How many veterans live in District of Columbia? What are their characteristics?
Latest update on October 27, 2023The Census Bureau’s American Community Survey includes annual estimates of veterans. According to the Census Bureau, veterans are anyone who has previously served (regardless of the duration of service) in active duty in the armed forces. Relevant armed forces include the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. People who served during World War II in the Merchant Marine are veterans, as is anyone in the National Guard or Reserves who has been on active duty. Veterans are not currently serving and are considered civilians.
Based on the data, the largest group of veterans in District of Columbia served in the Gulf War (9/2001 or later).
Veteran population of District of Columbia
In 2022, 21,758.0 veterans lived in District of Columbia.
Veteran state of District of Columbia residents by race or ethnicity
Veteran state of District of Columbia residents by period of service
The population share of a group like veterans illustrates the prevalence of that group to others in a place. The population share of District of Columbia veterans has been dropping in recent years, down 3 percentage points since 2012.
Veteran share of adult civilian population in District of Columbia
In 2022, 4.00% of the adult civilian population in District of Columbia were considered veterans.
Veteran share of adult civilian population
District of Columbia is ranked 49th-highest among states for its share of the veteran population.
How do the veteran and nonveteran populations in District of Columbia compare?”
The Census Bureau's American Community Survey allows for comparisons between veteran and nonveteran populations based on several measures.
Percent of veterans in District of Columbia who earned income below the poverty line
In 2022, 9.60% of veterans in District of Columbia earned income below the poverty line, compared with 12.70% of nonveterans.
Unemployment rate of veterans in District of Columbia
In 2022, the unemployment rate for District of Columbia veterans for the year was 5.40% compared with 5.00% for nonveterans.
District of Columbia veterans with at least a bachelor's degree
In 2022, 55.90% of District of Columbia veterans older than 25 had a bachelor's degree compared with 65.80% of the nonveteran population.
Veterans in District of Columbia with any disability
In 2022, 29.60% of District of Columbia veterans had a disability compared with 11.90% of the nonveteran population.
More on veterans and defense from USAFacts