Exploring Senior Demographics of Virginia

Introduction

Nestled along the Atlantic coast, Virginia is a state steeped in history and natural beauty. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, the Commonwealth of Virginia is not only known for its picturesque landscapes but also for its diverse and dynamic population. As we delve into the American Community Survey 2022 Census data on seniors aged 65 and over in Virginia, we gain insights into the demographic makeup and various aspects of the lives of the senior population in this state.

Population (Sex and Age, Race)

As of the latest census data, Virginia boasts a total population of 8,683,619, with seniors aged 65 and over constituting a significant portion at 1,462,042. This translates to a senior population percentage of 16.84%. In terms of gender distribution, females slightly outnumber males, with 55.3% being female and 44.7% male. The median age for seniors in Virginia stands at 73.3 years.

The racial composition of the senior population in Virginia reflects the state’s diversity. A majority of seniors identify with one race (96.5%), with the following breakdown:

• White: 73.6%
• Black or African American: 16.2%
• American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2%
• Asian: 5.3%
• Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.0%
• Some other race: 1.2%

Additionally, 3.5% of seniors identify with two or more races, and 3.4% are of Hispanic or Latino origin.

Relationship

Within households, the senior population is distributed across various relationships, with 89.4% being either householders or spouses. Other relationships include parents (4.6%), other relatives (3.8%), and non-relatives (2.2%), with unmarried partners accounting for 1.1%.

Households

Virginia is home to 893,615 households, of which 56.1% are family households. Among family households, married-couple families make up 45.4%, while 8.0% are female householders with no spouse present. Nonfamily households constitute 43.9%, with 40.9% being households where the householder lives alone.

Marital Status

The marital status of seniors in Virginia reveals a diverse range of life experiences:

• Now married, except separated: 57.6%
• Widowed: 20.9%
• Divorced: 14.1%
• Separated: 1.3%
• Never married: 6.0%

Education Status

Educational attainment among seniors in Virginia varies, showcasing a range of academic achievements:

• Less than high school graduate: 12.0%
• High school graduate, GED, or alternative: 27.0%
• Some college or associate’s degree: 25.2%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 35.9%

In the diverse landscape of Virginia’s senior population, educational backgrounds contribute to a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives.

Responsibility for Grandchildren Under 18 Years

A noteworthy aspect of senior life is their role in caring for grandchildren. In Virginia, 4.8% of seniors live with their grandchildren, and 1.2% are responsible for their grandchildren.

Veteran Status

Virginia is proud to have a civilian veteran population of 16.5%, reflecting the state’s historical ties to military service.

Disability Status

Among the civilian noninstitutionalized population aged 65 and over, 31.2% report having a disability, while 68.8% indicate no disability.

Language Status

The language landscape in senior households is predominantly English, with 89.3% speaking only English at home. However, 10.7% of seniors in Virginia converse in a language other than English, and 5.5% of them speak English less than “very well.”

In this snapshot of Virginia’s senior demographic, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the population’s composition, relationships, living arrangements, and various other aspects that contribute to the rich tapestry of the Commonwealth.

Employment Status

As we continue our exploration of the senior population in Virginia, we now turn our attention to their employment status. Of the 1,462,042 seniors, 20.5% are in the labor force. Within this group, 20.0% are employed, showcasing the continued contribution of seniors to the workforce. A small percentage, 0.5%, is unemployed, with 2.2% of the civilian labor force being represented by these individuals. The majority, 79.5%, is not in the labor force, reflecting various retirement and lifestyle choices.

Income Status

Households

Among the 893,615 households in Virginia, 39.5% have earnings, with a mean income of $81,703. A significant portion, 87.0%, receives Social Security income, averaging $25,271. Additionally, 5.3% receive Supplemental Security Income, with an average of $10,660. A smaller percentage, 1.7%, receives cash public assistance income, averaging $3,097. A substantial 62.0% of households receive retirement income, with a mean of $39,534. Furthermore, 7.6% receive Food Stamp/SNAP benefits, highlighting the diverse income sources for seniors.

Poverty Status

Determining the poverty status for 1,428,919 seniors, the data shows that 8.7% fall below 100 percent of the poverty level, 7.1% are in the range of 100 to 149 percent, and the majority, 84.1%, are at or above 150 percent of the poverty level.

Housing Status

Occupied Housing Units

Virginia is home to 893,615 occupied housing units, with 80.9% being owner-occupied and 19.1% renter-occupied. The average household size in owner-occupied units is 1.93, while in renter-occupied units, it is slightly smaller at 1.55.

Selected Characteristics

Several selected characteristics of housing units include a minimal 0.9% with no telephone service available and 0.4% having 1.01 or more occupants per room.

Owner-occupied Housing Units

Of the 723,138 owner-occupied housing units, 76.1% have selected monthly costs of less than 30 percent of household income, while 23.9% have costs of 30 percent or more. The median value of owner-occupied units is $328,900, with median selected monthly costs with a mortgage at $1,649 and without a mortgage at $526.

Renter-occupied Housing Units

In the 170,477 renter-occupied units, 45.0% have gross rent as a percentage of household income less than 30 percent, and 55.0% have 30 percent or more. The median gross rent is $1,173.

Conclusion

In examining the Senior Statistics of Virginia, we find a diverse and dynamic population of individuals aged 65 and over. Virginia’s seniors are not only demographically varied, representing various races and ethnicities, but they also contribute significantly to the workforce. The data reveals the multifaceted nature of their income sources, with many relying on Social Security, retirement income, and other forms of assistance.

Housing in Virginia reflects a mix of owner-occupied and renter-occupied units, each with its own set of characteristics. The economic well-being of seniors is further explored through poverty status, indicating that a substantial majority falls above the poverty level.

As we conclude this exploration of Virginia’s senior population, we have gained insights into their lives, from demographics and relationships to employment, income, and housing. This comprehensive overview sets the stage for understanding the challenges and opportunities faced by seniors in the Commonwealth of Virginia.