Facts That Inform and Inspire
November 5, 2020
8 Facts About America's Veterans
Learn more about those who’ve served our country
On Veterans Day, we pay our respects to the men and women who have served in the armed forces both at home and abroad. But who are these dedicated individuals? Let’s look at the facts.
1) The U.S. has 17.42 million veterans.
Veterans make up 7% of the overall adult population. Nine percent are female and 91% are male. Learn more.
2) 61% of U.S. veterans have been deployed at least once, and 36% have served in a combat zone.
3) 47% of veterans are age 65 or older.
In comparison, 19% of the non-veteran U.S. population is age 65 or older. Learn more.
4) 12% of the veterans in the workforce are women.
Overall, women account for 47% of the American workforce. Learn more.
5) 76% of veterans own a home.
In comparison, 62% of non-veterans own a home. Learn more.
6) 23% of veterans are racial or ethnic minorities.
7) At 11%, Alaska is the state that has the highest proportion of veterans as part of its population.
Montana and Virginia come in second — 10% of their residents are veterans. For the country as a whole, 7% of residents are veterans. Learn more.
8) 79% of U.S. veterans say they would advise a young person close to them to join the military.
Thanks to our friends at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Pew Research Center for the data, collected between 2016 and 2019. Want to learn more? Explore our fascinating facts on Americans and work.
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