The Changing Demographic Profile of the United States
Abstract
The United States, the third most populous country globally, accounts for about 4.6% of the world's population. Within the next few years, the U.S. population -- currently estimated at 299 million persons -- is expected to reach twice its 1950 level of 152 million. More than just doubling in size, the population has become qualitatively different from what it was in 1950. As noted by the Population Reference Bureau, "The U.S. is getting bigger, older, and more diverse." The objective of this report is to highlight some of the demographic changes that have already occurred since 1950 and to illustrate how these and future trends will reshape the nation in the decades to come (through 2050). Growth has been influenced by increasing survival due to declining mortality rates, fertility levels that are hovering around the generational "replacement" level, and trends in net international migration wherein more migrants move into the United States than Americans who leave. Aside from the total size, one of the most important demographic characteristics of a population for public policy is its age and sex structure. The United States has been in the midst of a profound demographic change: the rapid aging of its population, as reflected by an increasing proportion of persons aged 65 and older and an increasing median age. Immigration has had a major influence on both the size and the age structure of the U.S. population. The report also considers the changing profile of the five major racial groups in the United States, and the changing composition of the Hispanic population. Policy makers will need to accelerate efforts to address and adapt to the changing population profile as it relates to a number of essential domains, such as work, retirement, and pensions, private wealth and income security, and the health and well-being of the aging population. These topics are discussed briefly in the final section of the report. This report will be updated as needed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 05, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA462164
Entities
People
- Laura B. Shrestha
Organizations
- Library of Congress