NEWS

Brookings Analysis of Early Census Data Shows Aging Population Trends

Jan 20, 2021

In an analysis of census estimates released in December 2020, Brookings finds that between 2010 and 2020, the number of people over age 55 grew by 27%, which is 20 times larger than the growth rate of the collective population under 55 (1.3%).

The largest driver of this trend is the baby boomer generation, who passed the age of 65 during the past decade, increasing the size of the 65- to 74-year-old age group by a half.

The “aging in place” of the baby boomer generation, according to Brookings, will lead to growth in the 55-and-older population in “all states, metro areas and most counties.”

For more information and detail, see the Brookings analysis here.