Albert Lea’s population appears to be getting older.

According to new data released by the U.S. Census Bureau earlier this month, the median age of Albert Lea residents increased by three years during the last 10 years from 41 to 44.

The largest population age group belongs to the Baby Boomers, specifically those people 50-54 years of age, with 1,237 people, followed by 45-49 year olds, with 1,225 people.

The third largest population age group in the city belongs to children under 5 years of age, with 1,159 people.

Almost 79 percent of the city’s population, or 14,143 people, is 18 and older. The exact same number of people were listed as being 18 and older in 2000.

Interim Albert Lea City Manager Pat McGarvey said he was not surprised to hear the census results and noted they are characteristic of the Midwest.

“For Greater Minnesota and even the first-ring suburbs, they’re going to have a demographic profile almost the same,” McGarvey said. “That would be a pretty common demographic for the majority of Minnesota communities.”

The same trend appears to be true for Freeborn County as a whole, as well, with the largest population groups being 50 to 54 year olds, 45 to 49 year olds and 55 to 59 year olds.

The smallest age group in Freeborn County and Albert Lea alike is the 80 to 84 year olds.

A decrease was seen in the age group of 35 to 44 year olds in Albert Lea, going from 2,584 people in 2000 to 1,921 people in 2010 — a difference of about 663 people.

According to the data, the city’s population is made up of 51.7 percent females and 48.3 percent males.

The median age for the females is 46 years old, while the median age for the males is about 41 years old.