Which states have the largest elderly populations?
In 2024, nearly a quarter of Maine's population was 65 years or older.
As of 2024, 18% (61.2 million) of Americans are 65 or older, according to Census Bureau data.
The national population over the age of 65 has more than doubled since 1980, with three-quarters of that growth occurring in the 21st century. The 65 and older group grew by more than 26.2 million people, a 74.6% increase, during that time.
The share of the population 65 and older increased 3.5 percentage points in the last decade
Share of total US population that is ≥65 in age, 1980–2024
What's contributing to the rise in the 65+ population?
The main contributor to the number of elderly people is the aging of the “baby boomer” generation.
The first members of the baby boom generation, or the group of people born between 1946 and 1964, turned 65 in 2011.
In 2000, there were 62 million people between the ages of 45 and 64. That group of mostly baby boomers was 77% larger than the 65 and older population at the time. As the group aged, the elderly share of the population increased.
In addition to the aging of baby boomers, older people in the US are living longer. The death rate for people ages 65 or older declined 24% between 1999 and 2019 before increasing 16% in 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rates have returned to pre-pandemic levels, with 2023 marking the lowest death rate since 1999.
Death rates among adults 65+ are the lowest since 1999
Crude death rate per 100,000 people among adults ages 65 and older, 1999-2023
Which states have the largest elderly populations?
In 2024, Maine led the US with the highest percentage of state residents ages 65 and older (23.5%). Maine was joined by 10 other states with 65+ populations over 20%:
- Maine (23.5%)
- Vermont (22.9%)
- West Virginia (21.9%)
- Florida (21.8%)
- Delaware (21.7%)
- Hawaii (21.5%)
- New Hampshire (21.5%)
- Montana (21.2%)
- Pennsylvania (20.4%)
- New Mexico (20.1%)
- Wyoming (20.0%)
The 65 and over population is most concentrated in Maine, Vermont and West Virginia.
Percent of total population that is 65+ years, 2024
Which states have seen the highest elderly population growth?
Over the last decade, elderly populations in 49 states grew by at least 20%. Alaska and Idaho saw the largest increases—56.3% and 51.1%, respectively.
West Virginia (17.5%), Arkansas (20.8%), Washington, D.C. (21.7%), and Oklahoma (23.1%) had the smallest growth, with West Virginia being the only state below 20%.
In 49 states, the 65+ population grew by at least 20% over the past decade.
Percentage change in population ages 65+ years, 2014–2024
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