Age Demographics of Mercer Island, Washington: A Comprehensive Overview

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December 10, 2023

Mercer Island is a city located in King County, Washington, with a population of approximately 25,000 people. The city is known for its affluence and high quality of life, but what is the age demographic of this community?

According to the 2021 ACS 5-Year Estimates, the median age in Mercer Island is 45.5 years old. The population is fairly evenly distributed between age groups, with 19.24% of the population being under the age of 15, 14.35% aged 15 to 29, 46.63% aged 30 to 64, 15.94% aged 65 to 84, and 3.83% being 85 years of age and older. These statistics suggest that Mercer Island is a community with a diverse age range, with a significant portion of its population being middle-aged.

It is important to note that the age demographic of Mercer Island has changed over time. According to the 2000 Census, the median age was 41.6 years old, which is slightly younger than the current median age. Additionally, the population has grown by over 2,000 people since the 2000 Census, which may have contributed to the slight increase in median age. These changes in demographics may have implications for the future of the community, particularly in terms of social services, housing, and healthcare.

Overview of Mercer Island Demographics

Mercer Island is a city located in King County, Washington, with a population of 25,506 as of 2021. The city has a total area of 6.4 square miles and a population density of 3,996.2 people per square mile. Mercer Island is known for its affluent community and high standard of living, with a median household income of $261,417.

The age demographics of Mercer Island reflect its affluent community, with a median age of 46.5 years old. The city has a relatively low population of children, with only 21.9% of the population under the age of 18. On the other hand, the city has a high population of seniors, with 23.3% of the population over the age of 65.

The gender distribution of Mercer Island is relatively balanced, with 50.9% of the population being female and 49.1% being male. In terms of race, the city is predominantly White, with 74.8% of the population identifying as White alone. Asian represents the second largest race group, accounting for 16.2% of the population. Other races, including Black, Hispanic, and Native American, each account for less than 2% of the population.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Mercer Island is $261,417, which is significantly higher than the median household income in Washington State of $78,687. The poverty rate in Mercer Island is also low, with only 4.94% of the population living below the poverty line.

In terms of education, Mercer Island has a highly educated population, with 78.3% of the population holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The city is home to a highly regarded school district, which consistently ranks among the top school districts in the state.

Overall, Mercer Island’s demographics reflect its affluent community, with a high standard of living, a highly educated population, and a relatively low poverty rate.

Age Distribution on Mercer Island

Mercer Island is a city located in King County, Washington, with a population of approximately 25,820 people. The age distribution on Mercer Island is diverse, with a median age of 45.9 years.

Children and Adolescents

According to the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, children and adolescents between the ages of 0 and 17 make up approximately 22.1% of Mercer Island’s population. This represents a lower percentage than the national average of 22.6%.

Adults

Adults between the ages of 18 and 64 make up the largest age group on Mercer Island, representing approximately 62.3% of the population. This percentage is higher than the national average of 60.1%.

Seniors

Seniors aged 65 and older make up approximately 15.6% of Mercer Island’s population. This percentage is higher than the national average of 17.3%. The median age for seniors on Mercer Island is 75.5 years, which is higher than the national median age of 73.

Overall, Mercer Island has a diverse age distribution with a higher percentage of adults and seniors than children and adolescents. However, the city’s median age is higher than the national median age, indicating that it may be a more attractive location for seniors.

Historical Trends in Age Demographics

Mercer Island, Washington has seen significant changes in its age demographics over the past few decades. According to the 2020 Census, the population of Mercer Island was 25,748, with a median age of 46.7 years.

Over the years, the population of Mercer Island has grown, and so has the median age of its residents. In 1990, the median age was 36.5 years, which increased to 39.9 years in 2000, and 44.5 years in 2010. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years.

The following table provides a breakdown of the age demographics of Mercer Island based on the 2020 Census:

Age GroupPercentage
0-1720.7%
18-242.9%
25-4420.9%
45-6433.4%
65+22.1%

As can be seen from the table, the largest age group on Mercer Island is the 45-64 age group, which accounts for 33.4% of the population. The 0-17 age group accounts for 20.7% of the population, while the 65+ age group accounts for 22.1% of the population.

In conclusion, Mercer Island, Washington has seen a significant increase in its median age over the past few decades, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. The largest age group on Mercer Island is the 45-64 age group, followed by the 65+ age group and the 0-17 age group.

Comparison with Regional Age Demographics

Mercer Island, Washington has a median age of 45.5, which is about 25 percent higher than the median age of the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Metro Area (37.2) and about 20 percent higher than the median age of Washington State (37.9).

