Estimates of City of Cleveland’s population, as reported through the American Community Survey 1-year estimates, has declined steadily year-over-year for some time. This year, 2024, is the first time in many years that the population has increased instead of decreased.
The increase is small, just 1,016 people, but notable as a change. It is too early to know if this is a trend; we will have a better sense in December when 5-year estimates are released and in years to come with new 1-year estimates.
The group that saw the highest percentage growth is between 65-69.
Population shifts in Cleveland by age group
Within the current data, the population increases are not spread evenly among age groups. The group that saw the highest percentage growth is between 65-69, at about 775 people. Not surprising, as we have been expecting growth in the older adult age group as the baby boomer generation ages. The group with the second highest percentage growth was youth between the ages of 16-19, an increase of over 3,000 people. Conversely, groups with the highest percentage loss of residents were aged 80-84, just under 1,500 people, and those aged 45-49 with a loss of approximately 3,300 individuals.
- Highest percentage growth: ages 65-69
- Second highest percentage growth: ages 16-19
- Highest percentage loss: ages 80-84
Serving residents who want to stay; keeping residents who are likely to leave
It’s hard to definitively say why certain age groups grow and shrink within a city within a short period of time. But it can be useful to consider what it is about being a middle-aged adult in the City of Cleveland that may make it likely to want to move out of the city. By this point in life, there may be a settling into financial stability that allows options that had not been available when younger, likely earning less and potentially paying for childcare expenses.
A city bleeding along specific points of the age continuum should work to service age groups most likely to stay
The ages where the city experienced the most loss, between 44-59, are also the ages with the most earning potential. Keeping that income in the city helps all residents by creating a higher tax base for the city services that support both children and older adults. Intergenerational communities benefit from each generation's strengths. A city bleeding along specific points of the age continuum should work to service age groups most likely to stay and make focused efforts to keep the residents more likely to leave.
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