Exploring Senior Demographics of Iowa

Introduction

Iowa is home to a growing senior population, with individuals aged 65 and over contributing to the state’s rich demographic landscape. This diverse group of seniors plays a crucial role in the fabric of Iowa’s communities. The American Community Survey 2022 Census data provides valuable insights into various aspects of this senior demographic, including their age, gender, race, relationships, housing, and more. Let’s delve into the statistics and gain a deeper understanding of Iowa’s seniors.

Population (Sex And Age, Race)

• Gender Distribution: Iowa’s senior population of 588,879 is split into 45.6% males and 54.4% females, highlighting a slight gender imbalance.
• Median Age: The median age of Iowa’s seniors stands at 73.4 years, reflecting a population with considerable life experience and wisdom.
• Racial Diversity: The senior population of Iowa represents various racial backgrounds. A majority (94.7%) identify as White, while other racial groups include 1.4% Black or African American, 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% Asian, and 0.6% from some other race. Additionally, 2.0% identify as Two or more races, and 1.5% have Hispanic or Latino origin. The prevalence of White individuals, particularly those not of Hispanic or Latino origin (94.3%), showcases the state’s ethnic composition.

Relationship

• Population in Households: Among seniors residing in households, 95.5% serve as the householder or spouse, underlining the importance of family and marital relationships. In addition, 1.5% are parents, 1.3% are other relatives, and 1.7% are nonrelatives. A subset of this category includes unmarried partners, making up 1.0%.

Households By Type

• Family Households: In Iowa, 53.1% of senior households are classified as family households. These comprise 46.9% married-couple families and 4.6% female householders with no spouse present.
• Nonfamily Households: The remaining 46.9% of senior households are nonfamily households, with a significant 44.6% consisting of a householder living alone. These statistics shed light on the living arrangements and family structures of seniors in Iowa.

Marital Status

• Marital Status of Population 15 Years and Over: The data reveals that 60.6% of Iowa seniors aged 15 and over are currently married, except for those separated. In comparison, 21.0% are widowed, 12.8% are divorced, 0.4% are separated, and 5.2% have never married. This diversity in marital status underscores the varied life experiences and backgrounds of Iowa’s senior population.

Educational Attainment

• Population 25 Years and Over: In terms of education, 6.5% of seniors aged 25 and over have less than a high school graduate education. A larger group (39.8%) are high school graduates, GED recipients, or have alternative qualifications. Meanwhile, 27.5% have completed some college or hold associate’s degrees, and 26.2% have earned bachelor’s degrees or higher. These educational attainment figures reflect the knowledge and skills possessed by Iowa’s senior population.

Responsibility For Grandchildren Under 18 Years

• Living with Grandchildren: Among seniors, 1.7% are living with grandchildren under 18 years old, and 0.5% are responsible for these grandchildren. These statistics highlight the extent of intergenerational relationships and caregiving roles within Iowa’s senior population.

Veteran Status

• Civilian Population 18 Years and Over: Iowa’s senior population includes a notable 14.5% who are civilian veterans. Their service history contributes to the state’s recognition of military service and the support provided to veterans.

Disability Status

• Civilian Noninstitutionalized Population: Within the civilian noninstitutionalized population of seniors, 29.9% report having some form of disability, while 70.1% do not have a disability. These statistics provide insights into the health and well-being of Iowa’s senior residents.

Residence 1 Year Ago

• Population 1 Year and Over: The data indicates that 94.1% of Iowa’s seniors lived in the same house as they did one year ago, showcasing stability in their living situations. Meanwhile, 5.8% moved to a different house within the United States, with 3.4% staying in the same county and 2.4% relocating to a different county. Only 1.0% moved to a different state, and 0.1% moved abroad. These figures reflect the mobility and housing trends among Iowa’s senior population.

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

• Total Population: The senior population of Iowa primarily consists of native-born individuals (572,286), with 16,593 classified as foreign-born. Among the foreign-born population, 10.9% entered the United States in 2010 or later, 11.2% arrived between 2000 and 2009, and 77.9% immigrated before 2000. A significant 78.6% of the foreign-born population have naturalized as U.S. citizens, while 21.4% are not U.S. citizens.

