This article is part of an ongoing, county-by county, overview of the Tri-County Area. This article covers age distribution Clinton County. Knowing this information helps communities prepare and fund what residents need based on their stage of life. Additionally, this information shows how many workers are or will be in the labor force.

Clinton County’s population distribution closely mirrors that of Michigan and the United States. In all three areas, the largest share of residents falls within the 20–34 age group. About 18% of Clinton County's population is in this cohort, compared to roughly 20% in both Michigan and the U.S. No other age group exceeds 15% of the total population.

This is a positive indicator for future workforce sustainability, as a strong concentration of young adults suggests a pipeline of individuals who can replace retiring workers and support long-term economic stability.

Figure 1: Population Distribution by Age Group, 2024

 

Source: Points Consulting using Michigan Capital Region Data Hub

Figure 2 shows the 10-year change in population from 2014 to 2024, revealing a clear trend of population aging across Clinton County, Michigan, and the United States. The older adult population has grown significantly in all three areas. In the 65 to 74 age group, Clinton County experienced a nearly 40 percent increase, while both Michigan and the United States saw increases of around 35 percent. A similar pattern is seen in the 75 and older age group, which also grew substantially in each region.

Figure 2: Population Change between 2014 and 2024 by Age Group Distributions

 

Source: Points Consulting using Michigan Capital Region Data Hub

These increases reflect a broader national shift toward an older population. In 2020, approximately one in six people in the United States were age 65 or older. A century earlier, in 1920, only about one in twenty people were in this age group.^[1] Much of this change is driven by the aging of the baby boomer generation, those born between 1946 and 1964, who are now moving into the 65 and older age brackets, significantly increasing the size of older cohorts. Declining fertility rates have also contributed to this trend. While the fertility rate surged during the 1950s baby boom, it has gradually declined over time and is currently around 2.1 children per woman, which is the replacement level needed to maintain the population without migration.^[2]

It is encouraging to see growth in the younger age cohorts, particularly those ages 20 to 34 and 35 to 44. While growth in the 65+ age group means the population is becoming older, these residents typically have more wealth accumulated. This means they represent potential for increased spending and a key group for the regional economy. However, this trend should be monitored. As more residents retire, a prepared younger workforce will be essential to sustain economic activity and fill key jobs.

Figure 3 shows the cumulative change in the primary workforce population (ages 25–54) for Clinton County, Michigan, and the United States. This group is considered the prime working age group as it includes individuals who have typically completed their education and are still several years away from retirement.

While Michigan and the U.S. experienced growth in this age group between 2019 and 2020, Clinton County saw a decline. This drop is partly due to an overall population decrease in the County during this period, which resulted in fewer residents within the core working-age range.^[3]

Figure 3: Cumulative Change of Primary Workforce Age Groups (25-54)

 

Source: Points Consulting using Michigan Capital Region Data Hub

Additionally, Figure 3 shows that Michigan’s primary workforce population was already declining prior to COVID-19. This trend is largely due to the state’s aging population. Michigan has shifted from a younger, higher-fertility population to one that is older, with lower birth rates. As the Baby Boomer generation continues to age out of the workforce, the state is seeing slower growth and, in some areas, decline in its core working-age population.^[4]

Clinton County’s retired population is growing, but the 20–34 age group remains its largest cohort. As long as community leaders continue to cultivate a strong young workforce to replace retiring workers, the County can sustain economic growth.