Austin is witnessing a “sea change” in its age demographic, according to city demographer, Ryan Robinson. Robinson met with the Commission on Seniors this afternoon to present his statistics impacting the city’s senior population. “For a city like Austin that is known for having a young population, that is changing,” Robinson told the commissioners. “What we’re witnessing is a sea change in growth at the cohort level. Austin is emerging as a destination for retirees.”

1. Non-Hispanic whites make up nearly 75 percent of the Austin Metropolitan Area’s 65 and older population

Seniors saw the most dramatic increase in population of any age demographic between 2010 and 2015, barely surpassing the 25 to 34-year-old population.[/caption] According to 2015 numbers presented by Robinson, 74.4 percent of the senior population is made up of non-Hispanic whites. Hispanics made up 15.5 percent, African Americans made up 5.2 percent and Asians 3.9 percent.

2. In 2010, Austin had the lowest senior population of major U.S. metropolitan areas

Austin topped 50 other metros with the lowest percentage of seniors in its population–just over 8 percent.

3. Between 2010 and 2015, the number of seniors grew more than any other age population.

The population witnessed a 40 percent growth in the five-year period, growth that Robinson said was not surprising considering it was the lowest population base. However, in terms of sheer numbers, seniors also saw the most dramatic growth with a population increase of roughly 55,000, barely surpassing the 25- to 34-year-old age range. Seniors are expected to make up a greater portion of the population in the Austin metropolitan area by 2040.[/caption]

4. Between 2010 and 2040, the senior population is expected to grow by 560,000 people

Whereas in 2010, the senior population made up 8 percent (140,000) of the 1.8 million population, by 2040, the senior population is expected to make up 18 percent (700,000) of the 3.9 million population.

5. The senior population is expected to become more diverse

While non-Hispanic whites make up three-quarters of today’s senior population, Robinson predicts that by 2040 that will shrink to 44 percent, and the Hispanic portion is expected to grow from 15 percent to 38 percent during that same timeframe.