In 2022, the state with the highest median age of its population was Maine at 45.1 years. Utah had the lowest median age at 32.1 years. View the distribution of the U.S. population by ethnicity here.

Additional information on the aging population in the United States

High birth rates during the so-called baby boom years that followed World War II followed by lower fertility and morality rates have left the United States with a serious challenge in the 21st Century. However, the issue of an aging population is certainly not an issue unique to the United States. The age distribution of the global population shows that other parts of the world face a similar issue.

Within the United States, the uneven distribution of populations aged 65 years and over among states offers both major challenges and potential solutions. On the one hand, federal action over the issue may be contentious as other states are set to harbor the costs of elderly care in states such as California and Florida. That said, domestic migration from comparably younger states may help to fill gaps in the workforce left by retirees in others.

Nonetheless, aging population issues are set to gain further prominence in the political and economic decisions made by policymakers regardless of the eventual distribution of America’s elderly. Analysis of the financial concerns of Americans by age shows many young people still decades from retirement hold strong concern over their eventual financial position.

The estimated median age gives an idea of the age distribution of the population in a given area. A greater median age would suggest that the area of interest has a relatively large number of older residents, while a lower median age suggests that the area has a relatively large number of younger residents.

Champaign County’s estimated median age has risen for over a decade, but has always stayed between 28 and 31. Year-to-year changes from 2017 to 2019 were statistically significant, but not from 2019 to 2023. The Champaign County estimated median age has been consistently younger than the estimated median ages of the United States and State of Illinois. Champaign County’s figure is likely impacted to some degree by the large student population associated with the University of Illinois.

The estimated median age does not provide a significant amount of detail, and it does not provide any information on why the estimated median age is what it is. However, when placed in the context of other pieces of data and other indicators, it is a valuable starting point in understanding county demographics.

Estimated median age data was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) 1-Year Estimates, which are released annually.

As with any datasets that are estimates rather than exact counts, it is important to take into account the margins of error (listed in the column beside each figure) when drawing conclusions from the data.

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, instead of providing the standard 1-year data products, the Census Bureau released experimental estimates from the 1-year data in 2020. This includes a limited number of data tables for the nation, states, and the District of Columbia. The Census Bureau states that the 2020 ACS 1-year experimental tables use an experimental estimation methodology and should not be compared with other ACS data. For these reasons, and because data is not available for Champaign County, no data for 2020 is included in this Indicator.

For interested data users, the 2020 ACS 1-Year Experimental data release includes a dataset on Median Age by Sex.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S0101; generated by CCRPC staff; using data.census.gov; (8 October 2024).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2022 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S0101; generated by CCRPC staff; using data.census.gov; (6 October 2023).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2021 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S0101; generated by CCRPC staff; using data.census.gov; (13 October 2022).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2019 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S0101; generated by CCRPC staff; using data.census.gov; (7 April 2021).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2018 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S0101; generated by CCRPC staff; using data.census.gov; (7 April 2021).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2017 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S0101; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (13 September 2018).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2016 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S0101; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (14 September 2017).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2015 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S0101; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (19 September 2016).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2014 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S0101; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (16 March 2016).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2013 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S0101; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (16 March 2016).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2012 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S0101; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (16 March 2016).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2011 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S0101; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (16 March 2016).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2010 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S0101; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (16 March 2016).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2009 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S0101; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (16 March 2016).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2008 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S0101; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (16 March 2016).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2007 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S0101; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (16 March 2016).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2006 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S0101; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (16 March 2016).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2005 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S0101; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (16 March 2016).

This statistic represents the percentage of population under 18 years in the United States in 2019, sorted by state. In 2019, about **** percent of Utah's population was under 18 years of age, compared to the national share of **** percent.

Age dependency ratio, young (% of working-age population) in United States was reported at 26.76 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. United States - Age dependency ratio, young (% of working-age population) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

Graph and download economic data for Civilian Labor Force in Young County, TX (LAUCN485030000000006A) from 1990 to 2024 about Young County, TX; civilian; labor force; labor; household survey; TX; and USA.

United States US: Age Dependency Ratio: % of Working-Age Population: Young data was reported at 28.799 % in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 28.857 % for 2016. United States US: Age Dependency Ratio: % of Working-Age Population: Young data is updated yearly, averaging 33.422 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 51.329 % in 1961 and a record low of 28.799 % in 2017. United States US: Age Dependency Ratio: % of Working-Age Population: Young data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Age dependency ratio, young, is the ratio of younger dependents--people younger than 15--to the working-age population--those ages 15-64. Data are shown as the proportion of dependents per 100 working-age population.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on age distributions of United Nations Population Division's World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision.; Weighted average;

In 2023, the median age of the population of the United States was 39.2 years. While this may seem quite young, the median age in 1960 was even younger, at 29.5 years. The aging population in the United States means that society is going to have to find a way to adapt to the larger numbers of older people. Everything from Social Security to employment to the age of retirement will have to change if the population is expected to age more while having fewer children. The world is getting older It’s not only the United States that is facing this particular demographic dilemma. In 1950, the global median age was 23.6 years. This number is projected to increase to 41.9 years by the year 2100. This means that not only the U.S., but the rest of the world will also have to find ways to adapt to the aging population.

