Marin County is getting older. A recent Marin Independent Journal article reports that nearly one in four Marin residents is now over the age of 65. This mirrors a national trend: older adults are the fastest-growing age group in the Bay Area and across the U.S. But in Marin, the aging population is growing faster than the housing system can support.

Much of Marin’s housing was built decades ago, before accessibility standards were common. As more seniors wish to stay in their homes, the lack of accessible, affordable housing creates serious barriers. Many older adults in Marin live on fixed incomes, making it difficult to afford the rising cost of housing. This is a key reason why older adults are now the fastest-growing group among those experiencing housing instability and homelessness.

According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, 37% of households headed by someone aged 80 or older are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing. For low-income renters, the situation is even more severe. Federal rental assistance programs exist, but only about one-third of eligible older adults receive help due to long waitlists and limited funding.

For community land trusts and affordable housing organizations, these trends highlight the urgent need to develop housing that meets the needs of older adults. Affordable homes must also be designed for accessibility, located near essential services, and support seniors’ ability to age in place.

Marin’s aging population is not a future problem—it is happening now. Solutions must address both affordability and the physical design of homes to ensure that aging people can remain safe, stable, and connected in their communities.

Article:
Seniors Are the Fastest-Growing Age Group in the Bay Area and Nationwide