Demographics of New Residents

Demographics of New Residents

Why is it important?

The age of people moving in and out of the Sierra can influence the region’s overall wealth for years to come. In migration of 25- to 34-year-olds carries the potential for future growth through childbearing. If these people have college educations, they bring the latest skills and knowledge, which can foster economic growth in emerging sectors.

At advanced ages, health concerns may force some people to move closer to or in with their children, to assisted-care facilities, or to nursing homes. Some rural communities like Kremmling, Colorado, have recognized that creative projects aimed at meeting the needs of older people can build a stronger community. After Kremmling built an assisted-living care facility, it found that families could stay together even when seniors could no longer live independently. This strategy created good jobs and kept wealth from leaving the community.

Active retirees are often the backbone of community oriented volunteer organizations -- reading to children at the public library or building new bicycle trails. Some become involved in local politics and hold elected positions.

How are we doing?

During the 1990s, 25- to 34-year-olds represented 37 percent of the people moving into the Sierra, 80 percent of which moved into North Central and most of the rest into South Central. About half that number of 35- to 44-year-olds and 45- to 54-year-olds moved into the region, again primarily into North Central although 30 and 38 percent of each age group respectively opted for the South Central.

The Sierra lost its 5- to 14-year-olds, especially from the North, although South Central and East lost people in that age group as well. Many of these may have left for higher education, others to seek their fortune elsewhere. Sixty-five and 74-year-olds also left the Sierra, half of them coming from South Central, a third from North and the rest from the East.