Reference guide
U.S. Veteran and Military Family Statistics
Current facts about America's veteran community and active-duty families, collected in one easy-to-cite place.
Last updated September 7, 2026. Source years are shown with each statistic.
At a glance
Veterans, military families, community groups, and the people who appreciate them are part of the fabric of daily American life. The figures below come from public sources and are presented with their original source year so readers can use them accurately.
15.8 million
military veterans lived in the United States in 2023
That represented 6.1% of the civilian population age 18 and older.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-year estimates1.7 million
veterans in 2023 were women
Women made up 10.9% of the U.S. veteran population.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-year estimates33.0%
of veterans served during the Vietnam War
The Census Bureau reported this as the largest service-period share in its 2023 profile.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-year estimates28.0%
of veterans served during the Post-9/11 period
The period begins in September 2001.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-year estimates27.9%
of veterans were age 75 or older in 2023
Veterans younger than 35 made up 8.3% of the veteran population.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-year estimates17.9m to 11.2m
projected veteran population change from FY 2024 to FY 2053
The VA projects an average annual decline of 232,000 veterans over that period.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VetPop2023 projections11.7%
of the veteran population was projected to be women in FY 2024
The VA projects that share will reach 18.7% by FY 2053.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VetPop2023 projections69%
of civilian active-duty spouses were in the labor force in 2024
That was up from 64% in 2021, according to the active-duty spouse survey.
Source: Military OneSource, 2024 Survey of Active Duty SpousesHow to read these figures
Different sources answer different questions.
The Census Bureau reports survey estimates for the civilian population. The Department of Veterans Affairs publishes long-range population projections. Military OneSource reports findings from active-duty spouse surveys. Because their definitions and timing differ, figures from separate sources should not be treated as interchangeable.
For a thoughtful way to recognize someone in your life, visit our gift guide for veterans or browse gifts with heart.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about U.S. veterans
How many veterans are there in the United States?
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated that 15.8 million military veterans lived in the United States in 2023. That estimate covers veterans in the civilian population age 18 and older.
What percentage of the U.S. population are veterans?
In 2023, veterans represented 6.1% of the civilian U.S. population age 18 and older, according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey 1-year estimates.
Why do veteran population totals differ between sources?
The Census Bureau reports survey estimates for the civilian population, while the Department of Veterans Affairs publishes long-range projections. The figures can differ because the source, definition, and reporting period are not the same.
Where do these veteran and military family statistics come from?
The figures on this page come from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Military OneSource. Each statistic includes its source and source year.
Methodology and sources
Where these statistics come from
- U.S. Census Bureau, Veterans Day 2024, using 2023 American Community Survey 1-year estimates.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VetPop2023 Data Story, published August 2024 and presenting projections from FY 2023 through FY 2053.
- Military OneSource, 2024 Survey of Active Duty Spouses.
Cite this page
Sugah Dumplins. “U.S. Veteran and Military Family Statistics.” Updated September 7, 2026. Use the source links above when you need the original data.