AARP's current membership size

AARP has roughly 37 to 38 million members as of 2024, making it one of the largest membership organizations in the United States. The exact number shifts month to month as people join and leave, so you will see slightly different figures depending on when AARP reports its count. The organization does not publish real-time membership numbers on a daily basis.

Membership has grown and shrunk over AARP's 60-year history. The organization peaked at around 37 to 38 million members in the early 2020s, then saw some decline during the pandemic years. Current numbers suggest the organization has stabilized near that range again. About one in three Americans over age 50 holds an AARP membership, though many older adults choose not to join.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP's membership is approximately 37 to 38 million people, though the exact count changes as members join and leave throughout the year.
  • The organization publishes membership figures in its annual reports and public filings with the IRS, not in real-time updates.
  • Membership numbers have fluctuated over the past decade but have remained in the tens of millions as Baby Boomers reached age 50.
  • AARP membership is open to anyone 50 and older, and the organization also counts some younger family members on family memberships.
  • Membership dues cost around $16 per year, and AARP frequently offers discounted rates for new members.

Why AARP tracks and reports membership numbers

AARP publishes its membership count because it is a nonprofit organization that files annual reports with the IRS and state regulators. These filings are public record. The organization also uses membership numbers in its own communications to show its reach and influence when advocating for policy changes on issues affecting older adults.

The size of AARP's membership matters to lawmakers and policymakers because it represents a significant voting bloc. When AARP takes a position on Social Security, Medicare, prescription drug pricing, or age discrimination, elected officials pay attention partly because the organization claims to speak for tens of millions of people. This political weight is one reason AARP's membership numbers are cited frequently in news coverage of aging policy.

Where membership numbers come from

AARP reports its membership figures in its annual Form 990, which is the tax return that all large nonprofits must file with the IRS. This document is available to the public through the IRS website and through nonprofit databases like GuideStar and ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer. AARP also includes membership numbers in its annual reports and press releases.

The organization counts a person as a member if they have paid their annual membership dues. AARP membership costs around $16 per year for a single membership, though the organization frequently offers discounted rates for new members—sometimes as low as $1 for the first year. Family memberships, which can include a spouse or partner and sometimes adult children, are also available at a higher annual cost.

How membership has changed over time

AARP's membership grew steadily from its founding in 1958 through the early 2000s as the Baby Boomer generation reached age 50. The organization crossed 30 million members in the 1990s and continued climbing through the 2010s. By 2019, AARP reported membership near 37 to 38 million, representing the peak of its reach.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, membership declined slightly as some older adults faced financial hardship and let their memberships lapse. The organization also saw some members drop out due to disagreements over its political positions on pandemic-related policies. In recent years, membership has stabilized and begun to recover as more Baby Boomers reach the age threshold for joining and as economic conditions improved for many older adults.

What membership numbers tell you about AARP's influence

With 37 to 38 million members, AARP reaches roughly one in three Americans over age 50. This does not mean one in three older adults are members—many people in that age group do not join—but it does mean AARP's voice carries significant weight in debates about aging policy. The organization's size gives it leverage in negotiations with Congress, state legislatures, and federal agencies.

The organization uses its membership base to fund its operations, which include lobbying, research, publications, and member services like discounts on insurance and financial products. Membership dues are one revenue stream; AARP also earns money through partnerships with insurance companies, financial services firms, and other businesses that offer discounts to members. These partnerships generate substantial revenue that supports AARP's advocacy work.

How AARP membership compares to other organizations

AARP's 37 to 38 million members make it larger than most other membership organizations in the country. For comparison, the National Rifle Association has roughly 5 to 6 million members, and the American Legion has around 1.3 million. Few organizations in any sector—nonprofit, civic, or commercial—can claim a membership base as large as AARP's.

This scale is one reason AARP is often described as one of the most powerful advocacy organizations in the United States. When the organization takes a public position on a policy issue, the sheer number of people it claims to represent gives that position weight in political discussions, even when not all members agree with the organization's stance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AARP membership required to read their articles and resources?

No. AARP publishes much of its content online for free, including health information, caregiving guides, and news articles. You do not need to be a member to read most of what AARP publishes. Membership gives you access to additional discounts and member-only content, but the organization's educational material is broadly available.

How do I know if AARP's membership numbers are accurate?

AARP's membership figures come from its annual Form 990 filing with the IRS, which is a legal document subject to audit. The organization is required by law to report accurate numbers. You can view AARP's most recent Form 990 through the IRS website or through nonprofit databases like ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer.

Does AARP membership include people under 50?

AARP's primary membership is for people 50 and older, but the organization does offer family memberships that can include younger spouses or partners. Some younger people also join as associate members. The vast majority of AARP's 37 to 38 million members are age 50 and above.

Why did AARP's membership drop during the pandemic?

Some older adults faced financial hardship during COVID-19 and could not afford the annual membership fee. Others reduced spending on memberships they viewed as optional. Additionally, some members disagreed with AARP's positions on pandemic-related policies and chose to leave. The decline was modest compared to the overall membership base.

Can I cancel my AARP membership anytime?

Yes. AARP allows members to cancel their membership at any time. You can cancel online through your AARP account, by phone, or by mail. If you cancel partway through your membership year, AARP's refund policy varies depending on how long you have been a member, so check the organization's website or contact customer service for details about your specific situation.