What race are most centenarians? A look at demographics and longevity

According to Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data from 2024, approximately 77% of centenarians in the United States are White. This article explores what race are most centenarians, examining the complex demographic patterns and health disparities that influence exceptional longevity.

Quick Summary

The majority of centenarians in the United States are currently White, though their proportion is expected to decline as other demographic groups, including Hispanic and Black populations, increase their share of the oldest-old population. This shift is influenced by factors beyond simple population size.

Key Points

• Current Demographics: In the U.S., most centenarians are White, largely due to historical population distributions, but this is changing as the population diversifies.

• Future Projections: The proportion of White centenarians is projected to decrease, while the percentage of Hispanic and Black centenarians will rise significantly over the next few decades.

• Racial Mortality Crossover: The mortality crossover phenomenon suggests that at very old ages (like 85+), the mortality rates for non-Hispanic Black individuals may become lower than those for non-Hispanic White individuals.

• Higher Survival Probability: Some data indicates that once Hispanic, Asian, and non-Hispanic Black individuals reach their 70s or 80s, they may have a higher probability of surviving to 100 than their non-Hispanic White counterparts.

• Social Factors are Key: Longevity differences between racial groups are primarily driven by social and environmental determinants of health (e.g., socioeconomic status, healthcare access), not genetics.

• Gender Differences: Regardless of race, women are far more likely to become centenarians than men. However, the male share is also projected to increase over time.

Who Are Today's Centenarians?

In the United States, the largest percentage of today's centenarian population is composed of White adults and women. A 2024 Pew Research Center analysis showed that 77% of U.S. centenarians were White, 8% Black, 7% Asian, and 6% Hispanic. This distribution reflects historical U.S. population demographics and doesn't mean that other groups are less likely to live to 100 on an individual basis.

The Shifting Demographics of Longevity

The centenarian population is becoming more diverse. Projections for 2054 show a decrease in the shares of White and Asian centenarians, with significant increases projected for Hispanic and Black centenarians. These changes highlight the influence of social and health factors on longevity.

Beyond U.S. Borders: A Global Perspective

Globally, Japan has the highest number of centenarians. Areas with high concentrations of centenarians, often called 'Blue Zones,' point to environmental, social, and cultural factors like social support, diet, and lifestyle as key drivers of exceptional longevity, rather than just race or ethnicity.

The Role of Health Disparities and the Mortality Crossover

Life expectancy is affected by many factors, and patterns can change with age. The 'Black–White mortality crossover' phenomenon suggests that while non-Hispanic Black individuals may have higher mortality rates at younger ages, this can drop below non-Hispanic White individuals after approximately age 85. This can lead to similar or greater life expectancy for survivors into very old age. Data indicates the probability of surviving to age 100 from ages 70 or 80 may be highest for Hispanic and non-Hispanic Asian populations, followed by non-Hispanic Black and then non-Hispanic White populations. This disparity suggests the importance of factors like social networks. Longevity differences are primarily due to social and environmental determinants of health, not genetics. Key factors include socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, chronic psychosocial stress, lifestyle, and social support. A comparison of survival probabilities to 100 years based on pre-COVID-19 data shows non-Hispanic Asian populations with the highest probability from age 70 to 100, and non-Hispanic White populations with comparatively lower probabilities. Studies like the Fordham Centenarian Study, including primarily White and African American participants, examine factors contributing to exceptional longevity. While White individuals currently form the largest percentage of U.S. centenarians, this does not mean race determines longevity. Socioeconomic status, healthcare access, and lifestyle are more significant factors. The increasing diversity of the centenarian population and the mortality crossover phenomenon highlight the complexity of longevity. For more statistical reports, see the {Link: U.S. Census Bureau https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025/centenarian-population.html}.

Frequently Asked Questions

What race are most centenarians in the United States?

Currently, most centenarians in the U.S. are White, representing the largest share of the total centenarian population. However, this is largely a reflection of historical population demographics, not a measure of individual longevity potential.

Does being White make you more likely to become a centenarian?

No, race itself is not a biological determinant of longevity. Demographics show a higher total number of White centenarians, but studies show that individuals from some other racial and ethnic groups who reach older ages may have a higher probability of surviving to 100.

Are centenarians becoming more diverse?

Yes, projections indicate that the centenarian population in the U.S. is becoming more diverse, with increasing shares of Hispanic and Black individuals expected in the coming decades.

What factors influence who becomes a centenarian?

Longevity is influenced by a combination of factors including socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, lifestyle, social support networks, and environmental conditions. Race is a social construct and not a direct biological cause of differences in longevity.

What is the 'mortality crossover'?

The mortality crossover is an observed phenomenon where, in very old age (typically after 85), the mortality rates for some minority groups (like non-Hispanic Black individuals) may drop below those of the majority population (non-Hispanic White individuals).

Which country has the most centenarians?

Japan is known for having the greatest number of people living to 100 and beyond.

Is longevity genetic?

While genetics play a role, research suggests that lifestyle, environment, and social factors are more significant determinants of whether someone lives to 100.