Population Demographic Characteristics - Age Distribution
Summary Indicator Report Data View Options
Why Is This Important?
As New Mexico's population ages, the services required evolve. The growth of New Mexico's age 65 and over population is outpacing that of other states. Importantly, these changing demographics are disproportionately occurring in rural New Mexico. Most of New Mexico's overall population growth is occurring in metropolitan areas while rural populations are stagnant or declining. At the same time, young people are leaving rural communities in favor of metropolitan areas to take advantage of education, employment, and entertainment opportunities. Without commensurate change by the health, long-term care, and support systems in New Mexico, this dramatic shift in New Mexico's demographics may endanger the health of our older adults and especially those older adults living in rural communities.
Definition
Age distribution of the New Mexico population over time.
Data Source
New Mexico Population Estimates: University of New Mexico, Geospatial and Population Studies (GPS) Program.(http://gps.unm.edu/)
How the Measure is Calculated
| Numerator: | Estimated population count by age group |
| Denominator: | n/a |