Nearly one in four Montgomery County residents is 60 or older, and that share is set to climb sharply over the next two decades.
A community needs assessment released by Age-Friendly Montgomery on Thursday, Oct. 8, found that about 24% of county residents were age 60 or older in 2025. The over-60 population is projected to grow nearly four times as fast as the under-60 population through 2045, according to the county's announcement. Residents 80 and older are growing even faster, making them the county's fastest-expanding demographic group.
The shift matters for housing. Households headed by adults 65 and older have an 80% homeownership rate countywide, well above the overall rate of 64%, according to the study, as WTOP reported. The assessment named affordable, accessible housing as one of its five top priorities.
County Executive Marc Elrich called for the county to adapt.
"We need to make sure the County adapts to meet the needs of residents through all stages of their lives," Elrich said in a statement accompanying the report. "Understanding their experiences here and now is vital to that work."
Five priorities
Consulting firm Ascendient, Inc. conducted the assessment between late 2025 and early 2026 using a countywide survey, listening sessions and focus groups. The study identified five priorities for county leaders and community partners:
- Social connection
- Prevention of abuse and financial exploitation
- Access to information
- Health services navigation
- Affordable, accessible housing
The assessment also flagged populations that need additional support. They include residents who live alone, those without nearby adult children, Upcounty and rural residents, non-English speakers, Black and African American residents, LGBTQ+ residents, low-income residents and people with dementia and their caregivers.
What comes next
Age-Friendly Montgomery is a cross-sector program led by the directors of the Department of Health and Human Services and Montgomery County Recreation. The county joined the World Health Organization (WHO) and AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities in December 2015. The network now includes more than 1,000 communities nationwide.
A new Age-Friendly Action Plan will follow the assessment, according to the county's website. The plan will outline goals, strategies and progress measures. No timeline or public comment deadline has been announced.
The full report and a 20-page summary are available on the Montgomery County government website. Residents who want to get involved can contact Age-Friendly Program Manager Shawn Brennan at [email protected] or 240-777-1350.
