What Percentage of the US Population is Between 18 and 65?

According to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau in 2023, approximately 61% of the U.S. population falls within the age range of 18 to 65. This age group typically comprises a significant portion of the working-age population. For the most accurate and current statistics, it's advisable to check the latest data from reliable sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau.

Historical Data and Sources

The percentage of the U.S. population between the ages of 18 and 65 has been consistently around 62% for recent years, as reflected in data from the 2017 National Population Projections Tables by the U.S. Census Bureau. Another source, the CIA World Factbook, also provides insightful statistics, which actually show a slightly lower estimate of approximately 60% for the same period.

Breakdown of Age Groups

According to the Census Bureau’s 2017 American Community Survey (ACS) estimates, the total population in 2017 was 325,719,178. The population aged 18 to 64 was 201,205,121, and the population aged 65 to 69 was 16,836,381. Assuming the ratio of 65-69 to 65 is around 1:4, we can estimate that there were approximately 42,091,000 individuals aged 65-69. Adding this to the 18-64 population gives a total of 204,572,397 individuals between the ages of 18 and 65. Dividing this number by the total population of 325,719,178, we get approximately 62.8%.

Median Age and Demographic Features

The median age of the U.S. population in 2017 was 38.1 years, with males at 36.1 years and females at 38.5 years. This demographic shift indicates a growing elderly population. It's important to note that the number of children and adolescents (0-14 years) is estimated to be 19.8%, while those aged 65 years and over are 13.4%.

Children and Adolescents in the United States

A detailed breakdown of the U.S. population by age groups, as of 2012, reveals that:

0-14 years: 19.8% (male: 31,639,127, female: 30,305,704) 15-64 years: 66.8% (male: 101,612,000, female: 104,577,000) 65 years and over: 13.4% (male: 18,332,000, female: 23,174,000)

These statistics reflect the changes in population demographics and trends over the past decade, highlighting the growing importance of the working-age population and the aging of the U.S. population.

Conclusion

The percentage of the U.S. population falling between 18 and 65 is a critical demographic factor for understanding labor markets, consumer behavior, and healthcare needs. As this group represents a significant portion of the working-age population, it's crucial to monitor trends in this age range to inform policy decisions and economic strategies.