Exploring Senior Demographics of Wisconsin

Introduction

Wisconsin, known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant communities, is home to a diverse and growing population of seniors aged 65 and over. As we delve into the American Community Survey 2022 Census data, we gain valuable insights into the unique characteristics and experiences of Wisconsin’s senior residents.

Population (Sex And Age, Race)

With a total population of 5,892,539, seniors make up a significant portion, comprising 18.71% of Wisconsin’s residents. The senior demographic, with a median age of 73.1, reflects a balanced gender distribution, with 46.3% being male and 53.7% female. The racial composition demonstrates diversity, with 97.4% identifying as one race. Predominantly, seniors are White (92.1%), while other racial groups contribute to the rich tapestry of Wisconsin’s aging population.

Relationship

Within households, seniors form a crucial part of family structures, with 94.4% serving as householders or spouses. The familial connections extend to 1.8% being parents, 1.4% other relatives, and 2.3% nonrelatives, including unmarried partners. This highlights the importance of family ties and intergenerational relationships among Wisconsin’s seniors.

Households

The state boasts 698,628 households, of which 52.7% are family households. Among family households, married-couple families are predominant (46.0%), showcasing the enduring institution of marriage. Nonfamily households, constituting 47.3%, often consist of seniors living independently, contributing to the diversity of living arrangements.

Marital Status

Wisconsin seniors exhibit varied marital statuses, with 59.4% currently married, 19.2% widowed, 14.3% divorced, 0.5% separated, and 6.6% never married. These statistics shed light on the diverse life experiences and histories within the senior population.

Education Status

The educational attainment of seniors in Wisconsin is noteworthy, with 7.3% having less than a high school diploma, 37.7% completing high school or equivalent, 27.6% obtaining some college or an associate’s degree, and 27.4% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. This educational diversity speaks to the lifelong learning and intellectual engagement among older adults in the state.

Responsibility For Grandchildren Under 18 Years

In Wisconsin, 1.9% of seniors live with their grandchildren, with 0.5% taking on the responsibility of caring for them. This showcases the active role some seniors play in supporting and nurturing younger generations within their families.

Veteran Status

Wisconsin is home to a proud tradition of military service, with 14.4% of seniors being civilian veterans. This reflects the state’s commitment to the well-being of those who have served in the armed forces.

Disability Status

Among the civilian noninstitutionalized population of seniors, 28.7% report having some form of disability, underlining the importance of healthcare and support services to address the diverse needs of older adults in Wisconsin.

Language Status

The majority of seniors in Wisconsin speak English at home (95.9%), while 4.1% converse in a language other than English. Of this group, 1.8% speak English less than “very well,” emphasizing the importance of language services and inclusivity in serving Wisconsin’s senior population.

Employment Status: A noteworthy portion of Wisconsin’s senior population, totaling 1,102,386 individuals, remains active in the labor force, with a participation rate of 16.6%. Among these, 16.3% are employed, highlighting the continued economic engagement of seniors. The unemployment rate is minimal at 0.3%, reflecting a stable job market for this age group.

Poverty Status: When evaluating poverty status, 9.6% of the senior population falls below the 100 percent poverty level, while 82.6% are at or above 150 percent of the poverty level. These figures underscore the overall economic stability of Wisconsin’s older demographic, with a majority living comfortably above the poverty threshold.

Occupied Housing Units: Wisconsin’s 65 years and over demographic reside in a total of 698,628 occupied housing units.

Owner-Occupied Housing Units: A substantial 77.4% of seniors in Wisconsin prefer homeownership, residing in owner-occupied housing units.

Average Household Size of Owner-Occupied Unit: The average household size for owner-occupied units is 1.79, reflecting a trend towards more compact living arrangements.

Selected Monthly Owner Costs as a Percentage of Household Income: – Less than 30 percent: 74.8% – 30 percent or more: 25.2%

Owner Characteristics: – Median value: $240,500 – Median selected monthly owner costs with a mortgage: $1,360 – Median selected monthly owner costs without a mortgage: $610

Renter-Occupied Housing Units: 22.6% of seniors in Wisconsin opt for rental housing, residing in renter-occupied housing units.

Average Household Size of Renter-Occupied Unit: The average household size for renter-occupied units is 1.32.

Gross Rent as a Percentage of Household Income: – Less than 30 percent: 42.8% – 30 percent or more: 57.2%

Gross Rent: The median gross rent for Wisconsin’s senior population stands at $898.

Conclusion: In conclusion, Wisconsin’s 65 years and over demographic paints a picture of a resilient and economically stable population. With a substantial portion participating in the workforce, diversified income sources, and a housing landscape that caters to different preferences, the state demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the well-being of its senior residents. As Wisconsin continues to evolve, understanding these demographic nuances becomes crucial for tailoring policies and services to meet the unique needs of its aging population. This comprehensive analysis provides a foundation for informed decision-making and the development of targeted initiatives to enhance the quality of life for seniors in Wisconsin.