TDC Visualization - Texas is Young Compared to Other States but Getting Older

Texas remains one of the youngest states in the nation, but its population is steadily aging. The state’s population ages 65 and older has grown substantially over the past few decades, with especially strong growth in many urban counties. This shift reflects broader demographic changes that will shape demand for health care, housing, transportation, and community services in the years ahead.

Texas was the second youngest state in the nation in 2025.

The median age in Texas in 2025 was 36.0, about nine years younger than Maine, the oldest state in the nation, and well below the U.S. median of 39.4. Texas was second only to Utah with a median age of 32.6 in 2025.

National Ranking	U.S. State	Median Age
#1	Utah	32.6
#2	Texas	36.0
#3	North Dakota	36.5
...	...	...
#50	Maine	44.9

Source:U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 Population Estimates.

Map of the United States with most states in gray. Texas is highlighted in bright orange to show a younger median age, while Utah, North Dakota, and Maine are shaded in yellow for comparison.

Aging is a greater concern in certain regions of Texas

Despite an overall young population, median age varies greatly across Texas counties. Nearly half of Texas counties are younger than the national median age of 39.4, especially in urban centers, the Permian Basin, and along the border.

By contrast, older counties are more concentrated in West Texas and in rural parts of the state. Brazos County, the youngest county, has a median age roughly 35 years lower than Jeff Davis County, the oldest county, highlighting the wide variation in median age across Texas.

Population Median Age in Texas Counties, 2025

Map of Texas showing county median ages using shades of blue, from light (younger, about 27–35 years) to dark (older, about 47–63 years). Counties are labeled, including Dallas, Travis, and Bexar, with noticeable variation across regions.

Source:U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 Population Estimates.

Texas’ population is aging

Consistent with national trends, Texas has experienced a gradual aging of its population over the past two decades. From 2005 to 2025, the share of younger age groups (ages 0 to 24) declined considerably, while the share of middle-aged groups (ages 30 to 44) remained relatively stable. At the same time, both the number and the share of older age groups (ages 55 and older) increased, underscoring the state’s broader shift toward an older population.

Age-Sex Distribution of Population in Texas: 2005 and 2025

Population pyramid chart comparing Texas age and sex distribution in 2005 and 2025. Horizontal bars show males on the left and females on the right by age group. Orange bars (2025) are generally larger for older age groups (55+), indicating growth, while blue-outlined bars (2005) are larger for younger groups (ages 0–24), indicating decline.

Source:U.S. Census Bureau, 2000-2010 Intercensal Population Estimates and Vintage 2025 Population Estiamtes.

All older age groups have increased in population since 2010

Between 2010 and 2020, the population 65 years and older increased from 2.6M to 3.9M, a 30% increase. A closer look at age groups shows that the growth in the older age population has been largest in the 65-69 years and 70-74 years age groups. In particular, the 70-74 year age group grew 70%, more than double the percentage growth of the 80-84 year age group.

Population Size of Older Age Groups: 2010 and 2020

Bar chart comparing population sizes of Texas residents age 65 and older in 2010 and 2020. Each age group (65–69, 70–74, 75–79, 80–84, 85+) shows higher counts in 2020, with the largest group increasing from about 853,000 to 1.3 million.

Source:U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Decennial Census; 2020 Decennial Census.

Counties in urban areas are aging at a faster rate.

Growth in the older age population is not occurring evenly across the state. Between 2010 and 2020, a majority of counties saw a 30% or more increase in their 65+ population. This growth was most pronounced in the state’s urban core counties. In contrast, only 24 counties saw their older age population decrease during this period.

Percent Change in the 65+ Population in Texas, 2010-2020

Map of Texas showing county-level percent change in population age 65 and older from 2010 to 2020. Counties are shaded from light green (declines or little change) to dark purple (largest increases), with many central, eastern, and coastal counties showing higher growth.

Source:U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Decennial Census; 2020 Decennial Census.