Exploring Senior Demographics of Mississippi
Last Updated on April 25, 2024 by Rachel
Introduction
Mississippi, a state with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse landscape, is home to a growing population of seniors aged 65 and over. As we delve into the American Community Survey 2022 Census data, we gain valuable insights into the lives and demographics of Mississippi’s senior citizens.
Population
Sex and Age Distribution
Mississippi’s senior population accounts for 17.45% of the state’s population of 2,940,057 individuals, totaling 513,184 individuals. This demographic is characterized by a slight female predominance at 56.3% being female and 43.7% male. The median age stands at 73.0 years, reflecting a mature and diverse senior community.
Racial Composition
With a racial composition predominantly consisting of one race (97.5%), seniors in Mississippi exhibit diversity. The majority are White (67.8%), followed by significant proportions of Black or African American (28.3%), showcasing the multicultural tapestry of the state.
Relationship
Household Dynamics: In households, seniors in Mississippi often serve as householders or spouses (91.5%), underlining their central roles in familial structures. Relationships include parents (3.3%), other relatives (3.2%), and nonrelatives (2.0%), illustrating the interconnectedness within their communities.
Households by Type
Family Structures: Within the 329,324 households, family structures are prevalent, with 54.4% being family households. Among these, married-couple families (40.0%) and female householder families (11.2%) contribute to the variety of living arrangements chosen by Mississippi’s seniors.
Marital Status
Diverse Marital Status: Seniors in Mississippi exhibit diverse marital statuses. A significant portion is currently married (52.4%), while others are widowed (25.5%), divorced (14.6%), separated (2.2%), or have never married (5.4%). This diversity reflects the varied life experiences within the senior community.
Educational Attainment
Educational Background: Mississippi’s seniors display a range of educational attainments. From high school graduates (32.8%) to those with a bachelor’s degree or higher (22.2%), this data emphasizes the intellectual diversity and lifelong learning pursuits of the senior population.
Responsibility for Grandchildren Under 18 Years
Grandparental Roles: A notable 4.8% of Mississippi’s seniors live with their grandchildren, with 1.8% actively responsible for their care. This involvement underscores the intergenerational connections and support systems within families.
Veteran Status
Contributions to the Nation: With 13.7% identified as civilian veterans, Mississippi’s seniors have made significant contributions to the nation’s defense. Their experiences bring a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge to the state.
Disability Status
Health Dynamics: In terms of disability, 42.3% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population reports having some form of disability. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for tailoring healthcare services and support to meet the diverse needs of seniors.
Residence 1 Year Ago
Stability in Living Arrangements: Mississippi’s seniors exhibit a strong connection to their homes, with 95.2% residing in the same house as the previous year. This stability reflects a sense of community and attachment to their local environments.
Place of Birth, Nativity, Citizenship, and Year of Entry
Diverse Backgrounds: The senior population in Mississippi comprises both native-born individuals (503,387) and foreign-born individuals (9,797). A significant number are naturalized U.S. citizens (73.9%), contributing to the state’s cultural diversity.
Language Spoken at Home
Linguistic Diversity: English is the predominant language spoken at home (97.8%), emphasizing a shared linguistic foundation. The 2.2% who speak a language other than English, with 0.9% speaking English less than “very well,” highlight the linguistic diversity within this demographic.
Employment Status
Labor Force Participation: In Mississippi, seniors aged 65 and over exhibit a varied employment status, with 16.1% actively in the labor force. Among them, 15.6% are employed, showcasing a commitment to work in their later years. Meanwhile, 0.5% are unemployed, constituting a small fraction of the civilian labor force. The unemployment rate stands at 3.1%, reflecting a resilient workforce.
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Income In the Past 12 Months
Household Earnings
When delving into the economic landscape of seniors in Mississippi, a substantial 34.7% of households report earning income. This financial activity is integral, as it provides seniors with a mean earnings of $55,289, signifying a noteworthy level of financial stability.
Social Security Income
A pivotal element in the income structure is Social Security, benefiting 88.5% of households. The mean Social Security income is $22,216, underscoring its significance in supporting the economic well-being of seniors.
Supplemental Security Income
For a segment of the senior population, 10.2% receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The mean SSI income stands at $11,018, emphasizing the supplementary financial support provided through this program.
Cash Public Assistance Income
Another aspect of the economic picture is cash public assistance income, received by 2.1% of households. The mean cash public assistance income is $3,187, showcasing an additional layer of financial assistance.
Retirement Income
Retirement income plays a substantial role in the financial landscape of seniors, with 64.0% of households benefiting from it. The mean retirement income is $30,223, highlighting the importance of comprehensive retirement planning.
Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits
The safety net provided by government assistance programs is evident as 9.7% of households receive Food Stamp/SNAP benefits. This support contributes to ensuring seniors have access to essential nutrition, safeguarding their overall well-being.
Understanding this multifaceted income structure is essential for policymakers and community leaders to design targeted initiatives that address the unique financial needs of Mississippi’s senior population
Poverty Status
Understanding the poverty dynamics is vital, as 14.7% of the senior population falls below 100% of the poverty level. However, a substantial 72.2% of seniors enjoy an income at or above 150% of the poverty level, emphasizing a generally secure economic environment.
Housing Tenure
Occupied Housing Units
Distribution
Mississippi’s senior population resides in various housing arrangements, with 83.3% in owner-occupied units and 16.7% in renter-occupied units. The average household size differs, with owner-occupied units having 1.94 occupants and renter-occupied units having 1.53 occupants, reflecting distinct living preferences.
Selected Characteristics
Noteworthy characteristics include 1.3% of owner-occupied units lacking telephone service, and 0.6% having 1.01 or more occupants per room. These features contribute to the nuanced living conditions of seniors in Mississippi.
Owner-Occupied Housing Units
Monthly Owner Costs
For owner-occupied units, 77.5% experience monthly costs below 30% of their household income, showcasing financial prudence. Median home value stands at $153,700, with selected monthly owner costs with a mortgage at $1,102, and without a mortgage at $388.
Renter-Occupied Housing Units
Rent Dynamics
In contrast, for renter-occupied units, 57.2% experience gross rent below 30% of their household income. The median gross rent is $697, providing insights into the rental landscape for seniors.
Conclusion
the American Community Survey 2022 Census data provides a comprehensive overview of Mississippi’s senior population. This demographic, characterized by its racial diversity, family-centric living arrangements, and a wealth of life experiences, contributes significantly to the state’s cultural and social fabric. Mississippi’s senior demographic is a mosaic of experiences, encompassing diverse employment statuses, income sources, and housing arrangements. The economic resilience, with a significant portion earning income and maintaining financial stability, indicates a robust senior community. The nuanced housing tenure, ranging from owner-occupied to renter-occupied units, showcases the varied living preferences within this demographic.
As policymakers and community leaders navigate the landscape of aging in Mississippi, understanding these multifaceted aspects is crucial. Tailoring initiatives to support seniors in their employment endeavors, ensuring economic security, and addressing housing needs will contribute to a thriving and inclusive environment for Mississippi’s seniors. This data-driven approach ensures that the senior population continues to play an integral role in the state’s social fabric, contributing to its vibrant and diverse tapestry.