The state of Tennessee is becoming increasingly older and diverse according to the 2012 Detailed State and County Population Estimates. The percentage of Tennesseans aged 65 and over was 14.2 percent (918,507 people) in 2012, compared to 13.7 percent in 2011, 13.4 percent in 2010 and 12.4 percent in 2000.
The elderly were the fastest growing age group in the state in 2012 at 4.7 percent, while the elderly Hispanic population grew by 16.5 percent during the same time period. Williamson County exhibited the fastest growth in the 65 and over age group at 8.9 percent (27.6 percent for elderly Hispanics).
Tennessee's overall population grew by 0.9 percent in 2012 to 6,456,243, with the state's Hispanic population registering 4.1 percent growth (an increase of 12,287 people). The total Hispanic population in Tennessee is 312,732 (4.8 percent of the total population in 2012, up from 4.7 percent in 2011).
Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders were the fastest-growing race, percentage-wise in Tennessee from 2011 to 2012, increasing 4.5 percent. Asian's were the second-fastest growing group at 4.2 percent.
Hancock County exhibited the largest percent increase in total Hispanic population growth with a 27.8 percent increase from 2011. However, because of Hancock's small population, this represents only an increase of five people. The largest numerical increase in the Hispanic population in 2012 was in Shelby County, increasing by 1,821 people (3.4 percent).
Perry County had the highest percentage increase in the elderly Hispanic category, displaying 66.7 percent growth, while the total elderly growth was only 3.4 percent. Eleven Tennessee counties experienced at least a 30 percent increase in the elderly 65 and over Hispanic population group. And 74 Tennessee counties have a higher percentage of total elderly than the state average of 14.2 percent in 2012.
For full Tennessee county detailed age, race, sex, and Hispanic origin statistics, click HERE.
