WASHINGTON - Sunshine and warm temperatures aren't the only lures for retirees. They also want cheaper housing and some elbow room, and that has made places like Colorado, Idaho, Utah and New Mexico increasingly attractive to the over-65 set.
Each of those states saw its senior population grow by at least 6 percent between 2000 and 2003, placing them among the 10 fastest-growing states for that age group, according to Census Bureau figures being released Wednesday.
Alaska was second at 14 percent. However, it's thought that is due more to the aging of the state's own residents than to retirees moving in. Arizona followed Alaska, with 7 percent growth in the 65-and-older population.
Other Findings:
- Utah and Alaska are, in many respects, the nation's youngest states. In 2003, Utah and Alaska had the highest proportion of their population in the 5 to-13 age group (15 percent each). Texas, Arizona, California and Idaho (14 percent each) followed. The national average was 13 percent.
- Alaska and Utah had the highest percentages of high school- age population (7 percent each) among all states in 2003. They were followed by New Mexico, Idaho, South Dakota, Wyoming, Texas, Louisiana, Montana and Mississippi (each with 6 percent or more). Nationally, 6 percent of the population fell in this age group.