NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota State University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665
July 13, 2000
North Dakota had a domestic in-migration of elderly people (those 65 and older) between 1990 and 1999. During that period about 600 more elderly moved into North Dakota from elsewhere in the United States and other countries than moved out, according to a recent release of the Population Bulletin from the North Dakota State Data Center at North Dakota State University.
"The greatest influx of seniors tended to be in counties with larger cities, most likely reflecting the movement of elderly to places with greater services," says Richard Rathge, data center director. "The net in-migration of seniors represents a growth opportunity for North Dakota."
States such as Florida and Arizona most often receive recognition for being elderly growth centers. But Rathge says North Dakota ranks sixth in the nation in terms of its per capita senior population (those 65 and older), which was at 14.4 percent in 1999. By comparison, Florida's 1999 per capita senior population was 18.3 percent, the nation's highest.
"Similar to Florida, we need to strongly consider how North Dakota can incorporate seniors into our economic development strategies," Rathge says. "The services and products we provide for our seniors translates into jobs and economic opportunities, something that deserves exploring."
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Source: Richard Rathge (701) 231-8621
Editor: Dean Hulse (701) 231-6136
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