Yes.
A growing number of South Dakotans continue to work past retirement age.
In 2018, a quarter of South Dakotans 65 and older were in the labor force. Five years later, that number climbed to 29%, above the national rate of 19%.
As of July 2024, 18% of South Dakotans were 65 and older. That's up from 14% in 2010.
From 2000-2020 the nationwide share of workers 60 and older doubled, due in part to the aging population and falling birth rates.
Other contributing factors include employers shifting away from pension-type retirement plans, which encourage workers to retire at a specific age, and the Social Security system raising the age for when workers can receive full benefits from 65 to 67.
This fact brief responds to conversations such as this one.
Sources
South Dakota Department of Labor, 2018 Workforce Report
South Dakota Department of Labor, 2023 Workforce Report
United States Census, Population 65 and Older 2024
United States Census, Population 65 and Older 2010
National Academies, Understanding the Aging Workforce
Pew Research Center, The growth of the older workforce
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