40 Assisted Living Statistics for 2025

Assisted living is a type of care for seniors who need support with daily tasks but prefer to live independently. In assisted living facilities, residents get their own accommodation and have access to personal care, meals, and communal areas.

Assisted living is a great option for several reasons. It allows residents to maintain a sense of independence, socialize, and feel secure in their environment, all in addition to ensuring access to services such as medical management, meal preparation and housekeeping. 

To help you decide whether assisted living is the right decision for you or your loved ones, we’ve compiled this list of statistics to give you a better understanding of the facilities available.  For more resources, check out our assisted living resource hub.

1. Around Half (53%) of the residents in assisted living are over 85 years of age

America has a total assisted living population of 1,016,400 residents, according to the National Center for Assisted Living. Just over half (53%) of these residents are aged 85 and above, meaning there are 538,692 residents aged 85 and above. 

This figure is even higher in South Dakota, where almost two-thirds (64%) of the population in assisted living facilities (ALFs) are 85 or older. 

2. Around one-third (31%) of residents in assisted living are between 75 and 84 years of age

There are around 315,000 residents in assisted living facilities between the ages of 75 and 84 years old. Idaho has the highest percentage of 75 to 84-year-olds in assisted living, with two out of five residents (40%) being between these ages. 

3. The average age of residents in assisted living is around 84 years old

Some assisted living facilities accept seniors as young as 55. However, the average age of residents is six years above the life expectancy in the U.S., which the CDC listed in 2023 as 78 years old.

4. Almost seven out of 10 (67%) residents in assisted living are women

Out of the one million assisted living residents, around 680,000 are women. Women also have a higher life expectancy, at 81.1 years, compared to 75.8 years for men. 

5. Residents in assisted living stay for a median of 22 months

The median stay for residents is just under two years. After these two years, around 60% will leave assisted living and transition to a skilled nursing center. 

1. Four out of 10 (44%) residents are living with Alzheimer's disease or dementia

Alzheimer’s and other dementias can cause memory loss and confusion, and in more severe cases, it can cause changes in personality and challenges with daily activities. While those with early-stage dementia often receive care at home (per Caring’s dementia caregiving poll) people with later stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s often receive care in facilities. There are 447,216 people in assisted living managing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. 

2. The most common medical condition in assisted living communities is high blood pressure. Over half of the residents (58%) experience it

Around 589,000 people in assisted living are living with high blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause severe headaches, vision problems, and fatigue. 

3. Almost one in three (33%) people in assisted living have heart disease

Heart disease is a condition that affects almost 335,000 people in assisted living facilities. It’s a disease that can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and nausea. 

4. 16% of people living in assisted living communities have diabetes

Over one in six people suffer from diabetes in assisted living communities. This equates to around 162,000 out of the one million residents in assisted living. 

Seniors with diabetes need additional assistance managing medication and blood sugar levels. Blurred vision, a common symptom of diabetes, can also cause difficulty administering insulin.

 

1. Nursing care has the most beds and units compared to any facility type, with over 1.3 million

Nursing care provides medical and personal support from trained professionals in a hospital or nursing home setting. These units typically offer 24/7 support, medication management, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). These nursing homes are designed for those living with dementia, Parkinson's disease, and those recovering from a stroke. 

2. The second largest care type is independent living, which has 625,100 beds and 756,112 units 

Independent living encourages older people to maintain their independence whilst having support from a community and services when needed. Independent living facilities have also grown the most, with a 4.64% increase in units from 2019 to 2022. 

3. Assisted living is the third biggest care type in the U.S., with 743,500 beds and units 

Assisted living facilities also grew by 3.68%, the second-highest growth rate of any care type. 

4. Memory care is the smallest care type compared to these four care segments, with just 255,100 beds and 255,100 units 

Memory care is a long-term care designed to support those living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. The difference between memory care and assisted living is that memory care offers a more structured environment and tailored care. Memory care facilities have grown by 3.2%, the third-highest of these types. 

5. Despite having the most beds and units, nursing care units have decreased by 6.34%, from 1.46 million in 2019 to 1.37 million in 2022 

The decreased number of nursing homes is partly due to people opting for a more community-based setting. Workforce shortages and financial challenges have also contributed to the reduction. 

Wondering how to pay for assisted living, or even how much to pay for assisted living? Here’s the rundown.

1. Hawaii has the most expensive assisted living facilities, costing $135,735/ year 

The monthly cost in Hawaii is $11,311/month and $372/day. 

2. South Dakota has the cheapest assisted living facilities, costing an average of $52,200/year 

This is a monthly cost of $4,350 and a daily cost of $143, working out at more than half the price of Hawaii. 

3. On average, assisted living in the U.S. will cost $76,375 annually, $6,299 monthly, and $207 daily. 

The median cost — not to be confused with the average cost — for assisted living in the U.S. is $71,400 annually. The monthly cost is $5,950, and the daily cost is $196.

Fast stats on ALF capacity and occupancy in the U.S.

1. California has the most facilities of any state in the U.S., with 5,900 ALFs 

With 99,162 assisted living residents statewide, there are approximately 17 people per facility in California. ALFs vary in size, so this isn’t to say each assisted living facility in California contains only 17 residents, but rather to underscore the typical staff-to-resident ratio compared to states with fewer facilities.

2. Wyoming has the fewest assisted living facilities, with just 20 in the entire state 

Wyoming has close to 2,000 residents in assisted living facilities, meaning there are around 97 residents per facility in this state. 

