Northwest Arkansas' senior population out grew all others

Data: U.S. Census Bureau; Chart: Alice Feng/Axios

The 65-and-up population grew faster than any other age group in Northwest Arkansas from 2020 to 2023 — 13.5% compared to 8% overall.

• That's an estimated 80,000 people, according to the Census Bureau's latest population estimates.

Why it matters: Cities with growing senior populations must be mindful of older residents' specific needs, like health care, transportation and affordable housing.

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The big picture: The trend reflects a broader national phenomenon, with America's overall 65-plus population rising 9.4% to about 59.2 million people in this time frame.

Data: U.S. Census Bureau; Map: Alice Feng/Axios

Between the lines: Retirees packing up and relocating are likely driving at least some of the change in cities with especially notable 65+ growth, like Raleigh (+18.3%), Austin (+17.3) and Houston (+15.3%).

What they're saying: "While some metro areas saw increases in their youth population, and many saw gains in working-age populations, what's particularly remarkable is the near-universal increase in the older population for metro areas across the country," said Lauren Bowers, chief of the Census Bureau's Population Estimates Branch, in the agency's analysis .

Go deeper: Arkansas' senior workers are fewer than U.S. average