Clare’s population is aging at a faster rate than most other areas in the country.
The latest census figures show the rise in the older population here was 2.5% more than the increase nationally.
Clare FM’s Ben Sweeney has the details:
The latest census figures, which have just been published, show that Clare’s population is continuing to get older.
As of April last year, the average age in the banner stands at 38.5, a rise of more than a year and a half on 2011 figures.
The figures, compiled by the CSO, show the number of pre-school, young adult and adults, which is anyone up to the age of 64, has fallen over the five years, while nationally, only the number of pre-schoolers and young adults has fallen.
The dependancy rate, which refers to anyone under the age of 14 and over the age of 65 was 57.2% in Clare – more than 5% higher than the national average.
While a clear division is emerging between rural and urban areas, with rural dwellers more than two years older on average, than those living in our urban areas.
