Exploring Senior Demographics of Massachusetts
Last Updated on April 25, 2024 by Rachel
Introduction
Massachusetts, a state known for its rich history and diverse population, is home to a significant senior demographic. In this article, we’ll explore various facets of the senior population aged 65 and over in Massachusetts, as revealed by the American Community Survey 2022 Census data.
Population (Sex and Age, Race)
The senior population in Massachusetts totals 1,260,100 individuals, with a slight majority of females at 55.8%. The median age among seniors is 73.3 years, reflecting a mature and experienced community. The state demonstrates remarkable racial diversity, with 95.5% identifying with a single race. The majority (84.6%) of seniors are White, followed by 4.3% who are Black or African American, 4.2% Asian, 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, and 0.0% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander. Additionally, 2.3% identify as some other race. About 4.5% of seniors belong to two or more races, contributing to the state’s multicultural fabric. A total of 5.2% of the senior population are of Hispanic or Latino origin. Notably, 83.9% are White alone, not Hispanic or Latino.
Relationship
Within the senior population, 1,219,158 individuals live in households. Among these, 89.5% are either householders or spouses, underscoring the enduring importance of family structures. The remaining relationships consist of 4.4% parents, 3.3% other relatives, and 2.9% nonrelatives. This nonrelative category includes 1.5% unmarried partners, reflecting diverse living arrangements.
Households By Type
Massachusetts hosts a total of 781,117 households, with family households accounting for 51.3%. Among family households, 41.3% are married-couple families, and 7.5% are female householder families. The remaining 48.7% of households are nonfamily households, among which 44.9% are individuals living alone.
Marital Status
Examining the marital status of the senior population, 54.4% are currently married, except for those separated. Furthermore, 19.9% are widowed, while 14.7% are divorced, and 1.4% are separated. Approximately 9.7% of seniors have never married.
Educational Attainment
Regarding educational attainment, 37.9% of seniors aged 25 and over in Massachusetts have achieved a bachelor’s degree or higher, showcasing a commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth. This statistic reflects the importance of education in the senior community.
Responsibility For Grandchildren Under 18 Years
Responsibility for grandchildren under 18 years is seen in 4.4% of the senior population, with 0.8% bearing the responsibility of caregiving. These statistics highlight the intergenerational relationships and caregiving roles present in Massachusetts.
Veteran Status
Among the civilian population aged 18 years and over, 11.2% are classified as civilian veterans, signifying their service to the nation. This statistic demonstrates the state’s strong connection to military service.
Disability Status
Examining disability status, 30.1% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population reports living with some form of disability, emphasizing the importance of healthcare and support services tailored to senior citizens with varying needs. Conversely, 69.9% of the senior population reports having no disability.
Residence 1 Year Ago
A substantial 94.8% of seniors aged 65 and over in Massachusetts remained in their previous residence over the past year, indicating a stable and well-rooted community. Those who did move experienced change within the United States, with 2.8% relocating within the same county and 2.1% to different counties within the state. A small percentage, 0.9%, ventured to different states, while 0.3% moved abroad.
Place Of Birth, Nativity, And Citizenship Status, And Year Of Entry
Of the total senior population, 1,053,063 are native to the United States, while 207,037 are foreign-born. Within the foreign-born segment, 11.2% entered the country in 2010 or later, 8.9% entered from 2000 to 2009, and the majority (79.9%) entered before 2000. Notably, 78.9% of foreign-born seniors have naturalized as U.S. citizens, while 21.1% are not U.S. citizens. This data showcases the international diversity and pathways to citizenship within Massachusetts.
Language Spoken at Home
Language preferences in Massachusetts indicate that 16.9% of seniors speak a language other than English at home. Among these, 10.7% report speaking English less than “very well,” underlining the importance of linguistic inclusivity and support for this segment of the senior population.
In conclusion, Massachusetts’ senior population is diverse, resilient, and rooted in strong family connections. These statistics provide valuable insights for policymakers, social service providers, and communities to better address the needs and promote the well-being of seniors in the state. The data underscores the significance of services and programs that cater to the various dimensions of the senior population’s lives.
