| The latest census estimates that West Virginia's population continues to get older.
Based on projections, more than 15 percent of the state's population is 65 years of age and older.
West Virginia was ranked third in the nation, behind Florida and Pennsylvania, in the percentage of older residents.
Bureau of Senior Services Commissioner Ann Stottlemyer says the aging population presents lots of challenges.
Census figures reflect estimated population changes between April 2000 and July, 2003.
During that time West Virginia's population grew by less than one percent and is now estimated at 1,810,000 people.
Although the state gained a few residents, the number of school-aged children continues to decline.
Population estimates show that the number of children age 17 and under fell by more than eleven-thousand during the three-year period.
| 
