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Profile of the Elderly

A. Pasco County

Pasco, listed as one of the top 100 fastest growing counties in the U.S., has 123,849 persons over the age of sixty. The 85+ population accounts for 3.6 percent of the total population and 11.8 percent of the 60+ population. The 85+ population, which has experienced a growth rate of 17.3% since last year, is expected to double by the year 2050. Population centers in Pasco are located on the west coast of the county, including the New Port Richey and Bayonet Point areas. The east and central portions of the county are also rapidly growing. The east is considered the most rural section of the county. It is estimated that 11,203 (9%) individuals over the age of 60 reside in the semi-rural areas of the county.

Of the total 60+ population residing in Pasco County, 8.1 percent are low income. There are 660 minority residents over the age of 60 who are low income in the county. The minority elderly population represents 4.8% of the county's total population. Concentrations of non-white elderly are primarily located in East Pasco, especially in Dade City, Trilby and Lacoochee.


B. Pinellas County

Pinellas County has the larger total population of those ages 60+ in the PSA. Although a small urban land mass (280 square miles), Pinellas County ranks within the top four among Florida's 67 counties in the density of elderly residents. There are 263,719 persons aged 60+ who reside in Pinellas County, comprising 27.6 percent of the county's population. The 60+ population growth has declined 2.8% over the past twelve years. More people have died than were born to replace them, and more seniors are migrating north to less congested areas of the state. The 85+ population accounts for 3.8 percent of the total population and 13.7 percent of the 60+ population. Clearwater, Largo, and St. Petersburg make up the greatest population areas.

Pinellas County contains the larger number of 60+ persons who are low income in the PSA, although its 8.4 percent is small compared to statewide averages. There are 4,117 minority residents over age 60 who are low income. The largest concentration of poor elderly live in St. Petersburg. Concentrations of minority elderly are primarily found in the south side of St. Petersburg and in Clearwater.

* Florida DOEA Estimates based on BEBR Projections (2005, 2010) and US Census (2000).