Maryland’s Population is Aging Faster Than the Nation, New Census Data Reveals
Maryland is experiencing a demographic shift, with its population aging at a rate exceeding the national average, according to recently released Census data. Between 2023 and 2024, the number of Marylanders aged 65 and older grew by 3.35%, while the population under 18 decreased by 0.06%. Nationally, those figures were 3.1% and 0.10% respectively.
The state’s overall population increased by over 45,000 residents last year – the largest annual rise since 2015 – but analysts emphasize this growth doesn’t offset the broader trend of an aging populace. The country’s median age and the proportion of older adults are both steadily climbing. “Children still outnumber older adults in the United States, despite a decline in births this decade,” stated a representative from the Census Bureau’s Population Estimates Branch. “However, the gap is narrowing as baby boomers continue to age into their retirement years.”
Currently, 11 states have a population where those over 65 outnumber children, a significant increase from just three in 2020, though Maryland is not yet among them. While the state’s 6.2 million residents are aging more rapidly than the U.S. as a whole, the pace of aging varies considerably across different counties.
Urban vs. Rural Aging Disparities
Some of the most pronounced aging is occurring in central Maryland counties, while rural areas are experiencing different demographic patterns. In Western Maryland counties like Allegany and Washington, and on the Eastern Shore in Somerset and Talbot, the 65-and-over population increased by less than 2% year-over-year. Notably, the median age either remained stable or decreased in all four of these counties.
Conversely, Howard County saw the largest increase in median age, rising from 39.9 years in 2023 to 40.3 in 2024. This disparity, according to Jie Chen, director of the University of Maryland, College Park’s Center on Aging, is largely attributable to differences in available resources. “Most communities that can work to make themselves age-friendly tend to be in urban areas,” Chen explained. “The rural areas usually have worse access to health care, housing and transportation.” The limited availability of rural hospitals, she added, can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment for older residents.
Factors Driving Demographic Shifts
Chen believes the aging trend is driven by both advancements in technology and the state’s robust economy. “People live happier and longer,” she said, emphasizing that increased longevity is not inherently negative. However, she also pointed to a declining birthrate among younger people as a contributing factor to the state’s changing age ratio. This decline, she attributes to evolving cultural norms and the financial challenges associated with starting a family. There is, according to Chen, significant opportunity to improve resource allocation for aging residents, particularly within the healthcare system, to ensure they can maintain a high quality of life “without sacrificing anyone else’s benefits.”
Benjamin Orr, president of the Maryland Center on Economic Policy, acknowledged that these trends are not unexpected. “The United States as a whole, our population is getting older,” Orr said. “Maryland’s population is no exception.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy “working age” and under-18 population, but clarified that “explosive growth” in these groups isn’t necessarily required.
An aging population can potentially slow economic growth and necessitate adjustments to government spending priorities, particularly regarding healthcare and Medicare costs. Orr noted that individuals in the workforce typically contribute more in taxes. “So an aging population can put further strain on government budgets, not just because they may need more services, but also because they may be paying” less payroll taxes or not spending as much. Maryland, he added, is already implementing strategies to attract working-age adults and young families, such as a higher minimum wage and strong public schools.
Shifting Racial Demographics
The Census data also revealed ongoing shifts in Maryland’s racial composition over the past five years. Since 2020, the state’s Hispanic population has grown by nearly 14%, while its Black and Asian populations have seen more moderate increases. Simultaneously, the number of non-Hispanic white residents decreased by over 100,000, while the Hispanic population alone grew by approximately 30,000 people last year. A representative from the Census Bureau, speaking with Maryland Matters, confirmed that these trends mirror national patterns, with the U.S. Hispanic population increasing by over 6 million people since 2020.
These demographic shifts present both challenges and opportunities for Maryland, requiring proactive planning and resource allocation to ensure a thriving and equitable future for all its residents.
