According to U.S. Census Bureau projections, retirement-age adults will outnumber Americans under age 18 by 2035 for the first time in history. The aging of the U.S. population is driven by a falling birth rate and long-term improvements in life expectancy. While these demographic shifts are novel on a national scale, in many parts of the country, they are nothing new.
The median age in the United States is 38 years and is projected to hit 43 years as early as 2060. Age demographics vary considerably by region, and in every state, there are counties where the median age already exceeds Census Bureau’s 2060 projection. 24/7 Tempo reviewed median age by county using data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2017 American Community Survey to identify the oldest county in every state.
As the population ages, the United States will face new economic and public policy challenges. These challenges include increased health care, social security, and pension expenditures, with fewer workers to foot the bill. Not all states will be able to deal with those challenges well. As social and environmental factors vary by region, so too does the quality of life of elderly Americans — these are the worst states to grow old in.
There are currently about 24 retirement-age adults for every 100 working-age adults nationwide. In half of the counties on this list, the old age dependency ratio is at least double the national ratio. In Sumter County, Florida, the oldest county on this list, there are 141 residents age 65 or older for every 100 adults between the ages of 18 and 64.
These counties with a higher median age tend to have relatively small populations that are only getting smaller. Only four counties on this list have populations of over 100,000, and the vast majority of them are home to fewer people now than they were five years ago. Some regions are losing people at an unprecedented rate — these are the fastest shrinking counties in America.
Click here to see the oldest county in every state.
Click here to see our methodology.
Source: Rudi Weikard / Wikimedia Commons
1. Alabama: Cherokee County
> Median age: 46.1 years (county), 38.7 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 21.0% (county), 15.7% (state)
> Population: 25,855
> Life expectancy: 75.1 years
> County seat: Centre
See all stories featuring: Alabama
[in-text-ad]
Source: brewbooks / Flickr
2. Alaska: Wrangell City and Borough
> Median age: 49.1 years (borough), 33.9 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 22.4% (borough), 10.1% (state)
> Population: 2,475
> Life expectancy: 78.2 years
> Borough seat: Wrangell
See all stories featuring: Alaska
Source: lovz2hike / Flickr
3. Arizona: La Paz County
> Median age: 56.0 years (county), 37.2 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 37.3% (county), 16.2% (state)
> Population: 20,477
> Life expectancy: 80.7 years
> County seat: Parker
See all stories featuring: Arizona
Source: Archedamian / Wikimedia Commons
4. Arkansas: Baxter County
> Median age: 51.8 years (county), 37.9 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 30.5% (county), 16% (state)
> Population: 41,093
> Life expectancy: 76.9 years
> County seat: Mountain Home
See all stories featuring: Arkansas
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons
5. California: Sierra County
> Median age: 55.0 years (county), 36.1 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 26.4% (county), 13.2% (state)
> Population: 2,885
> Life expectancy: 79.0 years
> County seat: Downieville
See all stories featuring: California
Source: fringedbenefit / Flickr
6. Colorado: Mineral County
> Median age: 58.5 years (county), 36.5 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 32.4% (county), 13% (state)
> Population: 834
> Life expectancy: 81.3 years
> County seat: Creede
See all stories featuring: Colorado
[in-text-ad]
Source: brandtbolding / Getty Images
7. Connecticut: Litchfield County
> Median age: 46.9 years (county), 40.8 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 19.2% (county), 16% (state)
> Population: 184,454
> Life expectancy: 80.7 years
> Largest city: Torrington
See all stories featuring: Connecticut
Source: Mobilus In Mobili / Flickr
8. Delaware: Sussex County
> Median age: 48.3 years (county), 39.8 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 25.2% (county), 17% (state)
