December 10, 2025

The U.S. Workforce is Aging
Aging People

The U.S. Workforce is Aging – And It’s Not Evenly Spread

New Census data confirms what many of us in site selection have suspected: the American workforce is aging fast, and the impact varies widely by industry.

Age by Industries

Workers 55+ now make up nearly a quarter of the labor force.

  • In Utilities, 80 percent of firms say at least a quarter of their workforce is over 55.
  • In Hospitality, it’s closer to ten percent.

That spread matters.

On paper, some markets still look rich with experienced talent. But when you factor in retirement timelines, that same talent pool can shrink quickly.

We’ve seen companies move forward with locations that looked strong at first glance, only to find that most of the workforce they were counting on would be gone within a decade.

This is where site selection becomes strategic instead of transactional. It’s not just about incentives or real estate. It’s about understanding whether a community can sustain your talent needs over the long term.

Your next location decision isn’t just about real estate—it’s about securing the talent and incentives that will fuel your growth.

Workforce dynamics, like an aging labor pool, can create hidden risks that stall projects and erode ROI. The right advisor can help you uncover these risks and turn them into opportunities with customized tax credits, workforce development programs, and incentive packages that exceed your financial goals.

Ready to make your next move your smartest move yet?

Partner with experts who know how to negotiate beyond the basics. Connect with us today and let’s build a site selection strategy that delivers long-term success.

The information contained herein is general in nature and is not intended and should not be construed as legal, accounting, or tax advice or opinion provided by Ashmore Consulting LLC to the reader. The reader is also cautioned that this material may not be applicable to, or suitable for, the reader’s specific circumstances or needs and may require consideration of non-tax and other tax factors if any action is to be contemplated. The reader should contact Ashmore Consulting LLC or another tax professional prior to taking any action based upon this information. Ashmore Consulting LLC assumes no obligation to inform the reader of any changes in tax laws or other factors that could affect the information contained herein.