Employment Status
In Massachusetts, among the civilian population aged 16 years and over, 23.7% are part of the labor force. Among those in the labor force, 22.9% are employed, indicating a significant segment of seniors who continue to contribute to the workforce. The unemployment rate among this group is relatively low at 0.8%, with 3.4% of the civilian labor force unemployed.
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However, it’s important to note that a substantial portion, 76.3% of seniors, are not in the labor force. This reflects the trend of retirement among many seniors, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their lives.
Income in the Past 12 Months (In 2022 Inflation-Adjusted Dollars)
The financial well-being of seniors in Massachusetts varies. Among households, 42.1% report earnings. The mean earnings in these households amount to $93,665, indicating that many seniors have financial security.
Moreover, 82.1% of senior households receive Social Security income, with a mean Social Security income of $24,307. Supplemental Security Income supports 6.9% of households, with an average payment of $10,338. Additionally, 2.7% of senior households receive cash public assistance income, with an average income of $3,969. The importance of retirement planning is evident, as 56.3% of senior households receive retirement income, with an average of $38,848.
Furthermore, 14.0% of households benefit from Food Stamp/SNAP benefits, emphasizing the role of social safety nets in assisting seniors with varying financial situations.
Poverty Status in the Past 12 Months
When assessing poverty status among the senior population, 11.2% fall below 100 percent of the poverty level. An additional 7.0% fall within the range of 100 to 149 percent of the poverty level. The majority, 81.8%, have incomes at or above 150 percent of the poverty level, indicating a relatively stable economic situation for most seniors.
Housing Tenure
Housing tenure data reveals that 73.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. In contrast, 26.7% are renter-occupied. The average household size in owner-occupied units is 1.91, slightly larger than the average household size in renter-occupied units, which is 1.39. These statistics reflect diverse living arrangements among seniors in Massachusetts.
Selected Monthly Owner Costs as a Percentage of Household Income in the Past 12 Months
The financial burden of housing costs is significant for many seniors. Among owner-occupied housing units, 66.1% pay less than 30 percent of their income towards housing costs. However, 33.9% are experiencing housing costs that exceed 30 percent of their household income, which may pose financial challenges.
Gross Rent as a Percentage of Household Income in the Past 12 Months
For renter-occupied housing units, 42.3% pay less than 30 percent of their income as rent. Conversely, 57.7% of renters allocate more than 30 percent of their income toward rent, which can impact their financial stability and quality of life.
Gross Rent
The median gross rent in Massachusetts stands at $981. This metric provides insight into the affordability of rental housing for seniors in the state.
In conclusion, the data on employment, income, poverty status, and housing tenure among Massachusetts seniors underlines the financial and housing diversity within this demographic. The prevalence of seniors in the labor force, coupled with varying income sources, highlights the importance of financial planning in later life. Understanding housing costs, both for homeowners and renters, is crucial for ensuring senior citizens have the support and resources they need to maintain a high quality of life in Massachusetts.
Conclusion
Massachusetts is home to a vibrant senior population, with a variety of characteristics that reflect the diversity within this demographic. Seniors contribute to the workforce, with a notable percentage still engaged in employment. This underscores the importance of economic planning and ensuring that financial security is maintained during retirement.
The income data shows that many seniors receive Social Security and retirement income, which are crucial sources of financial support during their later years. However, it’s worth noting that a portion of the senior population falls below the poverty threshold, indicating that economic challenges persist for some.
Housing tenure statistics indicate a significant preference for home ownership among seniors, with a considerable proportion of households being owner-occupied. The diversity in housing arrangements and household sizes highlights the unique living situations seniors have in Massachusetts.
The data on housing costs, both for owners and renters, serves as a reminder of the importance of affordable housing options for seniors. Housing cost burdens can significantly impact the financial well-being and quality of life of seniors.
In conclusion, the statistics on Massachusetts seniors provide valuable insights into the various aspects of their lives, from economic well-being to housing choices. These insights can inform policymakers, communities, and organizations as they work to provide better support and services for the senior population in the state. Understanding the specific needs and circumstances of seniors is essential for ensuring their continued well-being and quality of life in Massachusetts.