One of the major headlines from the 2020 Census is the significant aging of the population in the United States. This data reveals that the U.S. population 65 and older grew faster between 2010 and 2020 than in any decade since 1890. This same data shows a spike in the growth of the older population in Utah, too. While the 65 and older population nationwide grew an impressive 39% last decade, Utah’s 65 and older population grew 53% between 2010 and 2020. During the same period, Utah’s overall population grew 18% (making Utah the fastest-growing state in the nation).
Gardner Institute Public Policy Analyst Heidi Prior and Director of Demographic Research Mallory Bateman join the podcast to discuss the release. Heidi recently authored a fact sheet that breaks down the latest data, both in a state and national context.