Annual LeadingAge Ziegler LZ 200 Report Highlights Trends in Senior Living Industry
The collaboration between LeadingAge and Ziegler has culminated in the release of the 23rd Annual LeadingAge Ziegler (LZ 200) report, which offers a comprehensive analysis of the largest nonprofit senior living organizations in the United States. Released on September 15, 2026, the report evaluates data as of December 31, 2025, showcasing the ongoing developments and innovations in the senior living industry. This year’s report includes insights into more than 300,000 market-rate units across nearly 1,650 communities nationwide.
This annual report serves as a crucial resource for understanding the landscape of senior living services, which cater to a growing elderly population. The findings indicate a trend where nonprofit providers are experiencing growth primarily through the expansion of existing facilities and strategic affiliations or acquisitions. Notably, the top 10 largest nonprofit multi-site senior living providers dominate the market share, collectively representing a significant portion of all units listed in the LZ 200.
The top providers identified this year include prominent organizations such as National Senior Communities from Washington, DC, and The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society based in Sioux Falls, SD. Other notable organizations on the list are Presbyterian Homes and Services, Acts Retirement-Life Communities, Inc., and Ascension Living, among others. These organizations exemplify excellence in managing and developing senior living services and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of aging services in America.
The report astutely highlights an annual growth rate of 2.7% in total units since 2015, demonstrating resilience in the sector, especially in independent and assisted living facilities. In contrast, the number of nursing care beds is on the decline, reflecting changing preferences among older adults seeking more independent lifestyles. According to Katie Smith Sloan, the president and CEO of LeadingAge, this report is not just a statistical evaluation but also a qualitative guide to understanding how nonprofit and mission-driven entities are leading trends in the senior living space.
Ziegler's President and CEO, Dan Hermann, emphasized the importance of the LZ 200 report in capturing the behaviors and characteristics of the largest providers in the nation. The insights gleaned from this report facilitate an understanding of both regional and national trends, offering a roadmap for potential growth within the nonprofit sector. With the report’s expansion over the years from LZ 100 to LZ 200, it reflects the growing interest and complexity of the senior living industry.
The LZ 200 report does more than just list organizations; it also delves into crucial business trends affecting the industry, including economic challenges and opportunities within the aging services sector. This focus on data not only assists policymakers and stakeholders in making informed decisions but also aids in strategic planning and fostering competitive growth among nonprofit providers.
In conclusion, the LeadingAge Ziegler LZ 200 report stands as a vital tool for understanding the evolving senior living landscape in the United States. By highlighting key trends and identifying leading organizations in the sector, it supports the continuous improvement and innovative solutions necessary for catering to the diverse needs of older adults. As the population ages, the insights provided here are crucial for shaping the future of senior living services. For those interested in comprehensive data and future projections, the full report is available through their official channels.