Maine's Senior Population Percentage Reaches 22.94%, Outpacing Florida

Maine holds the distinction of having the highest percentage of its population aged 65 and older in the United States, a demographic reality that challenges common perceptions about traditional retirement states. This fact, highlighted by journalist Alex Seitz-Wald, reveals that the Pine Tree State's senior demographic surpasses even that of Florida, a well-known haven for retirees. Recent data from various sources, including ConsumerAffairs and the U.S. Census Bureau, consistently confirms Maine's leading position in this demographic metric.

"Let this blow your mind: Maine has larger percentage of people over the age of 65 than Florida," Alex Seitz-Wald stated in a recent tweet, pointing to a significant demographic trend. As of 2025, approximately 22.94% of Maine's residents are aged 65 or older, making it the state with the highest concentration of seniors. This phenomenon is largely attributed to a combination of younger residents migrating out of the state and the existing population aging in place, leading to a constrained workforce and increasing demand for health services.

In contrast, Florida, often perceived as the ultimate retirement destination, ranks closely behind Maine with about 21.75% of its population over 65, according to 2025 figures. While Florida boasts a significantly larger total number of older adults, its percentage share remains slightly lower than Maine's. The Sunshine State's high senior population is driven by its popularity among retirees, who are drawn to its warm climate, tax benefits, and extensive retirement communities.

This demographic shift in states like Maine and Florida reflects a broader national trend of an aging U.S. population. The U.S. median age reached a new record high of 39.1 in 2024, with Maine recording the highest median age at 44.8 years. Projections indicate that by 2030, at least 20% of the population in 26 states will be aged 65 or older, posing significant implications for federal and state programs, workforce availability, healthcare systems, and housing markets across the country.