Young People in the Numbers

There were over 32 million young residents in the United States in 2006, the majority of which were male.

Nationally, 18-25 year-olds make up 14% of the population of eligible voters in the United States; 18-29 year-olds make up 21% of the voting eligible population. (CPS 2006)

In 2006 there were 70 million 0-17 year-old residents, almost as many as the Baby Boomers (77 million).

The majority of young Latinos and Asian-Americans were male in 2006. The majority of young African-Americans were female.

Young Americans were 28 percentage points less likely to be married than they were in 1972.

Nearly 20 percent of all young Americans were either immigrants or the children of immigrants in 2006.

Sources: 2006 Youth Demographic and Immigrant Youth Demographics

Changes in Race and Ethnicity
Between 1976 and 2006, the percentage of young residents who are white has steadily fallen from approximately 79% in 1976 to approximately 62% in 2006.

The percentage of young residents who are Latinos grew 10 percentage points from 8% in 1976 to 18% in 2006.

Source: 2006 Youth Demographics

Education
High School
21% of 18-25 year olds do not have a high school diploma (the same as in 1972).

Nearly 40% of young Latinos residents do not have a high school diploma.

Approximately 22% of young African-Americans do not have a high school diploma.

College
50% of all 18-25 year-olds have had no college experience.

70% of young Latinos residents have had no college experience.

Source: 2006 Youth Demographics

* Unless otherwise noted young people are defined as 18-25 year olds.

Resources:

For more information on youth demographics:

Fact sheets:

Research Report:

The 2006 Civic and Political Health of the Nation Report