Within two years, there will be more people over 60 in N.C. than under 17

Sept. 18, 2017

North Carolina is facing an extraordinary demographic makeover in the age of our population: In less than two years, in 2019, our state will have a population with more people aged over 60 than under 17. Furthermore, between now and 2027, the proportion of the population aged 60 and over will only continue to grow – rising from 2.2 million to 2.8 million people, an increase of 28 percent.

Ten years ago, in 2007, a total of 31 counties in the state had more people aged over 60 than under 17. Since then, that number has more than doubled, and 78 counties now fit that description. However, what is most surprising is that this trend is not reversing anytime soon – by 2027, a total of 92 counties in North Carolina will have more people over 60 than under 17.