Fun Facts from the Census

Did you know:

• In the past decade, the average household saw a decrease in income, even before the Great Recession hit?  Households led by adults over 55 were the only segment that saw an increase.
• The population of Americans over age 65 is projected to increase by 36% by the end of this decade? 
• When we only look at residents under 18, already 7 states are majority-minority, and another 12 states will be soon?
• In the past 50 years, the percentage of households that are led by adults living alone has doubled, while the percentage of households comprised of nuclear families has plummeted?

Starting next week, we’ll begin picking apart these findings, along with many others, as we begin to explore what data from the US Census can tell us about museum audiences (and donors), now and in the future.  (We’ll be archiving these posts in the "Future of Museums" category for easy reference.)

Can’t wait to find out?  If you’ll be in Houston for the American Association of Museums annual meeting, we’ll be sharing our findings there at our private sessions:

Monday, May 23, 3:45 – 5:00 p.m.

or

Tuesday, May 24, 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

Both sessions will take place in our hospitality suite at the Hilton Americas Hotel, just across the street from the convention center.  Simply e-mail Susie Wilkening at susie (at) reachadvisors (dot) com to reserve your spot!

Comments

[Laura Roberts]

I am working with a community based organization that has a great school program... looking at the census numbers for their town, each age group gets smaller and smaller, shrinking the elementary school population. While over 65 keeps growing. Time to shift resources!

[Susie Wilkening, Reach Advisors]

Yes, Laura, there are certainly places that are seeing the 65+ population growing, and families shrinking. We're tackling this very issue for one of our clients as well, and will be talking about it in the coming weeks!