Dec. 19, 2019 – Today the U.S. Census Bureau released new 5-year estimates from the 2014-2018 American Community Survey (ACS). As part of the nationwide release of over 40 demographic topics, estimates profiling the 65 and older population are now available. Of the 3,142 counties in the United States, Sumter County, Fla., had the highest percentage of residents aged 65 and older—at 55.6% in 2014-2018. This is significantly higher than the percentage in 2009-2013 (46.7%).

“The American Community Survey is vital to understanding different demographic groups across the nation,” said Victoria Velkoff, Associate Director for Demographic Programs. “This includes the 65 and older population. By looking at the latest data, resources can be provided to support not only the aging population, but all groups across the country.”

The median age of the U.S. older population was 73.2 years in the 2014-2018 ACS. Highlands County, Fla.; Mower County, Minn.; and Palm Beach County, Fla., had some of the highest median ages among the 65 years and older population at about 75 years, while Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, had one of the lowest (70 years).

When it comes to the sex distribution among the 65 years and older population, they are primarily female, but according to 2014-2018 ACS data, Cass County, Minn.; Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska; Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska; La Paz County, Ariz.; Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska; Monroe County, Fla.; and Polk County, Texas, were among the counties that had higher proportions of older males than older females. However, in other counties, there were about three women for every two men age 65 and over. Danville city, Va. (61.7%); Bronx County, N.Y. (61.0%); and Muscogee County, Ga. (60.3%), were among counties with the highest percentage of older women.