Maine's median age in 2010 was 42.7, the Census reported Thursday. That's two years older than the median in Florida, and more than five years above the national median age of 37.2.
"This has been going on for years," said Jim Breece, an economist at the University of Maine. "The biggest factors are the low birth rate here and the out-migration of young families looking for opportunities."
Breece added that the state tends to retain its older residents and has attracted quite a few new retirees from out of state. Some towns are catering to this demographic, building new retirement communities and offering events like concerts and lectures to enrich retirements. ('25 best places to retire')
The nation as a whole grew nearly two years older since the last Census count in 2000, when the median age was 35.3. In 1990, it was just 32.7.
The second oldest state is Vermont, with a median age of 41.5. West Virginia's median is 41.3 and New Hampshire's is 41.1. Seven states have a median age of more than 40 years.
Florida did have the highest percentage of senior citizens -- residents aged 65 or older -- at 17.3%. That was well above the national median of 13%. At 16%, West Virginia has the second highest percentage of senior citizens
