Senior living communities by state
California, Florida, and Texas are home to the largest total populations of seniors in the U.S. and, consequently, also contain the highest number of senior living communities. However, when considering the concentration of seniors relative to the total population, different states rise to the top of the list. States like Maine, Florida, Vermont, and West Virginia consistently appear with the highest percentage of residents aged 65 and over. This distinction between total numbers and population percentage is key to understanding the senior living landscape.
Factors influencing senior community distribution
Several factors contribute to the geographic distribution of senior living facilities. These include a state's overall population size, the percentage of its population that is elderly, and historical or economic trends. For instance, California has the highest total number of assisted living communities, but this is largely due to its enormous population. Conversely, some Midwestern states, like Kansas and South Dakota, surprisingly rank high for continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) relative to their senior population, potentially influenced by migration patterns from the 1800s. Economic factors like housing affordability, cost of living, and tax benefits also play a significant role in where retirees choose to settle, which in turn influences the development of senior housing. The Southeast, for example, is a popular retirement destination due to its climate and relatively lower costs, leading to a high number of communities.
Regional breakdown of senior living communities
Studies have shown distinct regional patterns in the placement of senior housing. The Southeast and Western regions of the U.S. have been noted for having the highest proportion of senior housing communities. The Southeast, encompassing states like Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia, is a well-known retirement hub. The West, including California, Washington, and Oregon, also has a high density of assisted living options. This contrasts with the Northeast, which has a smaller percentage of assisted living communities despite having several states with a high concentration of seniors, such as Maine.
States with the highest number of facilities
Based on recent data, some states stand out for having the highest raw number of senior living communities, particularly assisted living facilities.
- California: With over 4,100 assisted living communities, California leads the nation in the sheer volume of facilities.
- Washington: This state has a high number of assisted living communities, with over 1,900 facilities.
- Florida: A perennial retirement hotspot, Florida boasts a large inventory of senior housing, including over 1,800 assisted living communities.
- Texas: The state has more than 1,200 assisted living communities.
- Wisconsin: A Midwestern state with a notable number of facilities, with over 1,200 assisted living communities.
These numbers reflect not only the large populations of these states but also the robust senior care infrastructure that has developed to support them.
Comparing states by senior population percentage
Looking at the percentage of a state's total population aged 65 or older provides another perspective on where senior living is most prevalent.
| Rank | State | Population 65+ (%)* | Total Population Over 65* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maine | 22.9% | ~320,000 | Highest percentage of seniors, but smaller overall population leads to fewer total facilities. |
| 2 | Vermont | 22.1% | ~130,000 | High percentage, but lowest senior population among top percentage states. |
| 3 | Florida | 21.7% | ~4.9 million | High percentage and second-highest total senior population. |
| 4 | West Virginia | 21.5% | ~374,000 | High percentage, often cited for rural senior living needs. |
| 5 | Delaware | 21.3% | ~220,000 | High percentage and one of the fastest-growing senior populations. |
| 6 | California | 16.2% | ~6.3 million | Highest total senior population, but a lower percentage due to a very large overall population. |
*Data based on 2023 estimates.
Future trends in senior living
As the baby boomer generation ages, demand for senior living will continue to grow, leading to significant shifts in the senior care landscape. States like Alaska, Idaho, and Delaware have seen some of the fastest growth in their senior populations over the past decade. This growth will likely drive an increase in the number of senior living options in these areas in the coming years. Additionally, states that are popular retirement destinations, like Florida and Arizona, are projected to see continued growth in their senior populations through 2050.
The industry is also evolving to meet changing preferences, with a focus on more holistic and community-oriented living. This can be seen in the rise of Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) and other blended models of care. For more information on this evolving landscape, the LeadingAge Ziegler Top 150 report is an authoritative resource that highlights key trends and the largest not-for-profit CCRC sponsors across the U.S., detailing how these facilities are adapting to meet the needs of the aging population. You can explore these trends and statistics further at https://www.leadingage.org/zz-top-150.
Conclusion
While large, populous states like California, Florida, and Texas have the highest total number of senior living communities, understanding the distribution requires looking beyond raw figures. The true picture emerges when considering the percentage of a state's population that is over 65, which brings states like Maine, Vermont, and West Virginia into focus. Factors like climate, cost of living, and healthcare access continue to shape where senior housing is built, reflecting a complex interplay of demographic trends and personal preferences.
