How Many 100 Year Olds Are There in the US?

According to a U.S. Census Bureau special report, the number of centenarians in the United States grew by 50% between 2010 and 2020, highlighting a significant demographic shift. So, how many 100 year olds are there in the US? The latest data confirms this population continues to grow, and we explore the reasons behind this remarkable trend.

Quick Summary

The most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau in 2020 showed 80,139 centenarians, though more recent estimates suggest the number has surpassed 100,000. This demographic is growing rapidly due to medical advances and better public health.

Key Points

• Growing Number: The centenarian population in the US has more than doubled in the last 20 years, with estimates now over 100,000, continuing a steady growth trend.

• Projected Growth: The number of Americans aged 100 or older is projected to quadruple over the next 30 years, creating a new demographic reality for the nation.

• Gender Gap: Women continue to make up the vast majority of centenarians, though the proportion of men is slowly increasing.

• Key Influences: Factors like improved medical care, public health, healthier lifestyles, and a strong genetic component all contribute to increased longevity.

• Emerging Needs: The rapid increase in centenarians highlights the growing need for specialized senior care, as well as solutions for addressing functional and social challenges in this age group.

• Geographic Distribution: Centenarian populations are not evenly distributed, with some states like Hawaii having a higher proportion, while large, populous states contain the highest total numbers.

The Latest Centenarian Figures

The U.S. Census Bureau reported 80,139 individuals aged 100 or older in 2020, a substantial increase from the 53,364 recorded in 2010. Since then, this number has continued to rise, with estimates in early 2024 suggesting the figure has grown to approximately 101,000. The United Nations Population Division also reported 89,739 US centenarians in 2021. This upward trend is linked to improvements in healthcare, sanitation, and healthier lifestyles.

Projections for the Future

Experts anticipate continued dramatic growth in the centenarian population. The Pew Research Center projects that the number of Americans aged 100 or older could quadruple in the next 30 years, reaching hundreds of thousands by 2054 and significantly altering the nation's age structure.

A Closer Look at Centenarian Demographics

Analyzing the characteristics of this population reveals interesting insights.

Gender Differences

• Majority Female: Women consistently represent the majority of centenarians. In 2020, 78.8% were female.
• Closing the Gap: However, the male centenarian population is growing at a faster rate, increasing by 85.3% between 2010 and 2020 compared to 42.9% for females. Pew projects the male share will rise to 32% by 2054.

Racial and Ethnic Diversity

The centenarian population is becoming more diverse. {Link: The U.S. Census Bureau website https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025/centenarian-population.html} provides details on the changing racial and ethnic composition of this demographic.

Geographic Distribution

Longevity varies geographically. In 2020, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Northeast region had the highest proportion of centenarians per capita, while Utah and Alaska had the lowest. California, New York, and Florida had the largest total numbers.

Factors Influencing Longevity

Factors contributing to increased longevity include improved healthcare and public health, healthy lifestyles (diet, activity, avoiding smoking), genetics, and social connections.

Challenges and Needs of the Centenarian Population

Growth in this population highlights unique needs, such as addressing physical health issues, social isolation, and increasing demand for long-term care.

Growth of Centenarians by Age and Gender

This table summarizes centenarian data and projections based on figures from 2020 and projections for 2054:

Statistic	2020 Figure	2054 Projection	Trend
Total Centenarians	~80,139	Quadruples to >300,000	Significant Growth
Women's Share	78.8%	68%	Decreasing Share
Men's Share	21.2%	32%	Increasing Share
Racial/Ethnic Diversity	Becoming more diverse	Projected to increase	Growing Diversity

Conclusion

Current data shows a growing centenarian population in the U.S., projected to quadruple by 2054. This trend, influenced by medical advancements and lifestyle, underscores the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of this demographic for healthy aging.

For more information, refer to the {Link: U.S. Census Bureau website https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025/centenarian-population.html}.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most recent estimate of how many 100 year olds are there in the US?

While the 2020 Census counted 80,139 centenarians, more recent estimates suggest the number is now over 100,000. The numbers continue to grow significantly each year.

Is the number of centenarians in the US increasing?

Yes, the number is increasing rapidly. The centenarian population grew by 50% between 2010 and 2020 and is projected to quadruple by 2054 due to continued improvements in healthcare and quality of life.

Why are more people living to be 100 in the US?

Increased longevity is attributed to multiple factors, including advances in modern medicine (e.g., treatments for heart disease), better public health measures (like sanitation and vaccination), and healthier lifestyles.

What is the gender split for centenarians in the US?

The centenarian population is predominantly female. In 2020, nearly 79% of centenarians were women. However, the proportion of men reaching 100 is increasing faster than for women.

Which US states have the highest proportion of centenarians?

Per capita, Hawaii had the highest proportion of centenarians in 2020, followed closely by other areas in the Northeast region. States with the highest total number of centenarians include California, New York, and Florida.

Do centenarians face specific challenges?

Yes, centenarians often face multidimensional challenges, including functional limitations, psychological issues related to loss and dependency, and social isolation due to the passing of peers and family.

Is living to 100 primarily determined by genetics or lifestyle?

While genetics play a role, research suggests that a combination of genes, environment, and lifestyle factors is key to exceptional longevity. Healthy habits, strong social connections, and mental stimulation are all important components.

Will the centenarian population continue to grow?

Yes, the trend is for continued growth. The U.S. Census Bureau and other researchers project the centenarian population will continue to increase substantially over the coming decades, potentially quadrupling by 2054.