What is the circulation of AARP The Magazine?
As of 2024, the Alliance for Audited Media reported that the average circulation of AARP The Magazine was over 22.2 million copies per issue. The total readership, however, is a higher figure. This is because readership accounts for the 'pass-along' rate—the number of people who read each copy within a household or other setting. AARP itself notes that its total readership is considerably higher than its circulation, reaching a massive audience of 38-40 million readers.
Circulation statistics are often an important metric for advertisers, as they guarantee the number of copies distributed. For AARP, its guaranteed base circulation is a direct result of its membership model, where every member receives the magazine as a benefit. This distinguishes it from magazines that rely heavily on newsstand sales and variable subscriptions.
Readership vs. Circulation: A Key Distinction
The terms 'circulation' and 'readership' are often used interchangeably, but they represent different metrics in the publishing industry. Understanding the distinction is crucial for appreciating the magazine's true impact.
- Circulation: This refers to the number of physical copies of the magazine that are distributed. This figure is based on paid subscriptions (like those for AARP members) and single-copy sales. For AARP The Magazine, the circulation number is essentially the number of paid memberships that are active and receiving the print edition. According to a March 2025 report, AARP The Magazine had an average print circulation of 22.2 million in the last six months of 2024.
- Readership: This is an estimate of the total number of people who read each copy of the magazine, not just the single subscriber. Readership figures are almost always higher than circulation numbers because one copy can be read by multiple people in a household or shared environment. In its advertising materials, AARP uses MRI-Simmons data to report a much higher readership figure, which reflects its broader audience.
Advertisers pay close attention to readership because it gives a more accurate picture of the total number of eyeballs that will see their ads. For a publication like AARP The Magazine, with a high in-home reading rate, the gap between circulation and readership can be substantial.
The Role of AARP Membership in Distribution
An AARP membership, which costs as little as $15 for the first year with automatic renewal, includes a subscription to AARP The Magazine. This direct link between membership and the magazine is the primary reason for its massive circulation and robust readership. The magazine is a valuable perk that reinforces membership and provides a consistent touchpoint for the organization to communicate with its members on a bimonthly basis.
The magazine's distribution is also tied to membership data, as AARP tailors different versions of the magazine for specific age demographics, such as 50–59, 60–69, and 70+. This targeted approach helps ensure the content is relevant to its diverse readership, further solidifying its high engagement rates.
Comparison of AARP Publications
| Feature | AARP The Magazine | AARP Bulletin |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Lifestyle and entertainment, with celebrity interviews, health features, financial guidance, and travel advice. | News and policy-driven content that is timely and ignites consumer action. |
| Frequency (as of 2025) | Bimonthly (6 issues per year). | Bimonthly (6 issues per year). |
| Circulation (Approx. 2024) | 22.2 million paid subscriptions. | 22.1 million paid subscriptions. |
| Readership (Approx. 2024) | Over 40 million. | Over 33 million. |
| Distribution | Mailed to all AARP members. | Mailed to all AARP members in alternating months with the magazine. |
The Impact of AARP's Readership
With a massive readership of over 39 million for its flagship magazine, AARP remains a powerful force in the print media landscape, despite wider industry declines. For advertisers, this represents unparalleled access to the financially powerful 50-plus demographic, who account for over half of all consumer spending. The magazine's high readership and engagement, particularly with in-home reading, make it a reliable and authoritative channel for reaching a specific, influential market.
Conclusion
The answer to "how many people get AARP magazine" is not a simple number, but rather a reflection of both its enormous paid circulation and its even larger total readership. Powered by its large membership base—which automatically receives the publication—AARP The Magazine consistently holds the top spot for circulation and readership in the U.S. This dual metric showcases the magazine's broad reach and deep engagement with the 50+ community, making it a significant and enduring publication in today's media landscape. Its sister publication, AARP Bulletin, further expands this reach with a similar circulation and slightly different focus. The distribution model ensures that millions of households receive these publications directly, reinforcing the power of print for the older demographic.
