As of 2023–2024, there are roughly 17.5 to 18 million living U.S. veterans, depending on the source and how “veteran” is defined (for example, whether it includes only those who served in wartime or any active-duty service).

Latest official estimates

The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey counted about 15.8 million adults who identified as veterans in the United States.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), using its own Veteran Population Projection Model (VetPop2023), estimates that in fiscal year 2024 (FY2024), there were about 17.9 million living veterans. This higher number reflects VA’s broader definition, which includes all who served on active duty and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

Breakdown by era of service

Most living veterans today served during the Gulf War era (roughly 1990–present), including the post‑9/11 conflicts:

  • Gulf War era (including post‑9/11): ~7.8 million
  • Vietnam War era (1950–1973): ~5.6 million
  • Korean War era (1940s–1950s): ~767,000
  • World War II era: Fewer than 120,000 (and declining rapidly)

Gender and diversity

Veterans are still mostly male, but the share of women is growing:

  • About 11–12% of veterans are women (roughly 2 million).
  • The VA projects that women will make up nearly 19% of veterans by 2053, while the total veteran population declines.

Trend: the veteran population is shrinking

The number of living U.S. veterans has been steadily decreasing for decades, mainly because older veterans (especially from WWII and Korea) are passing away, and fewer new veterans are entering the population each year.

  • In 2010, there were about 22 million veterans.
  • By 2023, that had fallen to about 18 million.
  • The VA projects that by 2048–2053, the veteran population will drop to around 11–12 million.

Where veterans live

Veterans are spread across all 50 states, but the largest numbers are in:

  • California
  • Texas
  • Florida
  • Pennsylvania
  • New York

About three‑quarters live in urban areas, while roughly a quarter live in rural or small‑town communities.

Bottom line:
Right now, there are about 17.5–18 million living U.S. veterans, but that number is expected to keep falling over the next few decades as the population ages.