The South Is the Only US Region Growing Its Youth Population

The South was the only U.S. region to grow its population of residents younger than 18 between 2020 and 2025, according to new U.S. Census Bureau data reported by Becker's Hospital Review. Across all five of the bureau's designated regions, the bulk of population growth came from the 65-and-older cohort as baby boomers continued aging into retirement.

The split carries real planning implications for health systems. In most of the country, demand is tilting toward chronic disease management, geriatric care, and the staffing needed to serve an older base. Southern markets face a more complex mix, with both an aging population and continued demand for pediatric, maternity, and family services.

For healthcare leaders, the data is a signal to align capital, service lines, and workforce strategy with local demographics rather than national averages. Where a system operates increasingly determines what kind of care it needs to deliver, and the regional gap between aging and growing youth populations is widening.