Exploring Senior Demographics of Pennsylvania

Last Updated on April 25, 2024 by Rachel

Introduction

Nestled within the vibrant tapestry of the United States, Pennsylvania stands as a testament to history, diversity, and a rich cultural heritage. As we delve into the American Community Survey 2022 Census data, we uncover a detailed portrait of Pennsylvania’s seniors, those aged 65 and over. This exploration is divided into two parts, each shedding light on different aspects of the senior demographic.

Population (Sex And Age, Race)

Total Population: Pennsylvania’s total population reaches 12,972,008, with seniors (65 years and over) accounting for a significant 19.57%, amounting to 2,539,054 individuals.

Sex And Age Distribution: Among seniors, there’s a balanced gender distribution, with 44.5% being male and 55.5% female. The median age stands at 73.4 years, capturing the essence of a diverse and aging population.

Racial Composition: Pennsylvania’s senior population showcases racial diversity. A majority, 97.7%, identify with one race, with 87.0% being White, 7.1% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and a minimal representation of American Indian and Alaska Native. The state also boasts a 2.3% population identifying with two or more races, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultural backgrounds. Hispanic or Latino origin is reported by 2.7% of seniors.

Relationship and Households

Household Dynamics: Within households, 91.8% of seniors are either the householder or spouse, underlining the significance of familial bonds. Parental roles account for 3.3%, while 2.6% are classified as other relatives, and 2.3% as nonrelatives, including unmarried partners.

Household Types: Pennsylvania’s senior population resides in 1,587,919 households. Family households constitute 52.6%, with a dominant 42.8% being married-couple families. Nonfamily households make up 47.4%, with 44.3% of seniors living alone, emphasizing diverse living arrangements.

Marital Status: Seniors in Pennsylvania exhibit various marital statuses, with 55.2% currently married, 22.3% widowed, 13.3% divorced, 1.3% separated, and 8.0% never married. These figures portray the diverse life experiences shaping the senior demographic.

Educational Attainment: The educational landscape among Pennsylvania seniors reflects a well-rounded mix. Approximately 10.0% have less than a high school diploma, 40.9% have a high school diploma, GED, or alternative, 21.8% have some college or associate’s degree, and 27.3% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Responsibility for Grandchildren: A notable 3.4% of seniors in Pennsylvania live with grandchildren, with 0.8% shouldering the responsibility for their well-being.

Veteran Status: Pennsylvania’s senior population includes 13.9% civilian veterans, a tribute to the state’s contributions to the nation’s defense.

Disability Status: Within the civilian noninstitutionalized population of 2,456,851 seniors, 31.9% report having a disability, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and support.

Language Spoken at Home: The linguistic landscape reveals that 92.7% of seniors speak only English at home, while 7.3% converse in a language other than English. Among these, 4.1% report speaking English less than “very well.”

Employment Status

In the Labor Force: Among Pennsylvania’s senior population of 2,539,054, 18.7% are in the labor force. Within this group, 18.2% are employed, while 0.5% are unemployed, constituting 2.7% of the civilian labor force. The majority, 81.3%, are not in the labor force, signifying diverse retirement and employment patterns.

Income Status

Household Earnings: In the 1,587,919 households, 36.2% report earnings, with a mean income of $68,769. This highlights the economic activity and financial well-being of a significant portion of Pennsylvania’s senior households.

Social Security Income: A substantial 89.0% of senior households receive Social Security income, with an average of $24,586. This source plays a crucial role in supporting seniors in their retirement years.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Approximately 6.3% of households receive SSI, with an average income of $10,712. This targeted assistance contributes to the financial stability of eligible seniors.

Cash Public Assistance Income: A modest 2.1% of senior households receive cash public assistance income, with an average of $2,520. This form of assistance plays a role in supporting those facing economic challenges.

Retirement Income: The majority, 62.4%, of senior households receive retirement income, with an average of $29,794. This showcases the importance of various retirement plans and pensions in ensuring financial security.

Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits: In terms of food assistance, 12.3% of senior households receive Food Stamp/SNAP benefits, highlighting the ongoing need for nutritional support.

Poverty Status

Poverty Level Determination: Among the 2,456,851 seniors for whom poverty status is determined, 10.1% fall below 100% of the poverty level, 8.6% are in the 100 to 149 percent range, and 81.3% are at or above 150 percent of the poverty level.

Housing Status

Housing Tenure: Within the 1,587,919 occupied housing units, 77.9% are owner-occupied, while 22.1% are renter-occupied. The average household size is 1.87 for owner-occupied units and 1.41 for renter-occupied units.

Selected Characteristics: Notable characteristics include 0.9% of households lacking telephone service and 0.4% with 1.01 or more occupants per room, offering insights into living conditions.

Monthly Owner Costs: For the 1,236,743 owner-occupied units, 74.8% have monthly costs less than 30% of household income, emphasizing financial stability. The median home value is $228,200, and for those with a mortgage, median monthly costs are $1,409, while those without a mortgage pay $588.

Renter-Occupied Units: Within the 351,176 renter-occupied units, 46.1% have gross rent below 30% of household income, while 53.9% pay 30% or more. The median gross rent is $887.

Conclusion

As we navigate the intricate demographics of Pennsylvania’s senior population, these insights offer a comprehensive view of their lives, covering aspects from demographic composition to economic well-being and housing status. The Keystone State’s seniors contribute to the state’s rich diversity, with their experiences shaping the cultural, social, and economic landscape. The data provides a foundation for understanding the challenges and strengths of Pennsylvania’s seniors, facilitating informed policy decisions and community support systems. Stay tuned for more in-depth explorations into the lives of seniors across the United States.