How Many People Are There in the USA Over 100 Years Old?

Oct 19, 2025 2 min read •

longevity Demographics Population

According to Pew Research Center, there were approximately 101,000 centenarians in the U.S. in 2024, a number that is projected to quadruple by 2054. The question of how many people are there in the USA over 100 years old reveals a rapidly growing and distinct demographic, driven by advances in healthcare and increasing life expectancy.

Quick Summary

The number of centenarians in the U.S. has risen significantly over recent decades, with current estimates around 101,000 individuals. This demographic is predominantly female and white, though projections show increasing diversity in the coming decades. Factors contributing to this growth include medical advances and improved living conditions.

Key Points

Current Estimate: As of 2024, approximately 101,000 Americans are 100 years old or older.
Rapid Growth: The centenarian population is projected to quadruple by 2054, with estimates surpassing 400,000.
Gender Disparity: Centenarians are overwhelmingly female (about 78%), although the percentage of male centenarians is increasing.
Demographic Shifts: While predominantly white today, the centenarian population is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse over time.
Drivers of Longevity: Factors like medical advancements, public health improvements, and genetics contribute to the rise in centenarians.
Challenges: The growth of the older population presents significant challenges for healthcare, long-term care, and retirement planning.

The Current State of the U.S. Centenarian Population

In 2024, estimates place the number of centenarians in the United States at approximately 101,000. This demographic, comprising individuals aged 100 or older, represents a small but growing segment of the total U.S. population. The increase in centenarians is attributed to factors like medical advancements, healthier lifestyles, and improved life expectancy.

Historical Growth and Future Projections

The centenarian population has seen substantial growth, rising from an estimated 2,300 in 1950 to over 80,000 by 2020. This upward trend is expected to continue, with projections indicating a quadrupling of the centenarian population by 2054, partly due to the aging Baby Boomer generation.

Demographic Profile of Centenarians

Gender: Women make up the majority of centenarians, approximately 78% in 2024, though the proportion of male centenarians is expected to increase by 2054.

Race and Ethnicity: The centenarian population is primarily White (77% in 2024), but is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse, with projected growth in Hispanic and Black centenarian populations by 2054.

Geography: Centenarian distribution varies by state, with higher per capita concentrations in places like Hawaii, Washington D.C., and Rhode Island, and lower proportions in states such as Utah and Alaska.

Living Arrangements: Living situations differ by gender; in 2020, about two-thirds of female centenarians lived alone or in group settings, while a higher proportion of male centenarians lived with others in a household.

Comparison of Centenarian Demographics (2020 vs. 2054 Projection)


Demographic Factor	2020 Data	2054 Projection
Total Population (100+)	~80,100	~422,000
Gender Split (Female)	78.8%	~68%
Gender Split (Male)	21.2%	~32%
Racial Diversity (White share)	~77%	~72%
Supercentenarians (110+)	1,933	Not specified, but higher

The Rise of Supercentenarians

Individuals aged 110 or older are known as supercentenarians. This group is also growing, though accurate data is challenging to collect for the most extreme ages.

Factors Contributing to Increased Longevity

Increased longevity is linked to several factors:

Medical Advances: Improvements in treating diseases have extended lifespans.
Public Health: Better sanitation and health education have reduced mortality.
Lifestyle: Healthier habits contribute to longer lives.
Genetics: Genetics may also play a role in extreme longevity.

Challenges of an Aging Population

A growing centenarian population brings challenges related to healthcare, housing, and financial support, requiring planning for long-term care needs and caregiver shortages.

Conclusion

The number of people in the USA over 100 years old has surpassed 100,000 and is expected to grow significantly by mid-century. This demographic, predominantly female and becoming more diverse, reflects both human resilience and challenges for society, highlighting the need to adapt to an aging population.

Further Research

For a detailed analysis of the centenarian population, consult the Pew Research Center analysis based on U.S. Census Bureau data.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to a special report from the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 80,139 people aged 100 or older living in the United States in 2020.

Yes, the number of centenarians in the U.S. is increasing rapidly. The population grew by 50% between the 2010 and 2020 censuses, and is projected to quadruple by 2054.

In 2020, highly populous states like California, New York, Florida, and Texas had the largest absolute number of centenarians. However, in terms of proportion to population, states like Hawaii and Rhode Island have some of the highest rates.

As of 2024, centenarians make up about 0.03% of the total U.S. population, though this percentage is expected to rise.

A supercentenarian is an individual who has reached the age of 110 or older. In 2020, there were 1,933 supercentenarians in the U.S.

Women are significantly more likely to become centenarians than men. In 2024, about 78% of centenarians in the U.S. were women.

In 2020, female centenarians were more likely to live alone or in group quarters like nursing homes, while male centenarians were more likely to live with other family members.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.