The question of exactly how many US citizens turn 100 every year is challenging to answer with a single number. Government agencies like the U.S. Census Bureau track the total number of individuals aged 100 and over in decennial and special reports, but they do not publish a yearly count of new centenarians. Instead, demographers calculate and project annual figures based on the total population, survival rates of nonagenarians (people in their 90s), and broader population trends.
The Growing Centenarian Population
The most telling data comes from the growth of the overall centenarian population, which shows a significant upward trend. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the centenarian population increased by 50% between 2010 and 2020, jumping from 53,364 to 80,139. In early 2024, Pew Research Center and Census Bureau projections estimated the number had already surpassed 101,000. This suggests a considerable and accelerating number of people crossing the century mark each year. Pew projects that the total number of centenarians will more than quadruple by 2054, reaching about 422,000. This exponential growth means that the annual number of new centenarians will also continue to rise substantially.
Key Demographics of Centenarians
Statistics on centenarians reveal distinct demographic patterns that have evolved over time. These details offer insight into the broader phenomenon of aging in America.
Sex: Centenarians have long been and remain predominantly female. In 2020, nearly 79% of centenarians were women. While women still significantly outnumber men, the proportion of male centenarians is projected to increase. The male centenarian population grew at a much faster rate between 2010 and 2020 (85.3%) compared to the female centenarian population (42.9%).
Race and Ethnicity: In 2024, approximately 77% of U.S. centenarians were white. However, as the American population becomes more diverse, so will the centenarian demographic. By 2054, the shares of Hispanic and Black centenarians are projected to increase, while the share of white and Asian centenarians is expected to decrease.
Geographic Distribution: Some states have higher concentrations of centenarians per capita. In 2020, Hawaii had the highest proportion, at 4.44 centenarians per 10,000 people, significantly higher than the national average of 2.42 per 10,000. Other states with a high proportion of centenarians include those in the Northeast and Midwest, which have higher percentages of older adults.
Comparison: Centenarian Population Growth
| Characteristic | 2010 (US Census) | 2020 (US Census) | 2024 (Estimated) | 2054 (Projected) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Centenarians | 53,364 | 80,139 | ~101,000 | ~422,000 |
| Overall Growth | - | +50% | +26% since 2020 | Quadrupled since 2024 |
| Female Population | 82.8% | 78.8% | 78% | 68% |
| Male Population | 17.2% | 21.2% | 22% | 32% |
| Average Annual Growth (2010-2020) | - | +5% | - | - |
What Drives the Increase in Longevity?
The rise in the number of Americans living to 100 is not due to a single cause, but rather a combination of improvements across various aspects of society.
- Public Health Advances: Significant improvements in public health measures throughout the 20th century, such as sanitation, vaccinations, and food safety regulations, drastically reduced infant and childhood mortality rates. This allowed a much larger portion of the population to survive into adulthood.
- Medical Technology and Treatment: Modern medicine plays a crucial role in extending lifespans. Breakthroughs in treating conditions like heart disease, for example, allow many people to live for decades longer than they would have in the past. New treatments for other age-related diseases also increase the number of people who can live to an exceptional age.
- Lifestyle Changes: Healthier lifestyle choices, including better nutrition, more physical activity, and avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking, contribute to improved health and longevity. While these factors can increase the probability of a long life, they do not guarantee it.
- Genetic Factors: Longevity is not purely environmental; genetic factors also play a role, with heritability estimated at around 30%. Some individuals possess gene variants that protect against inflammation and other age-related damage, contributing to their exceptional lifespan.
- Social and Economic Factors: A study identified socioeconomic indicators like higher economic development, better public health expenditure, and living standards as important factors in increasing the survival probability of becoming a centenarian.
- The Baby Boomer Generation: The sheer size of the Baby Boomer generation (born between 1946 and 1964) is a major force behind the projected future surge in the centenarian population. As this large cohort reaches advanced age, the total number of people living to 100 will naturally increase.
Conclusion
The annual number of US citizens turning 100 is not a regularly published figure, but it is clear that this number is on a significant and accelerating rise. The centenarian population has shown remarkable growth in recent decades, jumping by 50% from 2010 to 2020 and continuing to increase steadily. By 2054, demographers project the total number of centenarians to more than quadruple. The increase is driven by a mix of historical public health achievements, ongoing medical advancements, healthier lifestyle choices, and the large size of the aging Baby Boomer cohort. This trend has notable societal implications, from healthcare and long-term care needs to the broader demographic structure of the nation. The data highlights not just that more people are living longer, but also that this growing segment of the population is becoming more diverse and represents a continuing demographic shift.
Authoritative Outbound Link
- U.S. Census Bureau: Older Population and Aging: Learn more about the most recent demographic data and reports on the aging population in the United States from the official source, the U.S. Census Bureau.(https://www.census.gov/topics/population/older-aging.html)
