Aging

The aging of the Baby Boomer generation is unlike anything Minnesota has previously experienced. Learn how our state is aging and the likely impacts across a variety of topics.

Key Findings
Featured Data
Featured Reports
Other Resources

Key Findings
- The number of Minnesotans turning 65 in this decade (about 285,000) will be greater than the past four decades combined.
- Around 2020, Minnesota's 65+ population is expected to eclipse the 5-17 K-12 population, for the first time in history.
- The total number of older adults (65+) is anticipated to double between 2010 and 2030, according to our projections. By then, more than 1 in 5 Minnesotans will be an older adult, including all the Baby Boomers.
Featured Data
Data for MN and all MN counties from the U.S. Census Bureau's Population Estimates:
- State population totals, from April 1, 2010 through July 1, 2019
- State population by age, sex, race and Hispanic origin, from April 1, 2010 through July 1, 2019
- County population totals and components of change, from April 1, 2010 through July 1, 2018
- County population by age, sex, race and Hispanic origin, from April 1, 2010 through July 1, 2018
Population projections:
- See how the older age cohorts will grow in the coming decades using datasets from our population projections for counties, Economic Development Regions and the state as a whole
Featured Reports
- Minnesotans with Disabilities: Demographic and Economic Characteristics, released March 2017.
- Greater Minnesota: Refined & Revisited, released Jan. 2017.
- Demographic Considerations For Long-Range & Strategic Planning: For the State of Minnesota's Executive and Legislative Leaders, released March 2016.
- Average MN Farmer is 55 Years Old: Farming Reflects Aging Trends, Sees Small Growth in Operations Led By Women and Diverse Populations, released March 2015.
- Older Drivers, released Feb. 2013.
- In the Shadow of the Boomers: Minnesota's Labor Force Outlook, released Dec. 2013.
- The Long Run Has Become The Short Run: Budget Implications Of Demographic Change, released Feb. 2011.
- Elderly Minnesotans - A 2000 Census Portrait, released Feb. 2004.
Other Resources
- Senior Link, statewide resource and referral service (part of MinnesotaHelp.info) for seniors, their families, and caregivers.
- Aging 2030 homepage on the MN Department of Human Services' website.
- Resources from the MN Board on Aging.
- ACL Administration for Community Living
- Age-Friendly Minnesota
- Minnesota Area Agencies on Aging.
- Federal resource: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
- Local data and resources on aging from Minnesota Compass, a project of Wilder Research.