Is Virginia an "Aging Society?"

The United Nations classifies a society as "aging" when more than 10% of its population is aged 65 and up. Is Virginia one of these? According to the 2020 census, it is.

One in five Virginians (22.6%) was aged 65+ in the 2020 Census. If Northern Virginia is removed from the equation, the figure increases to 25%.

Here are the regions by percentage of older adults:

Region	% of Population 65 and older
Northern Virginia	18.2%
Hampton Roads	21.6%
Central Virginia	23.2%
West Central	25.7%
Southside	30%
Southwest	30.4%
Eastern Shore	30.8%

What is Driving Population Changes?

Low birth rate is the primary driver of population aging. Natural increase (births minus deaths) has declined across the state, but most significantly in the Southside, Southwest, and Eastern Shore.

The challenge of an aging population can be seen even more clearly when examining the distribution of the "oldest old," or those aged 85 and above. Across the Commonwealth, 1.8% of the population was aged 85 and older. The Eastern Shore, however, had the highest share, at 3.2% of its population in this range.

Percent and Number of Population 85+ Years by Region

Eastern	Southside	Valley	West Central	Southwest	Central	Hampton Roads	Northern
3.2%	2.6%	2.4%	2.3%	2.3%	1.8%	1.6%	1.3%
3,970	10,580	12,530	17,670	8,705	30,195	28,115	39,550

Working Longer

Nearly one-third (31.9%) of the 65+-aged population in Virginia was still in the workforce at the last census, compared to 26.4% in the 2010 census. This figure includes those who are employed and actively seeking jobs. In contrast to the overall figures for the 65+ population, a higher percentage of people in this age group were employed or still actively looking for work in areas where they made up the smallest percentage of the general population.

For example, in Northern Virginia, nearly 40% of individuals aged 65 and above were in the labor force, while only 20% participated in Southwest Virginia.

Percentage of 60+ Virginians Still In The Workforce by Region

Southwest	Southside	Eastern	West Central	Valley	Central	Hampton Roads	Northern
20%	24.7%	25.8%	26.6%	28.8%	32.1%	32.2%	38.4%

Of course, some of this can be linked to the employment opportunities available in each region. White-collar jobs are more prevalent in larger metropolitan areas, where older Virginians can continue working without the physical stresses that jobs in more rural parts of the state, where manufacturing and agrarian-focused jobs are located.

How Education is Impacting These Numbers

The level of education attained in each region impacts the area's economic health and access to resources. Data reviewing the levels of education of older adults suggests that they coincide with the percentage of 65+ workers.

For example, 8.6% of the 65+ population in Northern Virginia failed to get a high school diploma, while 38.4% of this population is still active in the workforce. The percentage of 65+ers with a bachelor's degree or higher, however, was 50.3%.

In Southwest Virginia, 22.2% of the 65+ population failed to get a high school diploma, and only 20% were still active in the workforce. The percentage of 65+ers with a bachelor's degree or higher was 14.8%.

Here's how the regions compare.

Percent of 65+ Population Still in Work Force | Below High School Degree Education | Bachelor's and Above

	Southwest	Southside	Eastern	West Central	Valley	Central	Hampton Roads	Northern
% Still in Workforce	20%	24.7%	25.8%	26.6%	28.8%	32.1%	32.2%	38.4%
% Below HS Diploma	22.2%	22.1%	15.5%	11.9%	14.3%	11%	9.9%	8.6%
% Bachelor's or Above	14.8%	15.7%	26.6%	27.6%	25.5%	35.8%	32.2%	50.3%

Lower education levels are usually associated with limited economic opportunities, lower-paying jobs, fewer benefits, and low retirement savings. This means higher risk for older populations in terms of healthcare, financial security, and the ability to stay mobile and active. In fact, the level of disabilities and poverty in older Virginians directly corresponds to the levels of education by region.

Percentage of 60+ Population with Disabilities and Living in Poverty by Region

	Southwest	Southside	Eastern	West Central	Valley	Central	Hampton Roads	Northern
Disability	41%	36.5%	29.7%	27.7%	29.7%	27.7%	29.3%	22.4%
Poverty	13.5%	14.3%	11.2%	8.8%	8.4%	8.1%	8.3%	5.3%

What It Means for The Commonwealth

The lifestyles and challenges of Virginia's older residents vary by region. Those living in the Southwest, Southside, and Eastern Shore struggle the most for financial stability, live with disabilities, and remain independent and healthy, while those in Northern, Central, and Hampton Roads work longer and remain financially and physically independent.

Understanding the disparities will help policymakers shape housing, transportation, social engagement, and healthcare to better serve their aging populations. The goal is to help ensure that all Virginians, whether 65+ now or in the near future, will have access to the support networks and resources they need.

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Sources: 2010 Census, Stat Chat - University of Virginia