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My Two Cents

Older Workers Working Longer

Chris Farrell Sep 12, 2007

New Census Bureau data shows that nearly one-in-four people between the ages 65 and 74 were in the labor force. That’s an increase from 19.6% in 2000. It will be interesting to try and parse out how many are working because their finances are poor, and how many are continuing to work to stay active. Of course, for many people it could be a combination.

The American Community Survey is a vast resource of data, including employment, housing income and other economic and social variables.

Another highlight: More than half of California’s homeowners spent 30% or more of their household income on mortgage payments and other mortgage costs. The average for the United States as a whole is 37%. Minnesota stands at 34%. The bottom of the list is North Dakota at 23%.

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