Christina Estes/KJZZ

Veterans and civilians gathered to pay their respects at a memorial service for Sgt. Johnson McAfee Jr. in March 2018.

The Department of Veterans Affairs says Arizona ranks 13th in total veteran population. Our state is home to more than half a million men and women who have served our country. That’s about one in 10 adults.

Slightly more than half of Arizona veterans are 65 and older, higher than the national average. We’re also different when it comes to wartime service. Nationally, Gulf War-era veterans make up the largest population, but in Arizona it’s Vietnam War veterans.

By 2037, the nation’s total veteran population is expected to decrease by more than 6 million. And, it will include more veterans of color. The percentage of minorities is expected to increase nearly 10 percent.

Statewide Veteran Population

U.S. Veteran Population

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