Exploring Senior Demographics of Maryland

Last Updated on April 25, 2024 by Rachel

Introduction

Maryland, a state known for its diverse population and rich history, is home to a significant elderly population. As of the American Community Survey 2022 Census, there are 1,042,779 seniors aged 65 years and over in the state. Understanding the characteristics and challenges faced by this senior demographic is crucial for ensuring their well-being and addressing their unique needs. In this article, we explore various aspects of the lives of seniors in Maryland using data from the 2022 Census, categorized under different subheadings.

Population (Sex And Age, Race)

• Sex and Age: Maryland’s senior population comprises 43.5% males and 56.5% females, with a median age of 73.3 years. This distribution showcases the diversity within the senior demographic, with women slightly outnumbering men.
• Race: A majority (96.5%) of Maryland’s seniors identify as belonging to a single race. Among these, 62.9% are White, 25.4% are Black or African American, 0.3% are American Indian and Alaska Native, 6.0% are Asian, and 1.7% fall under some other race category. Additionally, 3.5% of seniors identify as belonging to two or more races. Maryland’s senior population also includes 3.9% of individuals with Hispanic or Latino origin. Notably, 62.4% identify as White alone, not Hispanic or Latino.

Relationship

Within households, the majority (88.4%) of seniors are either the householder or spouse, highlighting the importance of family bonds in their lives. About 5.0% identify as parents, 3.9% as other relatives, and 2.7% as nonrelatives. This category also includes 1.3% unmarried partners, emphasizing the significance of companionship among seniors in Maryland.

Households By Type

Among the 635,190 households in Maryland, 54.5% are family households, while 45.5% are nonfamily households. Family households consist of married-couple families (42.0%) and female householders with no spouse present (9.6%). On the other hand, nonfamily households include those where the householder lives alone (42.3%).

Marital Status

The data indicates that among the population aged 15 years and over in Maryland, 54.2% of seniors are currently married, except separated. In contrast, 20.8% are widowed, 15.6% are divorced, 1.1% are separated, and 8.3% have never married. These statistics reflect the diverse marital statuses among seniors in the state.

Educational Attainment

When considering educational attainment among those aged 25 and over, the following statistics emerge:

• 10.3% have less than a high school graduate degree.
• 27.3% hold a high school graduate, GED, or alternative.
• 24.3% have completed some college or hold an associate’s degree.
• 38.1% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting a well-educated senior population in Maryland.

Responsibility For Grandchildren Under 18 Years

Among the senior population aged 30 years and over, 5.8% live with grandchildren. Of these, 1.1% are responsible for the care of their grandchildren, emphasizing the multi-generational aspect of households in Maryland.

Veteran Status

Maryland’s civilian population aged 18 years and over includes 14.0% who are civilian veterans. These individuals have contributed to the nation’s defense, and their experiences play an important role in shaping the state’s demographics and culture.

Disability Status

Within the civilian noninstitutionalized population, 30.4% have some form of disability. Understanding the types and extent of these disabilities is crucial for tailoring healthcare and support services to meet the unique needs of seniors with disabilities.

Residence 1 Year Ago

A significant portion (94.9%) of Maryland’s senior population remained in the same residence as the previous year. However, 4.8% moved to different houses within the United States, with 2.5% staying within the same county and 2.3% relocating to a different county. Additionally, 0.3% of seniors moved abroad, reflecting a certain degree of mobility among the elderly population.

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

Of the total senior population, 886,860 are native-born Marylanders, while 155,919 are foreign-born. Among the foreign-born population, 11.9% entered the U.S. in 2010 or later, 9.8% entered between 2000 and 2009, and the majority, 78.3%, arrived before 2000. Furthermore, 79.4% are naturalized U.S. citizens, while 20.6% are not U.S. citizens. This data reflects the diverse origins and backgrounds of Maryland’s senior population.

Language Spoken at Home and Ability To Speak English

Among individuals aged 5 years and over, 86.2% in Maryland speak only English at home, while 13.8% speak a language other than English. Of those who speak a language other than English, 6.6% speak English less than “very well.” This linguistic diversity highlights the cultural richness within the state’s senior population.

Employment Status

• Civilian Population 16 Years and Over: In Maryland, the civilian population aged 16 years and over includes a significant number of seniors, amounting to 1,042,779 individuals. Of these, 22.4% are part of the labor force, demonstrating that a substantial portion of seniors continues to be engaged in employment.
  • Employed: Among the seniors in the labor force, 21.9% are employed, reflecting their active participation in the workforce.
  • Unemployed: While the majority of senior individuals are employed, 0.6% are unemployed, which translates to a 2.5% unemployment rate among the civilian labor force.
• Not in Labor Force: On the other hand, 77.6% of the senior population in Maryland is not in the labor force, highlighting the increasing number of retirees in the state.

