New Census Bureau Population Estimates by Age Pinpoint Oldest and Youngest Counties in Idaho

Based on median age, the U.S. Census Bureau reported today which counties in Idaho had the oldest populations and which had the youngest. The U.S. median age ticked up from 37.6 on July 1, 2014, to 37.7 on July 1, 2015.

These estimates examine population changes among groups by age, sex, race and Hispanic origin nationally, as well as in all states and counties, between April 1, 2010, and July 1, 2015.  In addition, estimates for Puerto Rico and its municipios are available by age and sex.

The counties in Idaho with the highest median age on July 1, 2015, were Adams, at 54, Lemhi, at 52.7 and Boise, at 52.5. This means that half the population was older than this age and half was younger.  

The youngest counties — that is, those with the lowest median age — were Madison, at 23.2, Latah, at 28.8 and Elmore, at 31.5.

While the nation aged, seven counties in Idaho became younger: Power, Clark, Minidoka, Oneida, Boundary, Valley, and Clearwater.

Nationally, non-Hispanic, single-race whites numbered 198.0 million. Hispanics were next, with a population of 56.6 million, followed by blacks or African Americans, at 46.3 million, Asians (21.0 million), American Indians and Alaska Natives (6.6 million), and Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders (1.5 million).

In Idaho, the populations of each group were as follows:

• Non-Hispanic, single-race whites: 1.3 million
• Race alone or in combination groups
  • Blacks 18,025
  • Asians 34,953
  • American Indians and Alaska Natives 32,012
  • Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islander 5,474
• Hispanics 202,430

Unless otherwise specified, the statistics refer to the population who reported a race alone or in combination with one or more races. Censuses and surveys permit respondents to select more than one race; consequently, people may be one race or a combination of races. The sum of the populations for the five “race alone or in combination” groups adds to more than the total population because individuals may report more than one race.

The federal government treats Hispanic origin and race as separate and distinct concepts. In surveys and censuses, separate questions are asked on Hispanic origin and race. The question on Hispanic origin asks respondents if they are of Hispanic, Latino or Spanish origin. Starting with the 2000 Census, the question on race asked respondents to report the race or races they consider themselves to be. Hispanics may be of any race. Responses of “some other race” from the 2010 Census are modified in these estimates. This results in differences between the population for specific race categories for the modified 2010 Census population versus those in the 2010 Census data.

For more information, visit the Census website: http://www.census.gov/popest/.