Exploring Senior Demographics of Ohio

Senior Statistics of Ohio: A Demographic Overview

Introduction

Ohio, a state steeped in historical significance and cultural richness, is home to a vibrant and diverse population. As we delve into the American Community Survey 2022 Census data, a spotlight is cast on Ohio’s senior community—individuals aged 65 and over. Beyond the raw numbers, these statistics offer a narrative of resilience, diversity, and a collective journey that reflects the essence of Ohio’s senior demographic.

Population (Sex And Age, Race)

Senior Population: Ohio boasts a total population of 11,756,058, with seniors aged 65 and over constituting a noteworthy 18.45%. This demographic, numbering 2,168,665, is integral to the social fabric of the state.

Sex And Age: The senior population displays a balanced gender distribution, with 44.6% being male and 55.4% female. The median age stands at 73.1 years, highlighting the seasoned and diverse experiences of Ohio’s older residents.

Race: Ohio’s senior demographic reflects a rich tapestry of races. A significant 97.3% identify with one race, wherein 86.3% are White, 8.9% are Black or African American, 0.1% are American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3% are Asian, and 0.7% identify with some other race. The state’s commitment to diversity is further evident in the 2.7% of seniors who identify with two or more races.

Hispanic or Latino Origin: Ohio’s senior population embraces diversity, with 1.7% identifying as Hispanic or Latino of any race, emphasizing a rich blend of cultural backgrounds.

Relationship

Population in Households: Within the senior community, 2,084,029 individuals reside in households, showcasing a strong sense of familial and communal bonds. The majority, 92.9%, are either householders or spouses, underlining the importance of family structures among Ohio’s seniors.

Households By Type: Ohio’s senior households, numbering 1,377,025, present a balanced distribution. Family households constitute 51.3%, with 41.7% being married-couple families and 7.3% female householders with no spouse present. Nonfamily households make up 48.7%, with 45.7% being seniors living alone, reflecting diverse living arrangements.

Marital Status

Ohio’s seniors exhibit varied marital statuses, showcasing the diverse paths traversed over a lifetime. 54.8% are currently married, 21.6% are widowed, 16.2% are divorced, 0.9% are separated, and 6.5% have never married. These statistics mirror a spectrum of life experiences and the resilience of Ohio’s older population.

Education Status

Educational Attainment: The senior population’s educational attainment is equally diverse, with 10.0% having less than a high school diploma, 38.6% being high school graduates or GED holders, 25.7% holding some college or associate’s degrees, and 25.7% possessing a bachelor’s degree or higher. Ohio’s seniors demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and academic achievement.

Responsibility For Grandchildren Under 18 Years

Ohio’s seniors play multifaceted roles within families. 3.0% live with grandchildren, with 1.0% actively responsible for their care. These figures underscore the intergenerational connections and support systems within Ohio’s senior community.

Veteran Status

Within Ohio’s senior community, 14.4% are civilian veterans, reflecting a history of service and sacrifice. These individuals contribute not only to the state’s demographics but also carry with them a wealth of experiences gained through military service.

Disability Status

In the civilian noninstitutionalized population of 2,093,602 seniors, 32.6% report having a disability. Ohio’s commitment to providing inclusive environments and support for those with disabilities is reflected in these statistics.

Language Status

Ohio’s senior population largely communicates in English, with 95.0% using only this language. However, 5.0% speak a language other than English, and 2.2% speak English less than “very well.” These figures highlight the linguistic diversity within the senior community, showcasing the state’s cultural richness.

Employment Status

Senior Population in the Labor Force: Ohio’s senior workforce, comprising 661,996 individuals, demonstrates a strong work ethic, with 18.6% actively participating in the labor force. Of these, 18.2% are employed, showcasing a commitment to professional engagement even in the senior years. The unemployment rate stands at a modest 0.4%, highlighting the resilience of Ohio’s senior job market.

Income Status

Household Earnings: Among the 419,169 senior households in Ohio, 36.1% report earnings, with a mean income of $62,530. This underscores the economic contribution of seniors to their households and the broader community.

Social Security Income: A substantial 89.5% of senior households receive Social Security income, with a mean amount of $23,322. This emphasizes the crucial role of social safety nets in supporting Ohio’s senior population.

Supplemental Security Income: Ohio’s commitment to providing additional support is evident, with 6.7% of senior households receiving Supplemental Security Income. The mean amount of $11,210 reflects the importance of this assistance in meeting seniors’ diverse needs.

Cash Public Assistance Income: Approximately 2.3% of senior households receive cash public assistance income, with a mean amount of $2,132, indicating targeted financial support for those in need.

Retirement Income: The majority of senior households (52.0%) benefit from retirement income, with a mean amount of $28,922. This showcases the financial preparedness and planning of Ohio’s seniors for their retirement years.

Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits: Ohio’s commitment to ensuring food security is evident, with 9.5% of senior households receiving Food Stamp/SNAP benefits, providing essential assistance to meet nutritional needs.

Poverty Status

Population Below Poverty Level: Among the population for whom poverty status is determined (642,202), 11.2% fall below 100 percent of the poverty level, while 10.2% fall within the 100 to 149 percent range. A significant 78.6% of seniors in Ohio have an income at or above 150 percent of the poverty level, showcasing a generally stable economic landscape for the senior population.

Housing Status

Occupied Housing Units: Of the 419,169 occupied housing units in Ohio, 81.3% are owner-occupied, emphasizing a strong trend of home ownership within the senior demographic. Renter-occupied housing units constitute 18.7%, reflecting diverse living arrangements.

Average Household Size: The average household size for owner-occupied units is 1.90, while for renter-occupied units, it is 1.49. These figures highlight variations in living arrangements, with owner-occupied units tending to be slightly larger.

Selected Characteristics: Noteworthy characteristics include 1.4% of senior households having no telephone service available and 0.5% having 1.01 or more occupants per room, shedding light on unique housing circumstances within the senior community.

Owner-occupied Housing Units:

• Selected Monthly Owner Costs: Among owner-occupied units, 78.4% have monthly costs less than 30 percent of household income, while 21.6% have costs at 30 percent or more.
• Median Value: The median value of owner-occupied housing units is $175,800.
• Monthly Owner Costs: The median selected monthly owner costs with a mortgage are $1,235, and without a mortgage, they are $477.

Renter-occupied Housing Units:

• Gross Rent: For renter-occupied units, 51.4% have gross rent less than 30 percent of household income, while 48.6% have rent at 30 percent or more.
• Median Gross Rent: The median gross rent for renter-occupied units is $787.

Conclusion

In examining the senior statistics of Ohio, we uncover a dynamic demographic with diverse experiences, economic contributions, and housing arrangements. Ohio’s seniors actively engage in the workforce, receive income from various sources, and contribute to the state’s vibrant communities. The data reflects not only the challenges faced by some but also the resilience and preparedness of Ohio’s seniors for their retirement years. As we explore these facets, it becomes clear that Ohio’s older population is an integral and multifaceted part of the state’s social and economic landscape. In the next section, we will delve into additional dimensions of Ohio’s senior demographic, providing a comprehensive understanding of their health, family structures, and community engagement.