U.S. Population Ages 45-64 Declined 3.2 Percent From 2020 to 2025

The U.S. population ages 45-64 fell by 2.68 million people from April 1, 2020, to July 1, 2025, according to Census Bureau Vintage 2025 population estimates. The group declined 3.2 percent nationally, from 84 million to 81.3 million. The Northeast recorded the largest percentage drop at 7.1 percent.

The Midwest fell 6.2 percent and the West fell 2.7 percent. The South was the only region to post a gain, adding 18,749 people, or 0.1 percent.

The U.S. median age rose to 39.4 in July 2025, up from 38.6 in April 2020. During the same period the population 65 and older grew 16.2 percent while the under-18 population fell 2.4 percent. The 45-64 age group includes most of Generation X and younger baby boomers.

Many in this cohort are part of the "sandwich generation," balancing responsibilities for children, aging parents, careers and retirement planning.

Younger baby boomers are moving into retirement age while older Gen X cohorts are filling in behind them. High housing costs and internal migration patterns have also contributed to movement from the Northeast and West toward the South. Gen X is smaller than the baby boom generation because birth rates fell sharply in the 1960s and 1970s.

Other wealthy countries are experiencing similar patterns of slower workforce growth and rising pressure on public budgets.

The 45-64 demographic typically represents peak earners who anchor municipal tax bases and hold institutional knowledge. A decline in this group could gradually reduce the number of experienced workers, caregivers and civic leaders in some communities. Overall U.S. population growth continued during the period, masking the localized effects of the mid-career population dip.