Monday Mapday: Declining Share of 65 Plus Population In (Most) Core Urban Areas in Region

The Atlanta Metro region as a whole experienced widespread growth in the proportion of residents that is 65 years and over between 2000 and the most recent American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (2012-16). The map below shows the areas with the greatest change in proportion in dark purple and areas of more modest growth in paler shades. Over this same period, the state as a whole added an estimated 461,020 people aged 65 years and over, increasing the 65+ population share statewide from 9.6% in 2000 to 12.3% for 2012-16.

However, the share of the population 65 years and over declined in most of the Atlanta Metro region’s core urban areas The areas of decline are shown in orange on the map below. This trend of decline in share of seniors in more urban areas runs counter to furthering planning goals of retaining and attracting seniors to urban areas where they might have more access to services and greater proximity to cultural and recreational amenities.

Change in Percent 65 plus (2000 to 2016) – Legend

Change in Percent 65 plus (2000 to 2016)

* American Community Survey (5-year estimates), 2012-16

The City of Atlanta is one urban area in the region which experienced an overall increase in the number and share of the 65 plus demographic group, from 9.6% in 2000 to 10.8% as of the most recent ACS survey. As seen below, the greatest increases in 65 plus share can be found in the Buckhead area, as well as in census tracts in the western and southwestern portions of the city. Other areas in the City, outside of those shaded orange or dark purple, experienced more modest growth in the share of people 65 years and over.