> Population: 215,551
> Life expectancy: 78.8 years
> County seat: Georgetown
See all stories featuring: Delaware
Source: Ken Badgley / Getty Images
9. Florida: Sumter County
> Median age: 66.4 years (county), 41.8 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 54.2% (county), 19.4% (state)
> Population: 116,754
> Life expectancy: 81.7 years
> County seat: Bushnell
See all stories featuring: Florida
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: jeffgunn / Flickr
10. Georgia: Union County
> Median age: 53.8 years (county), 36.4 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 31.6% (county), 12.7% (state)
> Population: 22,262
> Life expectancy: 78.4 years
> County seat: Blairsville
See all stories featuring: Georgia
Source: quid-tum / Flickr
11. Hawaii: Kalawao County
> Median age: 57.6 years (county), 38.8 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 14.0% (county), 16.7% (state)
> Population: 86
> Life expectancy: 81.0 years
> Largest city: Kalaupapa
See all stories featuring: Hawaii
[in-text-ad]
Source: blmidaho / Flickr
12. Idaho: Custer County
> Median age: 53.4 years (county), 35.9 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 29.4% (county), 14.6% (state)
> Population: 4,141
> Life expectancy: 80.4 years
> County seat: Challis
See all stories featuring: Idaho
Source: roadgeek / Flickr
13. Illinois: Pope County
> Median age: 52.2 years (county), 37.7 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 27.9% (county), 14.4% (state)
> Population: 4,360
> Life expectancy: 78.0 years
> County seat: Golconda
See all stories featuring: Illinois
Source: Kenneth_Keifer / Getty Images
14. Indiana: Brown County
> Median age: 49.3 years (county), 37.5 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 23.0% (county), 14.6% (state)
> Population: 15,007
> Life expectancy: 79.4 years
> County seat: Nashville
See all stories featuring: Indiana
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
15. Iowa: Dickinson County
> Median age: 48.7 years (county), 38.1 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 24.3% (county), 16.1% (state)
> Population: 17,000
> Life expectancy: 81.3 years
> County seat: Spirit Lake
See all stories featuring: Iowa
Source: tomlinson_chris / Flickr
16. Kansas: Jewell County
> Median age: 51.9 years (county), 36.3 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 28.4% (county), 14.7% (state)
> Population: 2,963
> Life expectancy: 80.0 years
> County seat: Mankato
See all stories featuring: Kansas
[in-text-ad]
Source: 144957155@N06 / Flickr
17. Kentucky: Lyon County
> Median age: 49.2 years (county), 38.6 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 24.1% (county), 15.2% (state)
> Population: 8,268
> Life expectancy: 76.6 years
> County seat: Eddyville
See all stories featuring: Kentucky
24/7 Wall St.
Source: kenlund / Flickr
18. Louisiana: Tensas Parish
> Median age: 44.0 years (parish), 36.4 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 21.9% (parish), 14.1% (state)
> Population: 4,771
> Life expectancy: 74.4 years
> Parish seat: Saint Joseph
See all stories featuring: Louisiana
Source: David Wilson / Flickr
19. Maine: Piscataquis County
> Median age: 50.7 years (county), 44.3 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 24.6% (county), 18.8% (state)
> Population: 16,960
> Life expectancy: 78.0 years
> County seat: Dover-Foxcroft
See all stories featuring: Maine
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Joesboy / Getty Images
20. Maryland: Talbot County
> Median age: 49.7 years (county), 38.5 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 26.9% (county), 14.2% (state)
> Population: 37,461
> Life expectancy: 80.5 years
> County seat: Easton
See all stories featuring: Maryland
Source: adoyle / Flickr
21. Massachusetts: Barnstable County
> Median age: 52.4 years (county), 39.4 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 28.5% (county), 15.5% (state)
> Population: 213,900
> Life expectancy: 80.8 years
> County seat: Barnstable
See all stories featuring: Massachusetts
[in-text-ad]
Source: MoodyGroove / Wikimedia Commons
22. Michigan: Alcona County
> Median age: 57.9 years (county), 39.6 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 35.1% (county), 15.9% (state)
> Population: 10,413
> Life expectancy: 78.3 years
> County seat: Harrisville
See all stories featuring: Michigan
24/7 Wall St.