3. Florida and Washington have the second and third-highest number of facilities, with 2,400 and 2,000, respectively

Florida’s assisted living facilities have around 31 residents per facility, whereas Washington’s facilities have just seven residents per facility, one of the lowest in the U.S. 

4. California has the highest capacity within its facilities, being able to house 127,000 residents 

California’s assisted living facilities currently house almost 100,000 people, meaning this state has room to support over 27,000 more residents. 

5. Despite having just 200 facilities, New Jersey has a maximum capacity of 21,300

Further underscoring the variety in ALF size, New Jersey’s assisted living facilities can accommodate an average of 107 people per facility.  

6. Hawaii has the lowest capacity per facility, with just 17 residents per assisted living community 

Hawaii has 300 assisted living facilities, capable of providing care to 5,200 residents. Hawaii is currently the home of 3,295 assisted living residents, meaning that Hawaii could support an additional 2,000 residents. 

8. The U.S. has 29,490 facilities shared across its 50 states, with a maximum capacity of 1,000,200 people

On average, America has around 35 residents per facility. The average number of assisted living facilities per state is 590, and the average maximum capacity per state is 20,000. 

1. On average, the staff-to-resident ratio in the U.S. is between 1:6 and 1:20, meaning that there is one staff member for every six or 20 residents 

Having an appropriate staff-to-resident ratio is essential for maintaining a short response time, ensuring personalized care, and preventing staff burnout. 

2. The median annual wage for staff working in assisted living facilities is $36,280 

Those working in assisted living earn the second-highest annual salary compared to other care industries. Those working in residential intellectual and developmental disability facilities earn slightly more, at $36,400, while home health care aides and individual and family service workers earn slightly less. 

3. The lowest 10% of earners earn less than $25,600/year, and the highest 10% earn above $44,190 

Each year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects there will be over 700,000 openings for home health and personal care aides. By 2033, there are estimated to be 4.7 million people employed as home health and personal care aides, an increase of 21%. 

How assisted living staffing breaks down per state.

1. California has the most staff working in assisted living communities, with a total of 82,179 care staff. 

California has over 31,000 more staff members than any other state. Of California’s residents, 64% need help bathing, half (50%) need help walking, and a quarter (25%) need help eating. 

2. Florida and Texas have the second and third highest numbers of care staff, with 51,881 and 35,261 members of staff in assisted living communities, respectively

Florida’s assisted living workforce contributes $659 million in federal tax revenue each year, while Texas’s contribute $394 million. 

3. Alaska has the smallest assisted living workforce, with just 596 care staff in assisted living communities

Alaska’s assisted living workforce contributes $7 million to the economy each year. Alaska’s assisted living residents are quite young, with 14% under the age of 65. The staff also helps 81% of the residents with bathing, 72% with dressing, and 43% with eating. 

4. Wyoming and North Dakota have the second and third-fewest staff members, with 894 and 1,137 workers in assisted living communities, respectively

North Dakota’s assisted living workforce contributes more in tax revenue than Wyoming, with the former contributing $13 million compared to the latter's $11 million. 

5. The U.S. has 493,604 people working in assisted living, and the total number of full-time carers employed is 298,800

The total tax revenue of those in assisted living professions is $9.5 billion. 

 

1. The majority of workers (75%) in assisted living communities are aides

Aide workers help senior patients with daily tasks and activities. They usually work in a home setting. 

2. Around 12% workers are licensed practical or vocational nurses

Licensed practical nurses provide assistance to the sick, injured, or disabled. They administer medication and monitor progress. Vocational nurses collect samples, replace bandages, and check vital signs for sick, injured, or disabled patients.

3. Around 13% of workers in assisted living are registered nurses

Registered nurses have a wide range of responsibilities. They will develop care plans, assess patients, and work to educate both the patient and their family. 

Many assisted living providers manage facilities in more than one state. Here are some of the big names you’re likely to run into on your search for assisted living.

 

1. Brookdale Senior Living has the most senior living facilities, with over 650 in the U.S

Brookdale Senior Living operates in 41 states, the third-highest in the country. Its facilities have an average of 92 residents, and they are home to around 60,000 residents. 

 

2. Atria operates in the most states in the U.S., with its facilities operating in 44 states 

Atria is home to 340 facilities, the third-highest number of facilities under one provider in the U.S. It’s also home to over 39,000 residents across its communities. 

1. The global senior care market is valued at $49.29 billion 

The valuation is expected to grow to $98.19 billion by 2032, a compound annual growth rate of 9%. 

2. In 2020, around 52% of long-term care was funded by Medicaid, equating to $200.1 billion

In some states, to qualify for Medicaid-funded long-term care, you must earn below a specific threshold. In other states, your assets and income are taken into account, leading many people to spend down their income in order to qualify. Spending down works similarly to a deductible, meaning you’ll be responsible for payments before Medicaid begins to cover the costs. 

3. Private spending totaled $131.6 billion, or 33% of the total amount spent on long-term care in the U.S 

Almost half ($64 billion) of this total came from patients paying out of their pocket, and $36.9 billion was funded by private medical insurance. The other $30 billion was sourced from fundraising organizations, foundations, and other corporations. 

4. The U.S. spends less on long-term health care than other high-income countries, spending just 8% of its total health care expenditure on long-term care 

Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Norway spend more than 20% of their total health care expenditure on long-term care.

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