Census In North Dakota Highlights Huge Employment Opportunities -- The Baby Boomer Bulge About To Retire

Link here.

From the Minneapolis StarTribune.com:
U.S. census data released Thursday shows the number of North Dakota residents between the ages of 55 and 64 more than doubled between 2000 and 2010.

"We definitely recognize, along with the rest of the country, that we have a work force issue looming," said Paul Govig, deputy director of the North Dakota Commerce Department.

The Census Bureau's data shows 81,819 North Dakotans between 55 and 64 as of April 1, 2010, an increase of 53 percent from a decade ago.

The bureau released age breakdowns for 13 states Thursday. Nationwide estimates from 2009 showed the 55-to-64 age group was the fastest growing since 2000, rising 47 percent.

Baby boomers were born between 1946 and 1964 (varies from author to author). Using those dates, the first baby boomers will turn 65 years old this year. The first baby boomer was eligible for social security three years ago. The first baby boomer will reach full retirement age in two years. 

During the 20-year baby boom, the largest spike occurred in 1949. Those folks will turn 62 years old this year, the first year they can collect social security (generally speaking), but at a much reduced rate than if they wait to full retirement age.

[A big thank you to Greg over at fourfiftygas.com for alerting me to the story.]