Language Spoken at Home and Ability To Speak English

• Population 5 Years and Over: The majority (96.6%) of seniors in Iowa speak English only at home. In contrast, 3.4% speak a language other than English, with 1.6% reporting that they speak English less than “very well.” These language statistics highlight the linguistic diversity and proficiency among Iowa’s senior residents.

Understanding the diverse characteristics of Iowa’s senior population, from demographics and relationships to housing and health, is crucial for policymakers, service providers, and communities. This knowledge aids in tailoring support and services to meet the unique needs and preferences of seniors in Iowa, ensuring their well-being and quality of life. Iowa’s seniors continue to enrich the state with their experiences, contributions, and vibrant communities.

Employment Status

• Civilian Population 16 Years and Over: Among Iowa’s senior population, 18.8% are part of the civilian labor force, while 81.2% are not in the labor force. Within the labor force, 18.4% are employed, and 0.4% are unemployed. The unemployment rate for seniors is notably low at 2.0%.

Income in the Past 12 Months (In 2022 Inflation-Adjusted Dollars)

• Households: In Iowa, 35.6% of senior households report earnings, with an average income of $53,626. Additionally, 91.1% of households receive Social Security income, averaging $24,741. Some seniors (4.8%) receive Supplemental Security Income, which averages $11,231, while 1.2% receive cash public assistance income, averaging $2,703. A substantial 61.7% of households have retirement income, with an average of $28,623. Furthermore, 5.6% of senior households receive Food Stamp/SNAP benefits.

Poverty Status in The Past 12 Months

• Population for Whom Poverty Status Is Determined: Among seniors in Iowa, 8.5% are living below 100 percent of the poverty level, 8.2% are within the range of 100 to 149 percent of the poverty level, and 83.3% have incomes at or above 150 percent of the poverty level.

Housing Tenure

• Occupied Housing Units: The housing tenure of senior households in Iowa reveals that 81.6% are owner-occupied housing units, while 18.4% are renter-occupied. The average household size for owner-occupied units is 1.74, compared to 1.32 for renter-occupied units.

Selected Monthly Owner Costs as A Percentage Of Household Income In The Past 12 Months

• Owner-Occupied Housing Units: Among senior households residing in owner-occupied units, 78.1% have selected monthly owner costs that are less than 30 percent of their household income. The remaining 21.9% spend 30 percent or more of their income on housing expenses. The median value of these owner-occupied units stands at $180,500. For those with a mortgage, the median selected monthly owner costs are $1,232, while those without a mortgage have median costs of $574.

Gross Rent as A Percentage Of Household Income In The Past 12 Months

• Renter-Occupied Housing Units: In Iowa, 50.2% of senior households in renter-occupied units pay less than 30 percent of their household income as gross rent, while 49.8% spend 30 percent or more on rent expenses. The median gross rent for senior renters is $787.

Conclusion

The American Community Survey 2022 Census data offers valuable insights into the senior population in Iowa. These statistics encompass various aspects of senior life, including demographic characteristics, relationships, education, and economic well-being. Understanding these factors is essential for creating policies and services tailored to the unique needs and challenges of Iowa’s seniors.

Iowa’s senior population is diverse in terms of gender, race, and marital status, reflecting a rich tapestry of life experiences. While many are not in the labor force, those who are employed contribute their skills and expertise to their communities. The income and poverty statistics emphasize the importance of financial support systems for seniors, such as Social Security and retirement income.

Housing tenure data showcases the prevalence of owner-occupied units, while selected monthly owner costs and gross rent provide insights into the affordability of housing for seniors. The low unemployment rate among seniors is an encouraging sign of their continued engagement in the workforce.

These statistics collectively inform service providers, and communities in their efforts to improve the quality of life for Iowa’s senior population. By recognizing their diverse needs and strengths, Iowa can ensure that seniors continue to thrive and contribute to the state’s vibrancy and well-being.