U.S. Census Data Shows Older Adults Outnumber Children in 11 States and Nearly Half of Counties
By
geox
Not artisan, but a perfectly fine bagel. Hits the spot.
Summary
The U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 population estimates reveal significant demographic shifts, with the population aged 65 and older increasing by 3.1% to 61.2 million while the under-18 population decreased by 0.2% to 73.1 million. This aging trend has resulted in older adults outnumbering children in 11 states and nearly half of U.S. counties. The data shows the 65+ population share has grown from 12.4% in 2004 to 18.0% in 2024, while children's share declined from 25.0% to 21.5%, highlighting ongoing demographic transformation across the country.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledThe U.S. population age 65 and older rose by 3.1% (to 61.2 million) while the population under age 18 decreased by 0.2% (to 73.1 million) from 2023 to 2024
The data show the population continued to age, with the share of the population age 65 and older steadily increasing from 12.4% in 2004 to 18.0% in 2024, and the share of children declining from 25.0% to 21.5%
Ongoing growth among the older population, coupled with persistent annual declines in the population under age 18 has resulted in older adults outnumbering children in 11 states and nearly half of U.S. counties
You might also wanna read
Why Birth Rates Are Declining Globally: An Analysis of the Great Depopulation
The article explores the global decline in birth rates, examining various theories including the impact of technology (smartphones, social m
theatlantic.com·21h ago
US population growth slows to historic lows, projected to flatline by 2050
The U.S. population growth has slowed dramatically since 2020, averaging only 0.6% per year — about a third of the pace during the 1950s bab
reut.rs·4d ago
Birth rates in England and Wales hit 50-year low amid rising cost of living pressures
Birth rates in England and Wales have hit a 50-year low, with live births at their lowest since 1977 and the age of first-time mothers risin
bbc.co.uk·4d ago
Examining the Global Decline in Birth Rates: Causes and Theories
The article explores the global decline in birth rates, examining various theories including the impact of technology/smartphones, a general
theatlantic.com·4d ago
Mapping America's Most Common Languages After English and Spanish
The article maps the most-spoken languages across U.S. states after English and Spanish, using data to show linguistic diversity. Chinese is
visualcapitalist.com·14d ago
The Rise of Gerontocracy in American Politics: Elderly Leaders and Disproportionate Power
The article examines the phenomenon of gerontocracy in American politics, where elderly leaders maintain disproportionate power and wealth.
theatlantic.com·1mo ago