New figures released today by the U.S. Census Bureau show the growth in senior citizen populations across the country in the past decade. The numbers underscore the fact that New Hampshire – and the Northeast in general – is adding older people at a faster rate than the country as a whole.
The Census broke out population figures into two categories: people aged 65 and older, and those over 85. While the percentage of New Hampshire’s population in those age groups tracks closely with the U.S. rate, New Hampshire has seen a sharper increase in those groups over the past decade. (See Table 1.)
Table 1: Percentage U.S. & N.H. population over ages 65 and 85,
2000 and 2010 (Source: U.S. Census)
While New Hampshire’s total population rose 6.5 percent over the past decade, our number of 65-plus residents increased 21 percent, and our 85-plus population increased 36 percent. Nationally, those ages groups increased 15 percent (for 65-plus) and 30 percent (85-plus).
Still, New Hampshire’s share of 65-plus and 85-plus residents is significantly lower than any of our New England neighbors (Table 2).
Table 2: Percentage population over ages 65 and 85,
Northern New England states (Source: U.S. Census)
Overall, New Hampshire ranks the fourth-oldest state in the nation, with a median age of 41.1 in 2010. The reason? While New Hampshire does not have a large share of elderly residents, we have a smaller percentage of young adults and children than many other states.
For more information on New Hampshire demographics, see two recent Center publications: “New Hampshire’s Silver Tsunami,” which examines the impact of an aging population on the state’s health system, and “What is New Hampshire?”, which includes more in-depth analysis of 2010 Census figures.
To read the Census analysis of these figures, click here.
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