What An Aging Population Means For Arizona’s Future

America is aging. According to the International Monetary Fund, families across the globe are having fewer children than previous generations. Right now, the average family has two children or fewer. That puts the world below the replacement level of about 2.1 children per woman needed to keep a population stable over the long term.

Since 1950, global fertility has fallen from 5 children per woman to about 2.2 children per woman today.

baby under purple blanket

According to USAFacts, 18% of Americans, or about 61.2 million people, were age 65 or older in 2024. Thanks to the Baby Boomer generation (born from 1946 to 1964), the senior population has more than doubled since 1980. This expansive generation is also living longer; the share of Americans aged 65 and older has increased by 3.5 percentage points over the last decade.

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Family joyfully anticipates a new baby's arrival!

How Arizona Compares

With all this sunshine and dry air, Arizona has always been an attractive retirement destination.

Snowbirds and seniors have been flocking to our state for years. Right now, around 19.6% of Arizona residents are age 65 or older, compared with the national average of 18.0%. While Arizona has a higher-than-average share of seniors, a few other states also have older populations, according to America'sHealthRankings.org.

RELATED: Understanding The Emotional Impact Of Alzheimer's Disease In Arizona

man and woman walking on the street during daytime

Which States Have More Retirees Than Arizona?

So, which states have more seniors than Arizona? According to USAFacts.org, here’s the breakdown of residents age 65 and older:

• Maine leads the nation at 23.5%
• Vermont (22.9%)
• West Virginia (21.9%)
• Florida (21.8%)
• Delaware (21.7%)
• Hawaii (21.5%)
• New Hampshire (21.5%)
• Montana (21.2%)
• Pennsylvania (20.4%)
• New Mexico (20.1%)
• Wyoming (20.0%).

Arizona is close to these states but remains slightly below the 20% threshold. I guess it’s not just about 350 days on the golf course!

man in black t-shirt and white shorts playing golf during daytime

What Challenges Does This Create?

Arizona's large senior population will continue to grow, increasing demand on our already strained healthcare system, the need for caregivers, senior housing, transportation, and social support programs.

As more residents retire, younger workers and families could feel increasing pressure to support the workforce, the tax base, and the caregiving responsibilities needed to support the aging population. These shifts are not just happening in our state; they’re occurring nationwide, according to census.gov.

Caregiver assisting elderly couple with coloring

Why Arizona Remains A Popular Retirement Destination

We’re dealing with these challenges and will continue to do so because Arizona will remain an attractive place to retire thanks to its warm climate, abundant sunshine, outdoor recreation opportunities, and established retirement communities.

READ: An Open Letter to Arizona Snowbirds

A golf course under a cloudy sky.

If you’re drawn to the state's golf courses, desert scenery, and generally mild winters, Arizona will continue to grow as one of America's most popular retirement destinations.