California is projected to be one of the fastest growing States in the nation in total population. In 2016, California comprised 12 percent of the nation's population1 and is expected to grow 30 percent by the year 2060 (an increase of 11.7 million people)2 . In California, the population aged 60 years and over is expected to grow more than three times as fast as the total population and this growth will vary by region2. The maps show the percentage increases for the population over age 60 and population over age 85 from 2010 to 2060 for all 58 counties in California, based on the California Department of Finance (DOF) population projections. The basis of the DOF population projection series is the most recent decennial census of population, which as of 2016 is the April 1, 2010 population count of 37,253,956 for California
The population over age 60 will have an overall increase of 166 percent during the period from 2010 to 2060. More than half the counties will have over a 100 percent increase in this age group. Twenty-four of these counties will have growth rates of over 150 percent. These counties are located throughout the central and southern areas of the State. The influence of the 60 and over age group on California is expected to emerge most strongly between 2010 to 20302.
Map of Percentage Increase of Elderly Population Aged 60 and Over, Years 2010 - 2060:
California Counties by Percentage Increase of Elderly Population Aged 60 and Over, Years 2010 - 2060
The population over age 85 will increase at even a faster rate than those over 60 years of age, having an overall increase of 489 percent during the period from 2010 to 2060. Of the State's 58 counties, 55 will have increases of more than 150 percent, 45 will have increases of more than 200 percent, and 36 will have over a 300 percent increase in the number of persons aged 85 and older. Counties can expect to experience even higher growth rates after 2020. In particular, the influence of the 85 and over age group on California will emerge most strongly between 2030 to 2040 as the first of the baby boomers reach 85 years of age.
Map of Percentage Increase of the Elderly Population Aged 85 and Over, Years 2010 - 2060:
California Counties by Percentage Increase of Elderly Population Aged 85 and Over, Years 2010 - 2060
1) U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (2018). Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Selected Age Groups by Sex for the United States, States, Counties and Puerto Rico Commonwealth and Municipios: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2017 . Retrieved from https://factfinder.census.gov
2) California Department of Finance (2017). Press Release. Retrieved from Population Projections (Baseline 2016): http://www.dof.ca.gov/Forecasting/Demographics/Projections