Census ACS 2023 · 500 counties
Youngest US Counties by Median Age
The youngest counties in America are anchored by military bases, large universities, and fast-growing exurbs attracting young families. Counties surrounding Fort Hood, Fort Bragg, and other major military installations routinely have median ages under 30. College-heavy counties like Brazos (Texas A&M) and Whitman (Washington State) also rank among the youngest, with large student populations pulling the median down. Suburban counties near booming Sun Belt metros, particularly in Utah, Texas, and Idaho, round out the list, attracting young married couples with children looking for affordable housing and good schools. A young county population signals economic dynamism, rapid household formation, rising housing demand, and growing political clout through redistricting.
Key Findings
- 1Madison County, ID leads with a median age of 21.4, followed by Lexington city, VA (22.5) and Radford city, VA (23.0).
- 2Gunnison County, CO ranks last at 37.0, while Madison County, ID leads at 21.4.
- 3The national median across all states is 34.8 (Stanislaus County, CA at the midpoint).
- 4The top 10 states are: Madison County, ID, Lexington city, VA, Radford city, VA, Kusilvak Census Area, AK, Chattahoochee County, GA, Williamsburg city, VA, Clay County, SD, Jim Hogg County, TX, Riley County, KS, Harrisonburg city, VA.
Full Ranking: Youngest US Counties by Median Age
Source: Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
Methodology
Rankings are based on American Community Survey (ACS) 2023 5-Year estimates from the US Census Bureau. All 50 states and the District of Columbia are included. The ACS surveys approximately 3.5 million households annually and provides detailed demographic, social, economic, and housing data. 5-Year estimates offer the most reliable data for state-level comparisons by averaging responses over a 60-month period. Percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Madison County, ID has the highest median age at 21.4, according to Census ACS 2023 data. Lexington city, VA and Radford city, VA round out the top three.
Gunnison County, CO has the lowest median age at 37.0. Sumter County, GA is second-lowest at 37.0.
The median across all 500 states is 34.8. Note that the national median and the state-level median are calculated differently, the state median represents the midpoint when all states are ranked.
This data comes from the American Community Survey (ACS) 2023 5-Year estimates published by the US Census Bureau. The ACS surveys approximately 3.5 million households annually and provides the most comprehensive demographic data available between decennial censuses.
Rankings are based on the latest available Census ACS data (currently 2023 5-Year estimates). The Census Bureau releases new ACS data annually, typically in September. Our data was last updated on April 12, 2026.
Rankings are based on American Community Survey (ACS) 2023 5-Year estimates from the US Census Bureau. All 50 states and the District of Columbia are included. The ACS surveys approximately 3.5 million households annually and provides detailed demographic, social, economic, and housing data. 5-Year estimates offer the most reliable data for state-level comparisons by averaging responses over a 60-month period. Percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.