Older Adults Outnumber Children in 11 US States, Nearly Half of Counties

New data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals a significant demographic shift as older adults aged 65 and over are increasingly outnumbering children under 18 in many parts of the United States. As of 2024, 11 states and nearly half of U.S. counties have more seniors than children, up from just three states in 2020, reflecting a broader national trend driven by aging baby boomers and declining birth rates. The share of the population age 65 and older has grown from 12.4% in 2004 to 18% in 2024, while the under-18 population has declined from 25% to 21.5%, narrowing the population gap between these groups. This aging trend is evident in local communities such as Whatcom County, WA, and Routt County, CO, where seniors now outnumber children, accompanied by challenges such as rising housing costs impacting families. Projections indicate that by 2035, the U.S. will have more older adults than children nationwide, prompting calls for communities to become more age-friendly to support an inclusive environment for residents of all ages. Policymakers and organizations like AARP stress the importance of adapting infrastructure and services to meet the needs of this shifting demographic landscape.