Eagle Scouts are getting older, and that’s not a bad thing.
In 1949, the average age of Eagle Scouts was 14.6 years. In 2016, that number was 17.35 years old. (That’s 17 years, 127.75 days.)
I see two explanations.
First, young men are staying in Scouting longer, meaning they’re enjoying the program and not feeling the rush to earn Eagle until they see their 18th birthday on the horizon.
But also today’s teen is busier than ever, with school, sports, church, friends and a job all competing for his time.
That average Eagle Scout age has been pretty consistent in recent years. Indeed, the change from 2015 to 2016 was just 0.01 years — or 3.65 days.
| 2009 | 17 years, 116.8 days |
| 2010 | 17 years, 87.6 days |
| 2011 | 17 years, 116.8 days |
| 2012 | 17 years, 84.0 days |
| 2013 | 17 years, 87.6 days |
| 2014 | 17 years, 113.2 days |
| 2015 | 17 years, 124.1 days |
| 2016 | 17 years, 127.8 days |
Discussion question: How does this compare to the age of Eagle Scouts in your troop?
What’s the regional breakdown?
On average, Eagle Scouts are younger in the Western Region and older in the Northeast.
| Western | 17 years, 29.2 days |
| Southern | 17 years, 113.2 days |
| Central | 17 years, 164.3 days |
| Northeast | 17 years, 200.8 days |
For more Eagle Scout stats, click here.
Hat tip: Thanks to the BSA’s Mike Lo Vecchio for the data.
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