In 1990, baby boomers were approximately 26 to 43 years old. Between 1990 and 2020, the population over age 45 will increase substantially, while the under-45 population will decline. After 2010, the number of people over age 65 will grow dramatically as baby boomers reach this age bracket. The very old population, those age 85 and older, will rise rapidly until 2010, after which its growth will slow, reflecting the low birth rates during the Depression of the 1930s. All of these trends reflect the aging of the baby boom.
Older people are much more likely to be empty nesters or to live alone.
The fastest population growth is projected for the Twin Cities region, particularly suburban and semirural exurban areas beyond the suburbs but still within the Twin Cities commuting area. Strong increases are also projected for the Rochester and St. Cloud areas. Most of the state's counties are projected to lose population between now and 2020, with losses of 15 percent or more in southwestern and western Minnesota. At the same time, moderate growth is projected for the lakes region of north-central Minnesota. Counties containing regional centers such as Mankato or Willmar are projected to hold their own or grow moderately, while northeastern Minnesota is projected to continue to lose population.