March 02, 2026
Baby boomers have had a large impact on Michigan’s population for almost 80 years. From childhood to retirement, they affected education, employment, healthcare, and housing across the state. As this generation enters its final decades, the state faces a challenge: an increase in the need for elder care.
Michigan’s aging population is often discussed in terms of past and current trends. Future trends, particularly for the oldest age groups, are rarely discussed. People over 65 are often treated as one group. This hides big differences in health and care needs between someone who is 66 and someone who is 85 or older.
This article highlights the projected growth in Michigan’s oldest age classes, especially those 85 and above. Knowing these trends is important for families, leaders, healthcare workers, and communities as they plan.
The U.S. Census Bureau defines the baby boomer generation as individuals born from 1946 through 1964. In Michigan, the peak of the baby boom occurred in 1957. For perspective, there were over 208,000 births in Michigan in 1957. The state currently sees fewer than half that many births annually (e.g., about 99,500 births in 2024). The first baby boomer turned 65 in 2011; the last will reach that milestone in 2029. As of 2025, the oldest baby boomers were 79 years old, with the median age of the generation around 68 in Michigan.
As boomers continue to age, the distribution of the 65-plus population will shift older. Population projections show how baby boomers will likely affect the oldest age classes over the next 25 years.
Between 2005 and 2025, Michigan’s 65-plus population grew by about 64 percent, adding around 800,000 people. From 2025 to 2050, growth will slow to around 17 percent. That equals about 360,000 more people. This growth slowdown is because most boomers have already turned 65. Yet, this slower growth of the 65-plus group masks a critical trend: the coming expansion of the oldest age classes.
As of 2025, most of the baby boomer generation falls within the 65–74 age range. Many are in their early retirement years and remain largely independent. In Michigan, the population ages 65–74 is expected to peak around 2029 and then decline as the median baby boomer ages (Figure 1).
Baby boomers began entering the 75–84 age group in 2021. This age segment is projected to peak around 2039, with a potential increase of about 45 percent by that time.
Baby boomers will start joining the 85-plus age group in 2031. Their significant impact on the 85-plus population will continue into the 2040s. By 2050, this age group is projected to have experienced dramatic growth, with a potential increase of up to about 150 percent (Figure 2).
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Figure 1: Total Population of Michigan 65-Plus Age Groups
Source: 2000s and 2010s Intercensals, Vintage 2023 PEP, U.S. Census Bureau; Vintage 2024 Population Projections, Michigan Center for Data and Analytics
Figure 2: Projected Within-Group Percent Change in Population for 65-Plus Age Groups
These projections show how the aging of the baby boomer generation could affect the population of Michigan’s seniors. They also show the needs and challenges Michigan will face as this big generation ages.
Most older adults prefer to age at home, according to AARP. However, as people reach their late-70s and 80s, the likelihood of needing assistance with daily activities increases. This is especially true for those age 85 and older, who often require more intensive care. As Michigan’s 85-plus population grows, the need for healthcare and long-term support will also grow.
The baby boomer generation has had a large influence on Michigan’s population for decades. Their elder years will be no less impactful. If Michiganders plan for the population growth of people over 75, they can ensure older residents get the help they need, whether they remain at home or not.
