Exploring Senior Demographics of Colorado

Introduction

Colorado, often referred to as the “Centennial State,” is celebrated for its awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains, vibrant cities, and diverse communities. Among its diverse populace, the senior population aged 65 and over plays a crucial role. Let’s explore the key statistics and demographics of seniors in Colorado and compare them to national data, providing valuable insights into the state’s older residents.

Sex and Age

In Colorado, 46.0% of seniors are male, compared to 44.8% nationally, while 54.0% are female, compared to 55.2% nationally. The median age for seniors in Colorado is 72.9 years, slightly lower than the national median age of 73.3 years.

Race

Colorado’s senior population reflects a diverse range of racial backgrounds. In the state, 92.8% of seniors identify with a single race, while 93.4% do so nationally. Within the single race category:

• 83.7% of Colorado seniors are White, compared to 75.4% nationally.
• 2.7% are Black or African American, compared to 9.2% nationally.
• 2.5% are Asian, compared to 4.8% nationally.

Furthermore, 7.2% of Colorado seniors belong to two or more racial categories, compared to 6.6% nationally. In terms of Hispanic or Latino origin, 10.9% identify in Colorado, whereas 9.1% do so nationally. Additionally, 81.4% of Colorado seniors are White alone, not of Hispanic or Latino origin, compared to 74.0% nationally.

Relationship

In Colorado, seniors predominantly assume the role of householders or spouses, accounting for 92.0% of this demographic. Nationally, 89.6% of seniors in the United States serve as householders or spouses.

Households by Type

Senior households in Colorado vary in composition, with 54.6% classified as family households. Within this category:

• 45.9% are married-couple families.
• 6.5% are female householders without a spouse present.

These figures closely align with national data. Nonfamily households make up 45.4% of Colorado’s senior households, with 42.1% of seniors living alone, which closely aligns with the national data.

Marital Status

Of the population aged 15 and over in Colorado:

• 59.3% of Colorado seniors are currently married, except separated.
• 17.1% are widowed.
• 17.3% are divorced.
• 0.7% are separated.
• 5.6% have never married.

These figures are comparable to national data.

Educational Attainment

Education is a crucial aspect of Colorado’s senior population:

• 41.7% of those aged 25 and over hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• 6.3% have less than a high school diploma.
• 23.5% have a high school diploma, GED, or alternative.
• 28.5% have some college or associate’s degrees.

These figures are compared to national averages:

• Nationally, 30.8% of seniors have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• 12.2% have less than a high school diploma.
• 29.7% have a high school diploma, GED, or alternative.
• 27.3% have some college or associate’s degrees.

Responsibility for Grandchildren Under 18 Years

Colorado seniors often take on the role of caregivers, with 3.9% living with grandchildren under 18 years of age. Among them, 1.0% bear the responsibility for their care, highlighting the commitment to family within the senior demographic. Nationally, 4.7% of seniors live with grandchildren under 18 years, with 1.1% bearing responsibility for their care.

Veteran Status

A significant proportion of Colorado’s seniors, 16.0% of the civilian population aged 18 and over, are veterans, compared to 13.8% nationally. This underscores the state’s deep connection to military service and the valuable contributions made by its older veterans.

Disability Status

29.3% of Colorado seniors in the civilian noninstitutionalized population live with some form of disability, while 33.1% do so nationally. Additionally, 70.7% do not report any disability in Colorado, while 66.9% do so nationally, reflecting the state’s efforts to promote accessible and accommodating environments.

Residence 1 Year Ago

The vast majority of Colorado seniors, 93.9%, have remained in the same house over the past year, which closely aligns with the national data. While 5.9% relocated to different houses within the United States, 5.6% did so nationally. This reflects the strong ties many have to their local communities and the state itself.

Place of Birth, Nativity, and Citizenship Status, and Year of Entry

Colorado’s senior population comprises 845,327 natives and 70,334 foreign-born individuals. Of the foreign-born, 5.3% arrived in 2010 or later, 8.6% in 2000 to 2009, and 86.1% before 2000. An impressive 76.4% are naturalized U.S. citizens, while 23.6% are not U.S. citizens, reflecting the state’s diverse and inclusive atmosphere, which mirrors national figures.

Language Spoken at Home and Ability to Speak English

A multicultural tapestry is woven into Colorado’s senior community, with 10.0% speaking languages other than English at home. Within this group, 4.2% report speaking English less than “very well,” underlining the state’s linguistic diversity, which is higher than national averages.

Employment Status

Around 20.7% of Colorado seniors in the civilian population aged 16 and over are in the labor force, with 20.1% being employed. Nationally, 18.7% are in the labor force, with 18.1% employed. This reflects the state’s dynamic and active senior workforce.

Income in the Past 12 Months

In terms of income, 39.3% of Colorado senior households reported earnings, with a mean earnings of $76,876. This compares to 37.9% of senior households nationwide, with a mean earnings of $73,402. Furthermore, 86.0% of Colorado seniors received Social Security income, with a mean income of $24,352, while 87.3% of seniors in the United States received Social Security income, with a mean income of $24,325.

Poverty Status in the Past 12 Months

Of Colorado’s senior population, 8.0% are below 100 percent of the poverty level, 7.1% are between 100 and 149 percent of the poverty level, and 84.9% are at or above 150 percent of the poverty level. In comparison, 10.9% of seniors in the United States are below 100 percent of the poverty level, 8.5% are between 100 and 149 percent, and 80.6% are at or above 150 percent. These statistics indicate that Colorado’s senior population faces a slightly lower poverty rate than the national average, highlighting the state’s commitment to the economic well-being of its elderly citizens.