared to Australia shows that there was a lower proportion of males in the younger age groups (0 to 17 years) and a higher proportion of males in the older age groups (60+ years).

Overall, 21.3% of the male population was aged between 0 and 17, and 24.8% were aged 60 years and over, compared with 22.6% and 22.0% respectively for Australia.

The major differences between the male age structure of South Australia and Australia were:

  • A larger percentage of 'Seniors' (10.9% compared to 9.6%)
  • A larger percentage of 'Empty nesters and retirees' (11.8% compared to 10.7%)
  • A smaller percentage of 'Parents and homebuilders' (19.0% compared to 20.1%)
  • A smaller percentage of 'Young workforce' (13.4% compared to 14.3%)

Emerging groups

From 2006 to 2021, South Australia's male population increased by 136,325 people (18.5%). This represents an average annual population change of 1.14% per year over the period.

The largest changes in the male age structure in this area between 2006 and 2021 were in the age groups:

  • Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) (+36,147 males)
  • Seniors (70 to 84) (+34,829 males)
  • Young workforce (25 to 34) (+24,851 males)
  • Older workers and pre-retirees (50 to 59) (+12,925 males)

DISCLAIMER: While all due care has been taken to ensure that the content of this website is accurate and current, there may be errors or omissions in it and no legal responsibility is accepted for the information and opinions in this website.

Please view our Privacy Policy, Terms of use and Legal notices.

ABS Data and the copyright in the ABS Data remains the property of the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The copyright in the way .id has modified, transformed or reconfigured the ABS Data as published on this website remains the property of .id. ABS Data can be accessed from the Australian Bureau of Statistics at www.abs.gov.au. ABS data can be used under license - terms published on ABS website. intermediary.management@abs.gov.au if you have any queries or wish to distribute any ABS data.