Narrative: c. 1.

The 2020 Census found that approximately 86% of Colorado’s population lives in urban areas and 14% in rural areas. 13.7% of Coloradans 65 and older live in rural areas, and 7.9% of Coloradans 85 and older live in rural areas.

Specific Population Groups 

Priority will be given to special populations in accordance with the Older Americans Act and USDOL rules and regulations. Priority will be given (based on Section 508 of the 2006 OAA Amendments) to individuals who: 

1. are age 65 years or older; 
2. have a disability; 
3. have limited English proficiency; 
4. have low literacy skills; 
5. reside in a rural area; 
6. are veterans (or eligible spouses of veterans); 
7. have low employment prospects; 
8. have failed to find employment after utilizing services provided under Title I of WIOA; 
9. are homeless or at risk for homelessness; or
10. are formerly incarcerated or on supervision from release from prison or jail within five years of the date of initial eligibility determination.

According to the Colorado State Demographer, the number of older adults below the federal poverty level will greatly increase. The human and fiscal impacts are vast. As older adults age, their economic resources dwindle. The 2020 Census found approximately 56,000 persons 65 years and older in Colorado below the federally designated poverty level. If the same percentage (9.9%) of older adults 65 years and older are below the federal poverty level in 2030, Colorado will have more than 72,000 older adults below the federal poverty level. In 2030 more than 100,000 older adults 65 years and older may be below the federal poverty level and in 2040 close to 116,000 may be below the federal poverty level. 

The 2000 Census found approximately 71,000 older adults 65 years and older in Colorado below 150% of the federally designated poverty level. In 2010, Colorado had approximately 92,000 older adults below 150% of federal poverty level. In 2020 about 150,000 older adults 65 years and older may be below 150% of the federal poverty level. In 2030 to 2040 there will be over 200,000 people 65 and older that may be below federal poverty level. 

Poverty is substantially more prevalent among Hispanic, Black, and American Indian older adults than for all older adults in Colorado. Poverty is only slightly more prevalent among Asian older adults than all older adults combined. Low-income minority older adults are at a higher risk of being unable to obtain housing and healthcare due to affordability, accessibility, and availability within their communities.