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

• Households: With a total of 635,190 households, income is a significant aspect of the senior population’s well-being. A considerable 43.3% of these households report having earnings, indicating that many seniors are financially self-sufficient.
  • Mean Earnings: The mean earnings among senior households in Maryland are $91,907, reflecting the financial stability and economic contributions of the senior population.
• Social Security Income: The vast majority (83.3%) of senior households receive Social Security income, a crucial financial resource during retirement.
  • Mean Social Security Income: The mean Social Security income is $24,609, showcasing the importance of this program for seniors’ financial security.
• Supplemental Security Income: Additionally, 6.6% of senior households receive Supplemental Security Income.
  • Mean Supplemental Security Income: The mean Supplemental Security Income among recipients is $10,815, providing extra support for those in need.
• Cash Public Assistance Income: A small percentage (1.7%) of senior households receive cash public assistance income.
  • Mean Cash Public Assistance Income: The mean cash public assistance income is $3,635, serving as a safety net for those facing financial hardship.
• Retirement Income: A substantial portion (63.2%) of senior households benefit from retirement income.
  • Mean Retirement Income: The mean retirement income is $44,101, highlighting the importance of retirement savings and pension plans.
• Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits: Furthermore, 10.8% of senior households receive Food Stamp/SNAP benefits, which play a critical role in addressing food insecurity among the elderly.

Poverty Status in the Past 12 Months

• Population for Whom Poverty Status is Determined: Among the senior population in Maryland, poverty status is determined for 1,017,519 individuals.
  • Below 100 Percent of the Poverty Level: 9.9% of seniors fall below 100 percent of the poverty level, indicating economic vulnerability.
  • 100 to 149 Percent of the Poverty Level: 6.2% of seniors are in the 100 to 149 percent poverty level category.
  • At or Above 150 Percent of the Poverty Level: A significant majority (83.9%) of seniors have incomes at or above 150 percent of the poverty level, suggesting financial stability.

Housing Tenure

• Occupied Housing Units: Maryland’s senior population resides in 635,190 occupied housing units, with 78.3% being owner-occupied units and 21.7% being renter-occupied units.
  • Average Household Size of Owner-Occupied Unit: The average household size of owner-occupied units is 2.01, indicating that many seniors live with family members.
  • Average Household Size of Renter-Occupied Unit: In contrast, the average household size of renter-occupied units is 1.48, reflecting smaller households.
• Selected Characteristics: These include indicators like the availability of telephone service and occupancy per room, which can influence seniors’ living conditions. Only 1.0% of seniors have no telephone service available, and 0.5% have 1.01 or more occupants per room.

Selected Monthly Owner Costs as a Percentage of Household Income in the Past 12 Months

• Owner-Occupied Housing Units: Within the 497,101 owner-occupied units, the majority (71.9%) have selected monthly costs that are less than 30 percent of their household income. Meanwhile, 28.1% of owner-occupied units allocate 30 percent or more of their income to housing costs.
  • Median Value: The median value of owner-occupied housing units is $371,200, reflecting the property values within Maryland.
  • Median Selected Monthly Owner Costs with a Mortgage: For those with a mortgage, the median selected monthly owner costs are $1,792.
  • Median Selected Monthly Owner Costs without a Mortgage: For those without a mortgage, the median selected monthly owner costs are $673.

Renter-Occupied Housing Units

• Gross Rent as a Percentage of Household Income: Among the 138,089 renter-occupied units, 43.4% allocate less than 30 percent of their income to gross rent, while 56.6% dedicate 30 percent or more of their income to housing costs.
  • Median Gross Rent: The median gross rent is $1,210, reflecting the costs of renting in Maryland.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of the elderly population’s demographics, economic status, and housing situation is vital for providing support and creating an environment in which Maryland’s seniors can thrive and enjoy their retirement years.

Understanding the economic and housing characteristics of Maryland’s senior population is crucial for addressing their financial well-being and housing needs effectively. These insights help in tailoring policies and services to ensure that seniors in Maryland enjoy a comfortable and secure retirement.

These demographic and socioeconomic factors also provides valuable insights into the lives and needs of Maryland’s seniors. It lays the foundation for crafting policies and services that address their unique circumstances, promoting their well-being and ensuring a high quality of life in their golden years.