All Age Well Basic Needs Individual & Community Involvement Health and Wellness Independence and Caregiving Community Activity Report 2010 Plan Update Process Creating Vibrant Communities Archive Boulder County Demographics
Older adults represent the fastest growing segment of the population. By 2030, the 65+ population is expected to grow to 72 million people, or 20% of our nation’s population.
At the state level, the 60+ population will account for 24% of Colorado’s population by 2030. Boulder County is aging faster than Colorado as a whole. In 2000, the 60+ population accounted for 10.6% of the total county population. By 2030, that number will almost triple.
Boulder County Adults 60+
Year |
Number |
% of total population |
Census 2000 |
28,661 |
10.6% |
Projected 2010 |
44,515 |
14.5% |
Projected 2020 |
77,427 |
22.5% |
Projected 2030 |
100,807 |
26.7% |
Source: Colorado State Demography Office, July 2009 Population Estimates.
The rapid growth in the number of older people in Boulder County will present new challenges and opportunities to communities.
As the number of older adults increases, the number of frail, vulnerable older adults needing housing, health care, transportation and other supportive services will also increase.
A larger number of healthy and active older adults will also be available to contribute to the community as volunteers, community leaders, board members, employees, and caregivers. Communities need to be prepared to use this valuable resource.
Because we know that the more strengths older adults possess, the less likely they are to report problems or need services, we must be strategic about developing and maintaining strengths in older adults. If we can help older adults build upon their strengths, every community in Boulder County will reap the benefits of the skills and experience that older adults possess.
The links below are graphical representations of various trends in Boulder County. This data comes from 2010 estimates from Nielson Claritas, which is based on updates of the 2000 Census, information from local governments, household consumer databases, and postal delivery. These demographics, coupled with population estimates and the qualitative research conducted in 2010 all help paint a picture of aging in the county.
Boulder County Households with Incomes Less than $25,000
Projected Growth in 55+ Population 2010-2015
For more information, contact Laura Mathews at lmathews@bouldercounty.org