For a clearer picture of the economic status of today’s older adults, it is helpful to look at breakdowns of statistics by age, marital status, gender, and race, in addition to looking at overall income figures. Sources for these figures can be found at the bottom of the page.
Income Differences by Age
In 2021, half of all individuals age 65 to 74 received less than $30,586 in yearly income, compared to the $24,367 received by people age 75 and older.
Table 3. Median annual income, by age
|
Age |
Individuals, 2021 |
Households, 2021 |
65+ |
$27,382 |
$47,620 |
65-69 |
$30,586 |
$55,747 |
70-74 |
75+ |
$24,367 |
$38,239 |
Income Differences by Marital Status
In 2021, half of all married couples age 65 and over received less than $75,819 in yearly income, compared to $27,413 for nonmarried persons.
Table 4. Median annual income, by marital status, 65+ |
Demographic unit |
Married couples |
Nonmarried persons |
Nonmarried men |
Nonmarried women |
Households, 2021 |
$75,819 |
$27,413 |
$29,275 |
$25,212 |
|
|
|
|
|
Income Differences by Gender
In 2021, half of all men age 65 and over received less than $36,680 in yearly income, contrasted with $22,002 for women.
Table 5. Median annual income, by gender, 65+ |
Gender |
Individuals, 2021 |
Households, 2021 |
Men |
$36,680 |
$31,319 |
Women |
$22,002 |
$25,862 |
Total |
$27,382 |
$47,620 |
Income Differences by Race and Ethnicity
In 2021, half of all Hispanics age 65 and older received less than $17,035 in yearly income, contrasted with $30,567 for whites.
Table 6. Median annual income, by race or ethnicity, 65+ |
Demographic group |
Individuals, 2021 |
Households, 2021 |
White (Non-Hispanic) |
$30,567 |
$50,139 |
African American |
$19,646 |
$30,724 |
Hispanic |
$17,035 |
$31,942 |
Total |
$27,382 |
$47,620 |
For More Statistics on the Income of Older Adults:
Sources
Table 3. Income Differences by Age
Table 4. Income Differences by Marital Status
Table 5. Income Differences by Gender
Table 6. Income Differences by Race and Ethnicity