What does this measure?

The change, expressed as a percentage, of the number of people in selected age groups within the resident working-age population.

Why is this important?

The age distribution of the population can serve as an indicator of the underlying vitality of the economy. Dynamic, expanding economies are able to attract and retain younger workers. Moreover, an economy that relies heavily on an older workforce risks losing critical skills due to retirement.

How is the Greater Capital Region performing?

The region added 15- to 24-year-olds at twice the rate of the nation and half again as fast as New York State, increasing 16% over the period. This is good news for the regional economy as these young people will form the core of the economy in coming decades. From 2000 to 2007, the number of 25 to 44-year-olds in the region declined 5%, compared to an 8% decline in the state and 2% decline in the nation. Despite these shifts, the overall age distribution of the region is similar to that of the state and nation.

Notes about the data

Because people age out of and into these groups, this indicator should not be interpreted to necessarily mean that 25- to 44-year-olds, or any other group, are moving out of the region.