The Colorado State Demography Office projects that there will be a significant shift in the population distribution in the state over the next few decades, in large part due to the aging of the “baby boomers”. The number of Coloradans age 65 and older will increase by 61 percent between 2010 and 2020 and another 40 percent between 2020 and 2030.
Colorado has a unique population distribution, with a significant majority of the population falling between 25 and 64, or working age. This age distribution allows for a large tax base relative to a smaller retiree population. The projected trends, however, move Colorado to a more equally distributed population and may present problems in the future, such as a decreased tax base and a shortage of workers. The aging of the population could increase demand for both age-appropriate recreational opportunities and services to allow aging in the home. These increased demands may put a strain on state-based services for the aging population and particularly Medicaid.
To see more information, please view the Demography Office’s presentation here.