The older population is expected to continue to grow in the future. This growth will slow somewhat during the 1990's because of the relatively small number of babies born during the Great Depression of the 1930's. Nearly four times as many women live alone as men. As one ages, the likelihood of living in a nonfamily household increases. Yet not all older Oregonians have low incomes.
Poverty increases with age.
Women and older persons living alone are at the highest risk of poverty. Likewise, about two and a half times as many householders living alone are poor as are married couples 65 or older. Poverty rates among minority elderly exceed those among white older Oregonians. The percentage of income spent on housing is very different for owners and renters. At each age breakdown, women report more disability than men.