3. AGE PROFILE

Definition: The following information presents the age profile for South Carolina, the United States, and the Southeast from 1990-2006.

Significance: The age of a population can impact other indicators and society-at-large. For example, McFalls, Jr. (2007) uses the “Baby Boom” as an illustration of the effects of a population age structure. “As they passed through each stage of the life-cycle, the baby boomers faced shortages in elementary schools, colleges, housing, and employment… (and) often left excess supply in its wake because, by the time enough schools or houses were built, teachers trained, and colleges were expanded, the baby boomers no longer needed them.” Now, concerns surround the “boomers”’ retiring and leaving a strain on retirement resources, such as Social Security, and the losses to the national workforce.[i]  The following graphs illustrate the age of the South Carolina, Southeastern, and United States population, 1990-2006. 

HistoricAL/Trend Analysis, South Carolina Age Profile

Source: United States Census Bureau, Decennial Census

Source: United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey

HistoricAL/Trend Analysis, United States Age Profile

Source: United States Census Bureau, Decennial Census

Source: United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey

HistoricAL/Trend Analysis, Southeastern Age Profile

Data reflect the total populations of South Carolina (SC), the United States (US), and the Southeast (SE).  The southeast region consists of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Source: United States Census Bureau, Decennial Census

Source: United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey