How Many Seniors Live Alone: Key Stats & Insights

Trends and Statistics: Seniors Living Alone in the USA

More seniors are choosing to live independently, and the numbers reflect this growing trend. In 2021, 97.5% of adults aged 65+ lived in private homes, 88.2% in their own homes, and 9.3% with family members, usually an adult child. Only 2.5% resided in nursing homes or group living facilities.

Among those living in private homes, 80% lived alone or with a spouse, but this percentage shifts with age. As people get older, the likelihood of living alone increases.

Living Alone by Age Group

According to the National Council on Aging, Younger adults rarely live alone, but the trend spikes for seniors. In 2022, nearly 3 in 10 adults aged 65+ lived by themselves. 

Here is a breakdown of the age-wise demographic as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau :

• 65-79 years: 25% lived alone in 2023
• 80+ years: 41% lived alone in 2023
• Overall: 28% of all seniors (65+) lived alone in 2023

Gender Differences

Older women are far more likely to live alone than men. In 2023:

• 27% of women aged 65-74 lived alone.
• 39% of women aged 75-84 lived alone.
• 50% of women aged 85+ lived alone.

Older men, on the other hand, were twice as likely as women to live with a spouse which meant 67% of men 75+ lived with their partner, compared to 35% of women. This reflects women’s longer life expectancy, which often leaves them widowed. 

Reasons for Seniors Living Alone

As reported by the Pew Research Center, the percentage of the aging population living alone is rising, driven by longer life expectancy, changing family structures, and financial realities. Today, 62 million adults aged 65+ make up 18% of the U.S. population. By 2054, this number will reach 84 million, accounting for 23% of all Americans.

Here are some of the major reasons why seniors are living alone:

Marriage, Divorce, and Widowhood

Relationships shape senior living arrangements. According to 2022 census data by KFF, by age 65, 80% of those living alone are divorced or widowed which is twice the rate of the general population. Divorce rates among seniors have tripled since 1980, rising from 3% to 15% for women and 4% to 12% for men. As more marriages end later in life, the number of older adults living without loved ones continues to climb.

Poverty

Money plays a huge role in whether seniors live alone or with family. 63% of older adults in poverty live alone, compared to just 26% of those above the poverty line. Additionally, only 70% of seniors in poverty receive Social Security benefits, while 91% of higher-income seniors rely on it for support.

Older women living alone are particularly vulnerable, as poverty rates are 17.7% for solo seniors, compared to 6.6% for those living with extended family. Among Asian-American women, this number hits 37%.

Financial Independence

Some seniors live alone by choice, wanting to maintain independence. But financial security is a growing concern. Rising costs of housing, healthcare, and daily necessities make it challenging to live alone.

10% of older adults who reported income in 2022 made less than $10,000. Many live paycheck to paycheck, where a single medical emergency or unexpected expense could lead to financial instability.

State-Wise Breakdown of Seniors Living Alone

Where seniors live impacts how likely they are to live alone. Some states have significantly higher numbers of older adults living solo, while others see lower rates due to cultural, economic, or housing factors.

States with the Highest Share of Seniors Living Alone

Midwestern states report the highest rates of seniors living independently.

• Nebraska: 29.3% of seniors live alone making it the highest in the country.
• Ohio & North Dakota: Both states follow closely, with 29.2% of seniors living alone.
• Illinois, Kansas, Wisconsin & Iowa: Each has 28% or more of its senior population living solo.

These states tend to have lower housing costs, making it easier for older adults to maintain independent living arrangements.

States with Lower Rates of Seniors Living Alone

Larger coastal states have fewer seniors living alone, likely due to higher housing costs and multigenerational living trends.

• Florida: 23.9% of seniors live alone.
• Texas: 23.5% live independently.
• California: Home to one of the lowest shares, with just 21.4% of seniors living alone.
• Hawaii: The lowest in the country, with only 19% of seniors living solo.

These numbers highlight key regional differences in affordability, family dynamics, and cultural preferences, all of which shape how seniors are able to live.

Challenges Faced by Seniors Living Alone

Living alone offers independence, but it also comes with serious challenges. Many seniors struggle with loneliness, financial instability, safety risks, and limited social support. These issues can affect both quality of life and long-term well-being.

Mental Health Risks

Isolation is a growing problem among older adults. In 2023, 34% of adults aged 50–80 reported feeling socially isolated, and 37% felt a lack of companionship and social connection. 

These numbers have worsened since the pandemic, as many seniors experience fewer social interactions. NPHA reports how chronic loneliness has been linked to higher risks of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.

Financial Struggles

Many seniors face rising living costs and shrinking incomes, making it harder to maintain financial stability.

• 62.1% of households led by someone 65+ carried debt in 2019, with a median amount of $34,000.
• Only 42% of adults aged 75+ had any retirement savings in 2022, leaving many financially vulnerable.
• 9% of older adults have medical debt, but for those earning under $25,000, the number doubles to 20%.
• 92% of retirees rely on Social Security, yet for many, it’s not enough to cover healthcare, housing, and daily expenses.

Without additional savings or financial support, many seniors are forced to cut back on essentials or seek part-time work to stay afloat.

Limited Social Support

Seniors with weaker social ties often struggle with social isolation and physical health issues, making it harder to stay active and engaged.

Women aged 50–80 are particularly vulnerable to feelings of loneliness, as they tend to live longer but have lower remarriage rates. With fewer daily interactions and limited social support from caregivers, many older adults find themselves battling loneliness, depression, and declining overall health.

Safety Risks

Aging alone increases the risk of injuries and medical emergencies, especially for those with mobility issues or cognitive impairments.

• According to the CDC, 1 in 4 seniors fall each year, leading to broken bones, hip fractures, or traumatic brain injuries.
• 25% of seniors with dementia live alone, facing dangers like medication mistakes, unsafe driving, and missed medical appointments.

Without proper eldercare and immediate assistance, even minor accidents can quickly escalate into major health concerns.

Ways for Seniors to Stay Independent and Connected

Several housing and care options allow seniors to maintain freedom while staying engaged with their communities.

Nursing Homes

For older people who need constant care, nursing homes provide medical assistance and help with daily activities like dressing and bathing. About 1.4 million seniors live in nursing homes or group care settings, with 41% aged 85+ and 67% being women.

While these facilities offer structure and healthcare, they may not be the first choice for those who want more independence.

Aging in Place with Home Care Services

Most seniors prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. In a 2024 survey, 75% of U.S. adults over 50 said they wanted to age in place.

Home care services make this possible by assisting with household tasks, personal care, and healthcare needs. This allows older adults to remain in a familiar environment while getting the support they need.

Independent Living Communities

For older Americans who don’t need daily care but want a safer, community-driven environment, independent living communities offer a great balance. 

These communities feature apartments or condos designed for seniors, often with shared amenities like fitness centers, dining halls, and social activities. This setup promotes an active, social lifestyle while providing safety and convenience.

Assisted Living

Seniors who need help with daily tasks but want to maintain their independence may find assisted living a good fit. These communities offer private or shared living spaces with trained staff available to assist with medications, meals, and mobility. More than 818,800 older adults currently live in assisted living communities, with 1.2 million licensed beds available nationwide.

Bottom Line

In 2023, 28% of adults aged 65+ lived independently, a number that will continue to rise as the population ages. By 2040, 78.3 million Americans will be 65+, increasing demand for affordable housing, healthcare, and social support.

Financial security remains a challenge, with 62.1% of senior households carrying debt, and only 42% of adults 75+ having retirement savings. Safety concerns are also pressing, with 1 in 4 seniors experiencing a fall each year and 25% of seniors with dementia living alone without daily assistance.

Despite these challenges, 75% of U.S. adults over 50 prefer to age in place, driving the need for home care services, independent living communities, and assisted living options. With the senior population growing, ensuring accessible care, financial stability, and social engagement will be key to supporting older adults in maintaining independence without isolation.

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