Source: shalynn / Flickr
23. Minnesota: Aitkin County
> Median age: 54.5 years (county), 37.9 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 31.4% (county), 14.6% (state)
> Population: 15,841
> Life expectancy: 80.4 years
> County seat: Aitkin
See all stories featuring: Minnesota
Source: BOB WESTON / Getty Images
24. Mississippi: Amite County
> Median age: 46.4 years (county), 36.9 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 21.5% (county), 14.6% (state)
> Population: 12,574
> Life expectancy: 76.2 years
> County seat: Liberty
See all stories featuring: Mississippi
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: BOB WESTON / Getty Images
25. Missouri: Hickory County
> Median age: 54.8 years (county), 38.4 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 33.1% (county), 15.7% (state)
> Population: 9,352
> Life expectancy: 77.3 years
> County seat: Hermitage
See all stories featuring: Missouri
Source: JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD / Wikimedia Commons
26. Montana: Golden Valley County
> Median age: 54.0 years (county), 39.8 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 22.5% (county), 17.1% (state)
> Population: 747
> Life expectancy: 79.7 years
> County seat: Ryegate
See all stories featuring: Montana
[in-text-ad]
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
27. Nebraska: Hooker County
> Median age: 58.0 years (county), 36.3 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 35.8% (county), 14.7% (state)
> Population: 684
> Life expectancy: 80.4 years
> County seat: Mullen
See all stories featuring: Nebraska
Source: kenlund / Flickr
28. Nevada: Storey County
> Median age: 54.7 years (county), 37.7 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 31.8% (county), 14.6% (state)
> Population: 3,891
> Life expectancy: 82.1 years
> County seat: Virginia City
See all stories featuring: Nevada
Source: pennuja / Flickr
29. New Hampshire: Carroll County
> Median age: 51.4 years (county), 42.7 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 25.3% (county), 16.5% (state)
> Population: 47,524
> Life expectancy: 80.8 years
> County seat: Ossipee
See all stories featuring: New Hampshire
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: sparhawk4242 / Getty Images
30. New Jersey: Cape May County
> Median age: 48.7 years (county), 39.6 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 24.5% (county), 15.1% (state)
> Population: 94,549
> Life expectancy: 78.1 years
> County seat: Cape May Court House
See all stories featuring: New Jersey
Source: 50228879@N00 / Flickr
31. New Mexico: Catron County
> Median age: 60.2 years (county), 37.3 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 39.2% (county), 15.8% (state)
> Population: 3,547
> Life expectancy: 80.1 years
> County seat: Reserve
See all stories featuring: New Mexico
[in-text-ad]
Source: DebraMillet / Getty Images
32. New York: Hamilton County
> Median age: 53.7 years (county), 38.4 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 27.6% (county), 15.2% (state)
> Population: 4,646
> Life expectancy: 79.3 years
> County seat: Lake Pleasant
See all stories featuring: New York
24/7 Wall St.
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
33. North Carolina: Polk County
> Median age: 52.1 years (county), 38.4 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 28.3% (county), 15.1% (state)
> Population: 20,434
> Life expectancy: 78.9 years
> County seat: Columbus
See all stories featuring: North Carolina
Source: afiler / Flickr
34. North Dakota: McIntosh County
> Median age: 53.5 years (county), 35.1 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 32.1% (county), 14.4% (state)
> Population: 2,680
> Life expectancy: 80.6 years
> County seat: Ashley
See all stories featuring: North Dakota
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: 123443334@N07 / Flickr
35. Ohio: Noble County
> Median age: 48.7 years (county), 39.3 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 25.1% (county), 15.9% (state)
> Population: 14,498
> Life expectancy: 81.1 years
> County seat: Caldwell
See all stories featuring: Ohio
Source: freewine / Flickr
36. Oklahoma: McIntosh County
> Median age: 47.0 years (county), 36.3 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 24.2% (county), 14.7% (state)
> Population: 19,874
> Life expectancy: 74.7 years
> County seat: Eufaula
See all stories featuring: Oklahoma
[in-text-ad]
Source: raschau / Flickr
37. Oregon: Wheeler County
> Median age: 57.9 years (county), 39.2 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 33.5% (county), 16.3% (state)
> Population: 1,415
> Life expectancy: 79.5 years
> County seat: Fossil
See all stories featuring: Oregon
24/7 Wall St.
