Veteran Population by State in 2024

Veteran Population by State in 2024

In the tapestry of American society, veterans hold a unique and revered position. These brave men and women have selflessly answered the call to duty, dedicating themselves to safeguarding the nation’s freedom and security. Their sacrifices, both seen and unseen, have shaped the course of history and continue to inspire generations to come.

State	Veteran Population
California	2,043,498
Texas	1,432,669
Florida	1,308,656
Pennsylvania	1,251,310
New York	1,124,024
North Carolina	835,386
Ohio	803,991
Georgia	776,183
Michigan	668,438
Virginia	663,315
Illinois	646,513
Massachusetts	574,320
New Jersey	544,222
Tennessee	525,863
Indiana	522,988
Missouri	498,661
Arizona	495,752
Washington	485,270
Minnesota	458,193
Colorado	450,844
Kentucky	432,377
Alabama	400,084
Wisconsin	399,464
North Dakota	395,893
South Carolina	385,094
Louisiana	378,172
Oklahoma	367,772
Maryland	346,353
Arkansas	345,637
Mississippi	302,902
Hawaii	285,544
West Virginia	275,138
Nevada	264,796
New Mexico	264,562
Iowa	252,613
Kansas	242,993
Utah	238,265
Connecticut	234,362
Maine	218,400
Nebraska	211,917
Oregon	205,372
Rhode Island	138,731
Delaware	126,317
Alaska	112,329
Vermont	107,902
New Hampshire	105,991
Montana	98,868
South Dakota	93,875
Wyoming	74,874
Idaho	68,883

35 facts about US Veterans:

General Facts

1. There are approximately 19.1 million veterans living in the United States as of 2021.

2. Veterans make up 5.6% of the total U.S. population.

3. The median age of veterans is 65.

4. Veterans are more likely to be male than female, with 84% being male and 16% being female.

5. Veterans have a higher level of education than the general population, with 40% having a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Employment and Earnings

6. The unemployment rate among veterans is typically lower than the national average.

7. In 2020, the median earnings for male veterans were $57,300, compared to $48,000 for all male workers.

8. In 2020, the median earnings for female veterans were $42,000, compared to $45,000 for all female workers.

Healthcare Utilization and Access

9. Veterans use the VA healthcare system at a higher rate than the general population.

10. In 2020, approximately 9.1 million veterans received care from the VA.

11. The VA provides a wide range of healthcare services to veterans, including medical, dental, mental health, and rehabilitation services.

Social Support and Engagement

12. Veterans are more likely to be married than the general population, with 68% being married compared to 50% of all adults.

13. Veterans are more likely to have children than the general population, with 73% having children compared to 58% of all adults.

14. Veterans are more likely to volunteer than the general population, with 33% volunteering compared to 25% of all adults.

15. Veterans are more likely to donate to charity than the general population, with 63% donating compared to 52% of all adults.

Impact of Military Service

16. Veterans are more likely to experience mental health challenges than the general population.

17. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common mental health condition among veterans, affecting an estimated 12% of Gulf War veterans and 30% of Vietnam veterans.

18. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is another common health condition among veterans, affecting an estimated 20% of post-9/11 veterans.

Support for Veterans

19. The VA provides a variety of benefits and services to veterans, including disability compensation, education and training, and home loans.

20. There are also many non-profit organizations that provide support to veterans, such as the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Wounded Warrior Project.

21. Veterans have made significant contributions to our country and deserve our gratitude and support.

22. By understanding the unique challenges faced by veterans, we can help them to reintegrate into civilian life and live healthy and fulfilling lives.

23. We can also honor the service of veterans by volunteering our time, donating to veteran organizations, and supporting policies that address their needs.

Additional Facts

24. The oldest living American veteran is Richard Overton, who served in the Army during World War II and turned 117 in 2023.

25. The youngest living American veteran is Noah Wagner, who served in the Army during the Afghanistan War and was born in 2001.

26. There are more female veterans than there ever have been before, with over 2 million women having served in the U.S. military.

27. Veterans are more likely to start businesses than the general population, with 10% of veterans being self-employed compared to 6% of all adults.

28. Veterans are more likely to serve in government than the general population, with 10% of elected officials in the U.S. being veterans.

29. Veterans have won 24 of the 46 presidential elections in U.S. history.

30. Veterans have been awarded over 350 Medals of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration for valor.

31. Veterans have made significant contributions to science, technology, and the arts.

32. Veterans have been awarded numerous Nobel Prizes, Pulitzer Prizes, and Olympic medals.

33. Veterans have served in every major conflict in American history.

34. Veterans have played a key role in shaping the course of American history.

35. Veterans continue to serve our country in many ways, including as peacekeepers, humanitarian aid workers, and diplomats.

A Glimpse into the Veteran Population

As of 2021, the United States Census Bureau estimates that there are approximately 19.1 million veterans residing in the country, representing 5.6% of the total population. This vast community encompasses individuals who have served in various branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

Geographical Distribution of Veterans

The veteran population is not evenly distributed across the United States. Certain states, particularly those with a long history of military presence and a larger overall population, have a higher concentration of veterans. California, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, and New York top the list, each with over a million veterans calling these states home.

Factors Influencing Veteran Population Distribution

Several factors contribute to the geographical distribution of veterans. One significant influence is the location of military bases and installations. States with a higher density of these facilities tend to attract and retain a larger veteran population. Additionally, economic opportunities and access to healthcare services play a role in veteran migration patterns.

Socioeconomic Characteristics of Veterans

The veteran population exhibits a diverse range of socioeconomic characteristics. The median age of veterans is 65, reflecting the aging demographic of this group. Veterans are more likely to be male than female and to have a higher level of education compared to the general population.

Employment and Earnings of Veterans

Veterans have a strong record of participation in the workforce. The unemployment rate among veterans is typically lower than the national average. However, there are disparities in employment outcomes among veterans based on factors such as age, disability status, and military service era.

Healthcare Utilization and Access

Veterans face unique healthcare needs due to their exposure to combat-related injuries and illnesses. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides comprehensive healthcare services to veterans through its extensive network of medical facilities and community-based programs.

Social Support and Engagement

Veterans often face challenges related to social isolation and reintegration into civilian life. Various organizations and programs provide support services to veterans, helping them connect with their peers, access resources, and navigate the challenges of post-military life.

Honoring the Veteran Community

As a nation, we have a profound responsibility to honor and support our veterans. Their sacrifices have come at great personal cost, and we owe it to them to ensure they receive the care, respect, and opportunities they deserve.

Key Takeaways

• The veteran population in the United States is significant and diverse.
• Veterans face unique challenges related to healthcare, employment, and social integration.
• Honoring and supporting veterans is a collective responsibility.

 

Conclusion

America’s veterans are a testament to the nation’s strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to freedom. Their contributions to our society are immeasurable, and we must continue to honor their service and strive to create a future where they are fully supported, respected, and empowered to thrive.