Whether you’re researching care for an aging parent, running an assisted living community, or studying the senior care market, the numbers on this page will help you make sense of where assisted living stands in 2026.
Below you’ll find current statistics on what assisted living actually costs, how many Americans live in these communities today, how long the average resident stays, and how fast demand is projected to grow over the next 15 years.
You’ll also see how assisted living compares to nursing homes and in-home care on price, and what share of older adults are choosing each path.
Each statistic includes context on what it means for families weighing their options and for operators planning around the aging population.
Bookmark the page — the figures here are useful any time you’re comparing care costs, doing marketing for a senior living community, or trying to understand the direction the industry is heading.
How much does assisted living cost in the US on average?
The average cost of assisted living in the U.S. is about $4,500 per month, or around $54,000 per year. In comparison, a shared room in a nursing home can cost about $93,072 per year, while home care services average around $24 per hour. Home care agencies can leverage this statistic by marketing their services as a more affordable alternative to assisted living..
How much are home health jobs projected to grow in the next 10 years?
Home health and personal care aide jobs are projected to grow by 21% over the next decade, with about 718,900 job openings expected each year. This rapid growth reflects the increasing demand for in-home care, highlighting an opportunity for home care agencies to expand their workforce to meet the needs of the aging population.
How many residential communities are privately owned?
About 80% of senior residential care communities are privately owned. Most senior living facilities are run by private companies, so it’s important for home care agencies to stand out by offering more personalized, flexible support at home.
What is the need for senior care expected to grow by 2030?
With the demand for senior care expected to grow by nearly 80% by 2030, home care agencies have an opportunity to scale their services to meet this increasing need. This anticipated surge highlights the importance of diversifying care options, including in-home support and partnerships with assisted living communities, to stay ahead in the evolving senior care market.
How many people live in long-term care settings in the US?
About 2.2 million people currently live in long-term care settings in the U.S., and skilled nursing facilities serve around 3.9 million people each year for both short- and long-term stays. These numbers show just how many seniors need regular support, creating a clear opportunity for home care agencies to offer more flexible, in-home options for families looking beyond traditional facilities.
How many assisted living facilities are there in the US?
There are approximately 32,231 assisted living communities with nearly 1.2 million licensed beds in the United States. For home care agencies, this highlights the competition within the senior care market and the importance of positioning in-home care services as a flexible and appealing alternative to assisted living facilities.
How many seniors are choosing to “age in place?”
Many older adults are choosing to age in place, with 77% of adults over the age of 50 preferring to remain in their own homes as they age. This preference underscores the growing demand for home care services that enable seniors to maintain independence while receiving necessary support in their familiar surroundings.
How many people live in assisted living facilities throughout the US?
Over 800,000 Americans live in assisted living facilities, relying on these communities for a blend of residential care and support with daily living activities. As the need for assisted living care continues to grow, there’s a clear opportunity to provide alternative options like in-home support, which can appeal to those seeking more personalized and flexible care arrangements.
What percentage of seniors currently live in assisted living?
About 1.4% of seniors in the United States currently live in assisted living communities. Most older adults are choosing to remain at home—giving home care agencies a chance to support seniors seeking quality support without moving into a facility.
How much is the number of people in assisted-living accommodations today expected to grow by 2040?
The number of assisted living residents is expected to more than double, reaching about 2 million by 2040. To meet this demand, the U.S. will need nearly 1 million new senior living units. This growth highlights the need for more care options, presenting opportunities for home care agencies to support seniors who prefer to remain at home.
How long is the average length of stay in an assisted living facility?
On average, residents stay in assisted living facilities for about 22 months. This period reflects the transitional nature of many assisted living communities, where residents may move on to skilled nursing facilities or return to independent living. It highlights the importance of offering flexible care options to meet various senior needs.
How many people will require assisted living care in their lifetime?
Approximately 7 out of 10 people will need assisted living care at some point in their lives, reflecting the widespread need for supportive services among the aging population. This statistic emphasizes the growing demand for assisted living communities, residential care communities, and in-home care solutions in the broader senior living industry.
Sources
“Assisted Living Facts and Figures.” American Health Care Association, National Center for Assisted Living. https://www.ahcancal.org/Assisted-Living/Facts-and-Figures/Pages/default.aspx
“Occupational Outlook Handbook: Home Health and Personal Care Aides.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Aug. 29, 2024. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home-health-aides-and-personal-care-aides.htm
“7 Undervalued REITs to Protect Against a Housing Crisis.” Jeremy Flint. InvestorPlace. Oct. 17, 2023. https://investorplace.com/2023/10/7-undervalued-reits-to-protect-against-a-housing-crisis/
“Health Care and Insurance: Residential Care Communities.” National Center for Health Statistics. April 15, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/residential-care-communities.htm
“Aging In Place Statistics And Facts In 2024.” Deb Hipp. Forbes.
May 2, 2024. https://www.forbes.com/health/healthy-aging/aging-in-place-statistics/
“New Trends in Retirement Living.” Sherri Snelling. Next Avenue. June 27, 2022. https://www.nextavenue.org/new-trends-in-retirement-living/
“Facts and Figures.” American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). https://www.ahcancal.org/Assisted-Living/Facts-and-Figures/Pages/default.aspx
“Assisted Living Statistics.” ConsumerAffairs. https://www.consumeraffairs.com/assisted-living/statistics.html