Source: nicholas_t / Flickr
38. Pennsylvania: Sullivan County
> Median age: 53.1 years (county), 40.7 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 26.9% (county), 17.1% (state)
> Population: 6,192
> Life expectancy: 77.0 years
> County seat: Laporte
See all stories featuring: Pennsylvania
Source: Image Source / Getty Images
39. Rhode Island: Newport County
> Median age: 44.6 years (county), 39.9 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 20.1% (county), 16.1% (state)
> Population: 83,204
> Life expectancy: 81.2 years
> Largest city: Newport
See all stories featuring: Rhode Island
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: sirmildredpierce / Flickr
40. South Carolina: McCormick County
> Median age: 52.8 years (county), 39.0 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 31.0% (county), 16.3% (state)
> Population: 9,694Â
> Life expectancy: 77.0 years
> County seat: McCormick
See all stories featuring: South Carolina
Source: volvob12b / Flickr
41. South Dakota: Custer County
> Median age: 53.8 years (county), 36.8 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 26.9% (county), 15.4% (state)
> Population: 8,519
> Life expectancy: 80.0 years
> County seat: Custer
See all stories featuring: South Dakota
[in-text-ad]
Source: thingsisee / Flickr
42. Tennessee: Cumberland County
> Median age: 50.5 years (county), 38.6 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 29.5% (county), 15.4% (state)
> Population: 58,178
> Life expectancy: 77.6 years
> County seat: Crossville
See all stories featuring: Tennessee
Source: rutlo / Flickr
43. Texas: Loving County
> Median age: 57.5 years (county), 34.3 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 24.3% (county), 11.7% (state)
> Population: 74
> Life expectancy: 73.9 years
> County seat: Mentone
See all stories featuring: Texas
Source: JERRYE AND KLOTZ MD / Wikimedia Commons
44. Utah: Daggett County
> Median age: 47.3 years (county), 30.5 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 17.0% (county), 10.3% (state)
> Population: 702
> Life expectancy: 81.3 years
> County seat: Manila
See all stories featuring: Utah
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: mar_ibert / Flickr
45. Vermont: Essex County
> Median age: 50.0 years (county), 42.8 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 23.9% (county), 17.5% (state)
> Population: 6,203
> Life expectancy: 79.7 years
> County seat: Guildhall
See all stories featuring: Vermont
Source: Joe_Potato / Getty Images
46. Virginia: Highland County
> Median age: 60.5 years (county), 38.0 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 38.8% (county), 14.2% (state)
> Population: 2,213
> Life expectancy: 79.8 years
> County seat: Monterey
See all stories featuring: Virginia
[in-text-ad]
Source: Steven Pavlov / Wikimedia Commons
47. Washington: Jefferson County
> Median age: 57.1 years (county), 37.6 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 33.0% (county), 14.4% (state)
> Population: 30,524
> Life expectancy: 81.3 years
> County seat: Port Townsend
See all stories featuring: Washington
Source: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons
48. West Virginia: Pendleton County
> Median age: 49.9 years (county), 42.2 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 25.1% (county), 18.3% (state)
> Population: 7,138
> Life expectancy: 79.3 years
> County seat: Franklin
See all stories featuring: West Virginia
Source: Royalbroil / Wikimedia Commons
49. Wisconsin: Iron County
> Median age: 53.8 years (county), 39.2 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 28.6% (county), 15.6% (state)
> Population: 5,748
> Life expectancy: 79.3 years
> County seat: Hurley
See all stories featuring: Wisconsin
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: tnovotny / Flickr
50. Wyoming: Hot Springs County
> Median age: 49.7 years (county), 37.0 years (state)
> Pop. 65 and older: 25.0% (county), 14.4% (state)
> Population: 4,741
> Life expectancy: 77.1 years
> County seat: Thermopolis
See all stories featuring: Wyoming
Methodology:
To identify the oldest county in each state, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the median age of each U.S. county from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2017 American Community Survey. Data on the share of residents 65 and older, population change, and old age dependency ratio also came from the ACS. In Alaska, county equivalents are referred to as boroughs or census areas, and in Louisiana, parishes are county equivalents. In counties without a county seat, the most populous city is listed.
Essential Tips for Investing: Sponsored
A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Editors' Picks
