U.S.: Number of Living WWII Veterans, by year
YearNumber of living veterans
2036311
2035570
20341,013
20331,753
20322,953
20314,853
20307,795
202912,247
202818,849
202728,444
202642,127
202561,256
202487,443
2023122,485
2022168,278
2021226,756
  • Region: United States
  • Time period: 2021 to 2036
  • Published: May 2021

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 28, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Rapid Decline in WWII Veteran Population

By 2024, the number of living U.S. WWII veterans stands at 87,443. This number is projected to decrease sharply to 311 by 2036, illustrating a significant and rapid decline over a 12-year period.

Significant Yearly Reductions

The data reveals an accelerating decrease in the number of WWII veterans, with the population expected to halve from 61,256 in 2025 to 28,444 in 2027, highlighting a critical period of loss within just two years.

Decade of Drastic Declines

Between 2026 and 2036, the number of living veterans is projected to plummet from 42,127 to just 311, showcasing a staggering reduction of over 99% in the veteran population within a decade.

Exponential Rate of Decline

The rate of decline in the number of living WWII veterans increases exponentially towards 2036. For instance, the decrease from 122,485 in 2023 to 87,443 in 2024 is significant, yet the pace accelerates, with the population projected to fall below 1,000 by 2036.

Final Years of Rapid Decreases

The final years from 2030 to 2036 are characterized by especially rapid decreases, with the number of living veterans dropping from 7,795 to 311. These years mark the most pronounced declines in the number of surviving WWII veterans.

Transition to Historical Record

By 2036, the presence of living WWII veterans transitions from a living memory to a matter of historical record, with only 311 veterans projected to be alive, underscoring the importance of preserving their stories and contributions for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many U.S. WWII veterans are projected to be living by 2024 and 2036?

The number of living U.S. WWII veterans is expected to be 87,443 in 2024 and drop sharply to 311 by 2036.

Terms and Definitions

A WWII veteran refers to an individual who has served in the armed forces of a country during World War II. In the context of this article, it generally refers to individuals who have served in the armed forces of the United States during World War II.

The entire military organization of a nation including the Army, Navy, Air Force and, where relevant, the Marines and Coast Guard. These are officially authorized groups that defend their country by force.

Often abbreviated as WWII. It was a global conflict that took place from 1939 to 1945, involving many world's nations. It was the most widespread war in history involving more than 30 nations and resulting in over 70 million fatalities.

A tool or formula used by statistical and governmental bodies to predict the future population of veterans. These projections take several factors into account, including mortality rates, propensity to enlist, and patterns of military service.
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