Polk is highest in state for age 65 and older residents

POLK COUNTY—Polk County was recently ranked as having the highest number of residents age 65 and older in the state. 

The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners recently released its annual data maps that highlight demographic, economic, health and educational information from North Carolina’s 100 counties. 

Polk County was ranked the highest county with people age 65 and older at 31 percent, with Brunswick County also having 31 percent of people age 65 and older. 

The county with the lowest percent was Onslow County at 9 percent, followed by Hoke County at 10 percent. 

Nearby Transylvania County was ranked as the third highest county with residents 65 and older at 30 percent and Henderson County was ranked 14th highest, at 25 percent. 

Rutherford County was ranked 29th highest in the state with a population of 21 percent age 65 and older. 

Buncombe County ranked 57th in the state, with 19 percent of its residents age 65 and older. 

The NCACC took its data from the most recent five-year American Community Survey estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.