Exploring Senior Demographics of North Dakota
Last Updated on April 25, 2024 by Rachel
Introduction
North Dakota, a state known for its vast plains, resilient communities, and rich agricultural landscapes, is home to a distinctive demographic of seniors aged 65 and over. As we delve into the American Community Survey 2022 Census data, we uncover a nuanced perspective on the senior population in the Peace Garden State. This cohort, comprising 16.72% of North Dakota’s total population, is marked by unique characteristics that reflect the state’s cultural diversity and the experiences of its older residents.
Population (Sex And Age, Race)
Senior Population: With a total population of 779,261, North Dakota hosts a senior population of 130,293, representing 16.72% of the state’s inhabitants. This demographic is essential to understanding the evolving dynamics of North Dakota, particularly in terms of age distribution and societal contributions.
Sex and Age: Among the senior population, 46.1% are male, and 53.9% are female, illustrating a relatively balanced gender distribution. The median age of 73.1 years underscores the seasoned nature of this demographic, with experiences and perspectives shaped by a long and diverse journey.
Race: North Dakota’s senior population, when examined by race, exhibits a predominantly white composition at 94.8%. The state is home to a rich tapestry of racial diversity, with 2.5% identifying as American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% as Asian, and 0.1% as Black or African American. The coexistence of various racial backgrounds contributes to the cultural richness of North Dakota.
Relationship
Population in Households: Within North Dakota’s senior community, 122,872 individuals reside in households, forming the core of familial and social structures. Of this population, 96.1% are either a householder or a spouse, emphasizing the centrality of family connections. The 1.5% of parents and 1.5% of nonrelatives, including unmarried partners, contribute to the intricate web of relationships.
Households
Households by Type: Among the 82,239 households in North Dakota, 51.7% are family households, with 44.9% being married-couple families and 5.4% representing female householders with no spouse present. Nonfamily households, constituting 48.3%, are predominantly led by individuals living alone, encompassing 45.8% of the total.
Marital Status
Marital Status: Delving into marital status, 58.3% of seniors are presently married, reflecting enduring partnerships. Meanwhile, 22.1% are widowed, 12.7% are divorced, 0.5% are separated, and 6.4% have never married. These statistics paint a vivid picture of the diverse marital experiences that shape the lives of North Dakota’s senior population.
Education Status
Educational Attainment: The educational landscape among seniors in North Dakota is diverse, with 8.5% having less than a high school diploma, 32.5% being high school graduates or equivalent, 33.5% having some college or associate’s degree, and 25.5% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. This diversity in educational backgrounds reflects the varied journeys and accumulated knowledge within the senior community.
Responsibility For Grandchildren Under 18 Years
Responsibility for Grandchildren: Exploring family dynamics, 2.5% of North Dakota seniors live with their grandchildren, and 0.8% have the added responsibility of caring for them. This exemplifies the intergenerational connections and support structures within the state.
Veteran Status
Civilian Veteran: North Dakota has a proud tradition of military service, with 13.7% of seniors identified as civilian veterans. This statistic reflects the significant contributions of North Dakota’s older population to the nation’s defense.
Disability Status
Disability Status: Within the civilian noninstitutionalized population of 123,789 seniors, 30.6% report having a disability. This data sheds light on the health challenges faced by a segment of North Dakota’s senior community, emphasizing the importance of healthcare and support services.
Language Status
Language Spoken at Home: The linguistic landscape reveals that 95.4% of seniors in North Dakota speak English only at home. However, 4.6% converse in languages other than English, with 1.2% indicating that they speak English less than “very well.” This linguistic diversity mirrors the multicultural fabric of the state.
Employment Status
Senior Population: Of the 130,293 seniors in North Dakota, 21.7% are in the labor force, with 21.3% employed and 0.4% unemployed. The relatively low unemployment rate of 1.8% among the civilian labor force highlights the active and engaged nature of North Dakota’s senior workforce.
Income Status
Households: Among the 82,239 households, 40.1% report earnings, with a mean income of $59,599. Social Security income is a significant financial resource for 88.8% of households, with an average income of $22,864. Additionally, 5.2% receive Supplemental Security Income, 1.9% receive cash public assistance income, and 50.1% have retirement income, with a mean of $28,977. Notably, 4.9% of households receive Food Stamp/SNAP benefits.
Poverty Status
Population for Whom Poverty Status is Determined: For the 123,789 seniors for whom poverty status is determined, 9.9% fall below 100 percent of the poverty level, 7.3% are in the 100 to 149 percent range, and a significant 82.8% have an income at or above 150 percent of the poverty level. These figures underscore a relatively stable economic situation for a majority of North Dakota seniors.
Housing Status
Occupied Housing Units: Within the 82,239 occupied housing units, 77.9% are owner-occupied, while 22.1% are renter-occupied. The average household size for owner-occupied units is 1.73, and for renter-occupied units, it is 1.36, suggesting a trend toward smaller households, especially among renters.
Selected Characteristics: Notable housing characteristics include the availability of telephone service in 99.1% of units and a low percentage (0.2%) of households with 1.01 or more occupants per room, reflecting generally favorable living conditions.
Owner-Occupied Housing Units: Among the 64,075 owner-occupied units, 80.6% have monthly owner costs below 30 percent of household income, while 19.4% have costs exceeding this threshold. The median value of owner-occupied housing is $212,900, with selected monthly owner costs of $1,426 with a mortgage and $536 without a mortgage.
Renter-Occupied Housing Units: In the 18,164 renter-occupied units, 51.4% have gross rent below 30 percent of household income, while 48.6% exceed this threshold. The median gross rent is $774.
Conclusion
As we traverse the statistical landscape of North Dakota’s senior population, a comprehensive picture emerges—one defined by resilience, diversity, and a commitment to community. North Dakota seniors, constituting 16.72% of the state’s population, showcase a balanced gender distribution, racial diversity, and a wealth of experiences reflected in educational attainment and marital status.
In examining the economic aspects, a significant proportion of seniors actively participate in the labor force, contributing to the state’s workforce. The income status reveals a reliance on diverse income sources, with Social Security, retirement, and earnings playing crucial roles.
Moreover, the majority of seniors in North Dakota enjoy a stable economic situation, with a large percentage comfortably above the poverty threshold. Housing status underscores a preference for homeownership, with a majority of units having reasonable monthly costs.
In conclusion, North Dakota’s seniors embody a dynamic and engaged demographic, contributing not only to the state’s workforce but also fostering strong familial and community bonds. As we celebrate the uniqueness of each senior’s journey, we recognize the collective resilience and vibrancy that defines North Dakota’s older population.