All age groups contributed to the historical growth of Pinellas County’s population. In contrast, Pinellas’ future population growth is expected to be concentrated in the 65 and older age group, primarily reflecting continued migration of seniors to Florida and increased life span.

• By 2030, the 65+ age group is projected to increase 48.4% over 2008, an average annual growth of 1.8%, and is estimated to represent 31.6% of the total population compared to 21.4% in 2008.

• Between 2008 and 2030, the youth population is expected to decrease 10.5%, a sharp drop from the 22.5% overall gain experienced between 1985 and 2008.

• The 18-64 age group is expected to have reached a peak around 2008 and decline steadily throughout the balance of the forecast period, an overall decline of 12.9% between 2008 and 2030.

·         In 2008, Pinellas County youth under the age of 18 were estimated to account for 18.8% of total county population.  By 2030, this percentage is projected to decline to 16.7%, reflecting the combined impact of a projected 10.5% decrease in the youth population and a 48.4% increase in the 65 and older population.

·         All youth age groups (under 5, 5-9, 10-14 and 15-17) in Pinellas County are projected to experience stagnant or declining population between 2008 and 2030.

• According to the 2000 Census, ZIP code 34683, located in North Pinellas County, had more youths under the age of 18 than any other ZIP code in the county. Other ZIP codes heavily populated with youth were 33705, 33713, 33712 and 33710, all of which are located in South Pinellas County. Together, these top five ZIP codes (there were 46 ZIP codes in Pinellas County in year 2000) accounted for almost 21% of the total youth population in Pinellas County  (click here for ZIP code map).