Statshot: The Silver Economy

Washington state is considered among the best places in the country for older residents due to its natural beauty and thriving economy, though it does have a relatively high cost of living.

Seniors are significant players in the state’s economy. Here’s an economic snapshot:

• 38.5 Median age in U.S.
• 37.7 Median age in Washington state
• 35% Americas aged 50 and older
• 34.4% Washingtonians aged 50 and older
• 2.6M Number of state residents over 50
• 31.6% State population 55 and older in the workforce
• 16.8% State population 65 and older
• 88.6% Households with one or more adults older than 65 with high-speed internet
• $50,000 Statewide median household income for those 65 and older
• 80.2 Years of life expectancy in WA., second highest in the U.S.

Source: Seniorliving.org; America’s Health Rankings

Big Number

$469,987

The average retirement balance in Washington state, the 10th-highest in the United States.

Source: SOFI

Quotable Quotes

“When I began in 2010, this disease was clearly still living in the shadows of secrecy, and was cloaked in embarrassment and stigma. People weren’t talking about it. There’s now an urgency around doing something.”

Jim Wilgus, Regional Leader and Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Association in Seattle