This suggests that Mercer Island has a higher proportion of older residents compared to the region and the state. However, it is important to note that the median age is just one measure of the age distribution and does not provide a complete picture of the population.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, Mercer Island has a total population of 25,390, of which 22.3 percent are under the age of 18, 5.3 percent are 18 to 24 years old, 17.5 percent are 25 to 44 years old, 35.4 percent are 45 to 64 years old, and 19.5 percent are 65 years and over.

This shows that the majority of the population in Mercer Island falls within the 45 to 64 age range. It is also worth noting that the percentage of residents aged 65 years and over is higher than the national average of 16.5 percent.

Overall, the age demographics of Mercer Island suggest that the island has a slightly older population compared to the region and state. However, it is important to consider other factors such as income, education, and employment to gain a more complete understanding of the population and its characteristics.

Factors Influencing Age Demographics

Mercer Island, Washington is a city with a diverse population, which is influenced by various factors. Here are some of the key factors that influence the age demographics of Mercer Island:

Housing and Urban Development

Housing and urban development play a crucial role in shaping the age demographics of a city. Mercer Island is a suburban city, and it has a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses. The availability of affordable housing and the proximity of housing to schools and other amenities are some of the factors that influence the age demographics of the city. The city has a relatively high median home value, which may attract older residents who can afford to live in the area.

Economic Factors

Economic factors also play a role in shaping the age demographics of a city. Mercer Island is a wealthy city, and it has a high median household income. This may attract older residents who have retired or have high-paying jobs. The city also has a low poverty rate, which may indicate that older residents are financially stable and can afford to live in the area.

Cultural and Recreational Opportunities

Cultural and recreational opportunities are important factors that influence the age demographics of a city. Mercer Island has a variety of cultural and recreational activities, such as parks, museums, and theaters. These activities may attract residents of all ages, but they may be particularly appealing to older residents who have more free time to engage in these activities.

In summary, the age demographics of Mercer Island are influenced by a variety of factors, including housing and urban development, economic factors, and cultural and recreational opportunities. These factors work together to create a diverse and dynamic population in the city.

Implications of Age Demographics

Educational Services

Mercer Island has a median age of 45.5 years according to the 2021 ACS 5-Year Estimates. This means that the city has a significant population of adults aged 30 to 64 years old. This age range is usually associated with families with school-aged children. The city has a highly rated school system, which includes six public schools and several private schools. The Mercer Island School District serves the city’s educational needs, and it has a student-teacher ratio of 18:1.

Healthcare Services

The aging population of Mercer Island means that the city has a higher demand for healthcare services. The city has several medical facilities, including Mercer Island Primary Care, Swedish Medical Center, and Overlake Medical Center. These facilities offer a range of services, including primary care, emergency care, and specialized care. Mercer Island has a higher life expectancy than the national average, which could be attributed to the city’s access to quality healthcare services.

Workforce Composition

Mercer Island’s aging population has implications for the city’s workforce composition. The city has a higher median household income than the national average, which could be attributed to the high number of professionals living in the city. The city’s workforce is highly educated, with 71.6% of the population having a bachelor’s degree or higher. The aging population of the city means that there is a higher demand for healthcare and social services, which could lead to a growth in these industries.

Overall, the age demographics of Mercer Island suggest that the city has a highly educated workforce with a demand for quality healthcare services. The city’s aging population could lead to a growth in healthcare and social services industries.

Future Projections of Age Demographics

According to the latest US Census estimates, the current population of Mercer Island, Washington is 24,804. The median age in Mercer Island is 45.5 years, 44.8 years for males, and 46. years for females. The elderly or senior population (over 65 age) was 19.78% as compared to 16.04% nationwide. Mercer Island’s population under 18 was 23.54%, compared to the 22.51% nationwide.

Based on recent changes, data after 2021 is projected. Annual Population Estimates (as Determined by Washington State) for 2022 is 25,780, 2023 is 25,800 and 2024 is 25,820. The population is expected to continue to grow, and with it, the median age is expected to increase as well.

As the population ages, there may be an increase in demand for healthcare and other services that cater to senior citizens. This may lead to more job opportunities in these fields. Additionally, there may be a shift in the types of businesses that are successful on Mercer Island, as the needs and preferences of an aging population may differ from those of a younger population.

Overall, the future projections of age demographics in Mercer Island suggest that the population will continue to age and grow, which may have implications for the local economy and job market.

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