Survey of Older Minnesotans

Fast facts on aging in Minnesota

• People aged 55 and older represent 20 percent – or one in five – of Minnesota’s total population today. This is very close to the national average. However, states vary widely in their proportions of older residents – especially when focusing on people who are aged 65 and older. For example, Florida’s population of 65 and older is nearly 18 percent, Pennsylvania’s population is at 16 percent, and Alaska is at 6 percent. Minnesota’s percent of its population that is 65 and older is 12 percent – which matches the United States’ average.  

Check out the Minnesota data on the U.S. Census 2000 for more information.

• Minnesota is not aging equally. There are big differences in age distribution across Minnesota. Some parts of the state, particularly areas in greater Minnesota, have fairly high concentrations of elderly. For example, one out of every four residents in Traverse and Lincoln counties is age 65 or older. In contrast, the Metro Area has proportionately fewer elderly. The percentage of elderly residents in Scott and Anoka counties is only 6 percent and 7 percent respectively.
• Because women tend to live longer than men (in Minnesota, a woman’s life expectancy is 80.8 compared to 75.1 for a man), there are more women than men among Minnesota’s older population. Not surprisingly, more women than men live alone.