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The Older Population: 2020

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The Older Population: 2020

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Report Number C2020BR-07

The older population in the United States grew rapidly this past decade.

Between 2010 and 2020, the population 65 years and over saw the largest and fastest growth in any decade since 1880 to 1890, reaching 55.8 million or 16.8 percent of the total population in 2020. This increase was largely driven by the aging of the Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964), the first of whom turned 65 in 2011. As the Baby Boomers continue to age, the older population will make up an increasing share of the total U.S. population.

This report describes the older population of the United States in 2020, with comparisons to the 2000 and 2010 Censuses. It provides information on the age structure of the population 65 years and over at both national and subnational levels. It also provides information on the older population’s sex distribution, racial and ethnic makeup, and use of skilled nursing facilities.

The data for this report are based on the 2020 Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics File (DHC).

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Page Last Revised - June 6, 2023
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