Exploring Senior Demographics of Oregon

Last Updated on April 25, 2024 by Rachel

Introduction

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon stands as a beacon of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and a vibrant community spirit. As we delve into the American Community Survey 2022 Census data for seniors aged 65 and over, a fascinating narrative unfolds, depicting the unique characteristics and contributions of Oregon’s older population.

Population (Sex And Age, Race)

Total Population and Senior Demographics: Oregon boasts a total population of 4,240,137, with seniors aged 65 and over constituting a significant 19.26%, totaling 816,714 individuals. This demographic richness paints a vivid picture of the state’s aging population, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing the needs of this growing segment.

Sex and Age Distribution: The senior demographic is slightly skewed, with 46.0% being male and 54.0% female. The median age stands at 73.1 years, showcasing the diversity within the senior population and the unique challenges that may accompany different life stages.

Racial Diversity: Oregon’s seniors reflect a rich tapestry of racial backgrounds. While 94.6% identify with one race, the breakdown includes 88.3% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 3.0% Asian, and 0.2% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander. A noteworthy 5.4% identify with two or more races, contributing to the state’s cultural mosaic.

Hispanic or Latino Origin: A significant 4.2% of Oregon’s senior population identifies as Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race), emphasizing the cultural diversity within the state’s older demographic. Notably, 87.6% identify as White alone, not Hispanic or Latino.

Relationships and Households

Population in Households: Of the senior population, 791,728 individuals reside in households, reflecting the close-knit nature of Oregon’s communities. The breakdown of relationships within these households reveals a predominant 89.9% as householders or spouses, emphasizing the familial and spousal bonds that often define the senior living experience.

Households by Type: Oregon’s seniors experience diverse living arrangements, with 52.6% residing in family households. Within this category, 43.7% belong to married-couple families, while 6.6% are female householders with no spouse present. Nonfamily households, including those living alone, constitute 47.4%, showcasing the variety of housing dynamics within the senior demographic.

Marital Status: The marital status of Oregon’s seniors presents a nuanced portrait. While 56.3% are currently married (except separated), 18.0% are widowed, 19.3% divorced, 0.8% separated, and 5.6% have never married. This diversity in marital status reflects the varied life experiences and trajectories of Oregon’s senior population.

Education, Responsibility for Grandchildren, Veteran Status

Educational Attainment: Oregon’s seniors exhibit a commitment to education, with 7.3% having less than a high school graduate, 24.3% completing high school or equivalent, 34.3% attaining some college or associate’s degree, and an impressive 34.2% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. This educational diversity underscores the intellectual vibrancy within the senior community.

Responsibility for Grandchildren: A notable 3.9% of Oregon’s seniors live with their grandchildren, with 0.7% shouldering the responsibility for their care. This intergenerational dynamic adds a familial dimension to the state’s senior demographic.

Veteran Status: Oregon’s commitment to its veterans is evident, with 16.3% of the senior population being civilian veterans. This reflects both the historical and contemporary contributions of Oregon’s seniors to the nation’s defense.

Disability Status and Language Spoken at Home

Disability Status: Of the civilian noninstitutionalized population, 34.9% of seniors in Oregon report having some form of disability, emphasizing the importance of accessible services and healthcare to support a diverse range of needs. The remaining 65.1% showcase the resilience and well-being of a substantial portion of the senior community.

Language Spoken at Home: Oregon’s linguistic landscape is diverse, with 92.4% of seniors speaking only English at home. However, 7.6% converse in a language other than English, with 3.7% indicating that they speak English less than “very well.” This linguistic diversity highlights the multicultural fabric of Oregon’s senior population.

Employment Status

Senior Workforce: Oregon’s senior population of 816,714 individuals demonstrates a robust 16.7% engagement in the labor force. Of these, 16.1% are employed, showcasing the continued contribution of seniors to the state’s workforce. The unemployment rate among seniors is a modest 0.6%, contributing to an overall positive economic narrative.

Income Status

Household Earnings: Among the 500,662 households, 34.4% report earnings, with a mean income of $65,430. This statistic reflects the economic activity within the senior community, dispelling stereotypes and emphasizing financial independence.

Social Security Income: A significant 88.6% of senior households receive Social Security income, with an average of $24,978. This source of income remains a cornerstone of financial stability for a vast majority of Oregon’s seniors.

Supplemental Security Income: 6.7% of senior households benefit from Supplemental Security Income, with an average of $11,777. This additional financial support plays a crucial role in addressing specific needs within the senior demographic.

Cash Public Assistance Income: 2.4% of households receive cash public assistance income, with an average of $3,776. This assistance helps create a safety net for seniors facing financial challenges.

Retirement Income: A substantial 61.1% of senior households have retirement income, averaging $34,335. This emphasizes the importance of financial planning and the diverse sources seniors tap into for their retirement.

Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits: Approximately 12.6% of senior households benefit from Food Stamp/SNAP benefits, reflecting efforts to address food security and ensure the well-being of Oregon’s seniors.

Poverty Status

Economic Well-being: Among the 803,430 seniors for whom poverty status is determined, 9.9% fall below 100 percent of the poverty level, 8.3% fall within the range of 100 to 149 percent of the poverty level, and a substantial 81.9% are at or above 150 percent of the poverty level. These figures underscore the economic resilience and stability among Oregon’s senior population.

Housing Status

Occupied Housing Units: A total of 500,662 occupied housing units host Oregon’s senior population. Within these units, 77.1% are owner-occupied, while 22.9% are renter-occupied. These figures shed light on the diverse housing choices seniors make based on individual preferences and needs.

Average Household Size: The average household size for owner-occupied units is 1.92, and for renter-occupied units, it is 1.40. These statistics reflect the range of living arrangements within Oregon’s senior community.

Selected Characteristics: Notable characteristics include 1.3% of senior households having no telephone service available and 0.6% having 1.01 or more occupants per room, highlighting specific challenges that may require attention.

Owner-occupied Housing Units: Of the 385,845 owner-occupied housing units, 69.8% have selected monthly owner costs as a percentage of household income less than 30 percent, while 30.2% have costs of 30 percent or more.

Renter-occupied Housing Units: Within the 114,817 renter-occupied units, 40.8% have gross rent as a percentage of household income less than 30 percent, and 59.2% have costs of 30 percent or more. The median gross rent is $1,128.

Conclusion

As we weave together the intricate tapestry of Oregon’s senior demographic, a compelling story emerges—one of resilience, diversity, and community strength. From the labor force engagement and income sources to housing choices and economic well-being, Oregon’s seniors navigate their golden years with grace and determination. The nuances captured in this comprehensive exploration highlight the need for tailored policies and services to address the unique needs of this vibrant segment of the population. Stay tuned for the final part, where we delve into health indicators, educational pursuits, and social characteristics, completing the portrait of Oregon’s seniors.