Exploring Senior Demographics of Wyoming

Introduction

Wyoming, the least populous state in the United States, boasts a distinct and picturesque landscape. Its stunning mountains, vast prairies, and an abundance of wildlife make it a unique place to call home. Amid this scenic backdrop, Wyoming is also home to a growing senior population, shaping the demographic landscape of the state.

With 107,988 individuals aged 65 and over, Wyoming’s senior community is a vital part of the state’s social fabric. This diverse group represents a rich tapestry of experiences, backgrounds, and needs, contributing to the unique character of the state. Understanding the nuanced statistics regarding Wyoming’s senior population is essential for informed planning and the provision of the necessary support systems, ensuring a high quality of life in their later years.

Let’s delve into the data and explore the various aspects of Wyoming’s senior demographics. From sex and age to education, employment, housing, and more, we’ll uncover a comprehensive overview of the state’s senior population, providing valuable insights for both policymakers and the broader community.

Sex And Age

In Wyoming, the senior population comprises 48.9% males and 51.1% females, revealing a relatively balanced gender distribution. The median age within this demographic group is 72.4 years, underscoring the increasing need for age-specific services and facilities to cater to their unique requirements.

Race Status

The majority of Wyoming’s senior population (95.7%) identifies as single-race individuals. White seniors constitute the largest single racial category at 91.7%. A small percentage of seniors identify as Black or African American (0.1%), American Indian and Alaska Native (1.1%), Asian (0.4%), Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (0.0%), and some other race (2.4%). Additionally, 4.3% of seniors in Wyoming describe themselves as belonging to two or more races, highlighting the diversity within this population. Moreover, 5.3% of seniors are of Hispanic or Latino origin, irrespective of their race, while the majority (90.6%) are White alone, not Hispanic or Latino.

Relationship

The statistics show that 94.7% of Wyoming’s senior population live in households, underscoring the significance of familial connections and support systems for older individuals.

Households By Type

Wyoming’s senior population demonstrates diversity in household arrangements. Over half, or 51.9%, are part of family households. Within this category, 44.4% are married-couple families, and 5.3% are represented by female householders with no spouse present. Meanwhile, nonfamily households make up 48.1% of senior households, with 45.0% living alone. This diversity indicates varied lifestyles and support systems among the state’s seniors.

Marital Status

Of the senior population in Wyoming, 59.7% are currently married, 18.6% are widowed, 16.8% are divorced, and 0.4% are separated. Additionally, 4.5% have never married. These statistics reflect the various marital statuses within the senior population.

Educational Attainment

Wyoming’s senior population exhibits a wide range of educational backgrounds. A total of 6.6% have less than a high school education, while 31.4% have earned a high school diploma, GED, or an alternative. Additionally, 35.5% have achieved some college or an associate’s degree, and 26.5% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. These statistics highlight the diverse learning journeys that seniors in Wyoming have undertaken, emphasizing the importance of lifelong education.

Responsibility For Grandchildren Under 18 Years

Approximately 2.6% of Wyoming seniors have the responsibility of caring for their grandchildren under 18 years of age, indicating the multi-generational roles that some seniors play within their families.

Veteran Status

A significant proportion of Wyoming seniors, 17.9%, are veterans. This highlights their invaluable contributions to the state and the nation through military service.

Disability Status

6.1% of Wyoming seniors have a disability, while the majority (93.9%) do not. These statistics underscore the importance of accessible facilities and services for seniors with disabilities, ensuring that they have equal opportunities to lead fulfilling lives.

Residence 1 Year Ago

The majority of seniors in Wyoming (84.9%) remained in the same house as the previous year, reflecting the overall stability of this demographic group.

Place Of Birth, Nativity and Citizenship Status, And Year Of Entry

The senior population in Wyoming is primarily native-born (95.0%). Of this group, 5.0% entered the United States in 2010 or later, 1.1% between 2000 and 2009, and 1.1% prior to 2000. Among these individuals, 2.3% have become naturalized U.S. citizens, while 78.4% are not U.S. citizens. These statistics shed light on the state’s history of immigration and naturalization, contributing to its cultural diversity.

Language Spoken at Home And Ability To Speak English

The vast majority of Wyoming seniors (84.1%) speak English exclusively, while 15.9% speak a language other than English. Within this group, 1.79% speak English less than “very well,” indicating the linguistic diversity and potential language support needs of the senior population.

Employment Status

A total of 21.6% of Wyoming seniors are currently in the labor force, with 21.1% employed. The remaining 78.4% are not in the labor force, indicating diverse employment statuses and retirement choices among seniors.

Income Status

Wyoming’s senior households reflect various income sources. Of these households, 9.8% have earnings, with a mean earnings of $57,429. Additionally, 89.5% of senior households receive Social Security income, with a mean income of $24,176. Furthermore, 4.0% receive Supplemental Security Income, with a mean income of $10,753, and 1.6% have cash public assistance income, with a mean income of $2,119. As for retirement income, 53.9% of senior households receive it, with a mean income of $29,613. These statistics highlight the significance of social support programs for older adults.

Poverty Status in The Past 12 Months

Among the senior population for whom poverty status is determined, 21.1% are below 100 percent of the poverty level, 0.5% are between 100 to 149 percent of the poverty level, and 78.4% are at or above 150 percent of the poverty level. These statistics illustrate the economic diversity among seniors in Wyoming.

Housing Tenure

In Wyoming, 78.4% of senior-occupied housing units are owner-occupied, while 21.6% are renter-occupied. The statistics reveal a higher percentage of senior homeowners, indicating potential variations in housing affordability and preferences among seniors. The average household size for owner-occupied units is 1.79, compared to 1.25 for renter-occupied units.

Conclusion

Wyoming’s senior population plays a vital role in the state’s fabric, contributing to its diversity and history. These seniors are educators, veterans, caregivers, and community contributors, all playing a critical role in shaping the state’s future. As Wyoming’s senior population continues to grow, it is crucial for policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities to adapt and create age-friendly environments that address the unique needs and aspirations of older residents. By recognizing the challenges and opportunities presented by an aging society, Wyoming can ensure the continued well-being of its senior population and enrich the lives of all its residents.