Across the nation, the state of Oregon and the High Desert, the population generally grew a little older between 2010 and 2013, according to estimates released publicly today by the U.S. Census Bureau.

And all three Central Oregon counties had a higher median age on July 1, 2013, than the statewide median age of 39, and the national median age, 37.6, according to the estimates.

Median age represents the midpoint of a population, according to the Census Bureau. Half of the people are older than the median and half younger.

With the youngest baby boomers entering their 50s, an increasing median age for the nation is expected, the agency said in a news release.

But in seven states, including five in the Great Plains, the median age declined between 2012 and 2013. North Dakota, ground zero for the energy boom, had the largest decline, about six months, the estimates show. Alaska and Hawaii also saw a decline in median age in the period.

In Central Oregon, Crook County had the highest median age, 48.4, with both men and women combined, on July 1, 2013. Deschutes County reached a combined median age of 42 as of that date, and Jefferson County’s median age was 40.7.

— Tim Doran, The Bulletin