LOCALIZE IT: 2020 Census Data Offers New Insights into Ages, Household Relationships in US

The U.S. Census Bureau has finally released its latest figures from the 2020 census, which were delayed for almost two years. The data sets dealing with ages, housing, and household relationships in the U.S. paint a picture of a rapidly aging population. According to the census, the median age in the U.S. rose from 37.2 to 38.8, the greatest increase in 130 years. Baby boomers turning 65 or older and millennials entering adulthood or pushing further into their late 20s and early 30s drove the changes. Also, fewer children were born between 2010 and 2020, according to census numbers.

Story Ideas

Growing Number of Seniors in Your Community

The increase in the number of seniors in the U.S. makes it essential to find out how much the number or share of people aged 65 and older grew in your community from 2010 to 2020. If it jumped significantly, investigate whether there are enough resources to support the aging population, such as home caregivers, older adult centers, nursing homes, or retirement communities. Are there chronic shortages of services that are now more needed than before? Knowing what resources your community has is essential in exploring the options available. Find tables on age and sex here.

Same-Sex Households in Your Community

The 2020 census showed same-sex households made up 1.7% of coupled households. However, since the census didn’t ask about sexual orientation, it did not capture LGBTQ+ people who are single or do not live with a partner or spouse. Find out how LGBTQ+ individuals fare in your community and see what initiatives are helping them. That information can help give you a better understanding of the steps your community can take to ensure inclusivity.

Related Facts

• The Census Bureau calculates a dependency ratio, defined as the number of children plus the number of seniors per 100 working-age people.
• The dependency ratio decreased for children from 2010 to 2020.
• The census release included two files: the Demographic Profile and Demographic and Housing Characteristics File (DHC).
• The DHC file is a better option for getting into the weeds of census data.
• The increase in the number of seniors has economic consequences, such as the ability of working-age adults to support older people through Social Security and Medicare contributions.

Key Takeaway

The 2020 census data highlights the growing trend of an aging population in the U.S. The insights provided challenge policymakers and community leaders to respond to the changing needs of their community.

Conclusion

The recent release of 2020 U.S. Census Bureau data offers insights into the changing demographics of the U.S. population. Understanding local data is essential for policymakers and community leaders to respond to the current needs of their communities. From the growing number of seniors to same-sex households, there are numerous ways to make sense of census data and adapt to changing times.