In 2021, there were about **** million children under the age of 18 years old in California -- the most out of any state. In that same year, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois rounded out the top five states with the most children under 18.

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About this dataset

Context

The dataset tabulates the United States population distribution across 18 age groups. It lists the population in each age group along with the percentage population relative of the total population for United States. The dataset can be utilized to understand the population distribution of United States by age. For example, using this dataset, we can identify the largest age group in United States.

Key observations

The largest age group in United States was for the group of age 25-29 years with a population of 22,854,328 (6.93%), according to the 2021 American Community Survey. At the same time, the smallest age group in United States was the 80-84 years with a population of 5,932,196 (1.80%). Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates.

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates.

Age groups:

• Under 5 years
• 5 to 9 years
• 10 to 14 years
• 15 to 19 years
• 20 to 24 years
• 25 to 29 years
• 30 to 34 years
• 35 to 39 years
• 40 to 44 years
• 45 to 49 years
• 50 to 54 years
• 55 to 59 years
• 60 to 64 years
• 65 to 69 years
• 70 to 74 years
• 75 to 79 years
• 80 to 84 years
• 85 years and over

Variables / Data Columns

• Age Group: This column displays the age group in consideration
• Population: The population for the specific age group in the United States is shown in this column.
• % of Total Population: This column displays the population of each age group as a proportion of United States total population. Please note that the sum of all percentages may not equal one due to rounding of values.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for United States Population by Age. You can refer the same here

Estimate, Median Age by Sex, Total Population (5-year estimate) in Young County, TX was 40.70000 Years of Age in January of 2023, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, Estimate, Median Age by Sex, Total Population (5-year estimate) in Young County, TX reached a record high of 42.60000 in January of 2013 and a record low of 40.30000 in January of 2022. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for Estimate, Median Age by Sex, Total Population (5-year estimate) in Young County, TX - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on June of 2025.

United States US: Share of Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training: Total: % of Youth Population data was reported at 16.490 % in 2012. This records a decrease from the previous number of 17.130 % for 2011. United States US: Share of Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training: Total: % of Youth Population data is updated yearly, averaging 17.290 % from Dec 2009 (Median) to 2012, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 17.640 % in 2010 and a record low of 16.490 % in 2012. United States US: Share of Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training: Total: % of Youth Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.World Bank: Employment and Unemployment. Share of youth not in education, employment or training (NEET) is the proportion of young people who are not in education, employment, or training to the population of the corresponding age group: youth (ages 15 to 24); persons ages 15 to 29; or both age groups.; ; International Labour Organization, ILOSTAT database. Data retrieved in November 2017.; Weighted Average;

In 2022, approximately ***** million young people between the ages of 15 to 19 years old lived in the United States. This was a slight increase from the previous year, when ***** million young people aged 15 to 19 lived in the U.S.

In the period 2019-2023, some 97 percent of young people aged between 14 and 24 in Massachusetts had health insurance coverage, the highest number across all U.S. states. On the other hand, Texas, with approximately 78 percent, had the lowest share of young adults with health insurance coverage. This statistic depicts the share of young people in the United States who had health insurance from 2019 to 2023, by state.

Graph and download economic data for Population Estimate, Total, Not Hispanic or Latino, Black or African American Alone (5-year estimate) in Young County, TX (B03002004E048503) from 2009 to 2023 about Young County, TX; African-American; TX; non-hispanic; estimate; persons; 5-year; population; and USA.

In the period 2019 to 2023, approximately *** million young people in California aged between 14 and 24 had health insurance coverage, the highest number across all U.S. states. This statistic depicts the number of young people in the United States aged between 14 and 24 who had health insurance from 2019 to 2023, by state.

United States Long Term Projections: Young Chicken: Production data was reported at 53,427.026 lb mn in 2034. This records an increase from the previous number of 52,745.394 lb mn for 2033. United States Long Term Projections: Young Chicken: Production data is updated yearly, averaging 49,586.152 lb mn from Dec 2022 (Median) to 2034, with 13 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 53,427.026 lb mn in 2034 and a record low of 45,711.000 lb mn in 2022. United States Long Term Projections: Young Chicken: Production data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by U.S. Department of Agriculture. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.RI045: Agricultural Projections: Young Chicken.

United States US: Age Dependency Ratio: % of Working-Age Population data was reported at 52.268 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 51.652 % for 2016. United States US: Age Dependency Ratio: % of Working-Age Population data is updated yearly, averaging 52.247 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 66.700 % in 1962 and a record low of 49.442 % in 2009. United States US: Age Dependency Ratio: % of Working-Age Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Age dependency ratio is the ratio of dependents--people younger than 15 or older than 64--to the working-age population--those ages 15-64. Data are shown as the proportion of dependents per 100 working-age population.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on age distributions of United Nations Population Division's World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision.; Weighted average; Relevance to gender indicator: this indicator implies the dependency burden that the working-age population bears in relation to children and the elderly. Many times single or widowed women who are the sole caregiver of a household have a high dependency ratio.

According to a 2023 survey, young adults in the United States were divided when it came to important political issues such as border security, gun violence prevention, and addressing climate change. However, the majority of young Americans considered the cost of living and inflation a top political issue, regardless of their race and ethnicity.

This dataset tracks the updates made on the dataset "Asthma in children younger than age 18, by selected characteristics: United States." as a repository for previous versions of the data and metadata.