2006 Youth Demographics

Young People in the Numbers

There are 41.9 million 18-29 year-old citizens in the United States, over twice the number of 66-77 year-olds (20.3 million). Source: Census Bureau CPS 2006

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 73.9 million 0-17 year-old residents, almost as many as the Baby Boomers (77 million between the ages of 42 and 60).

The majority of young* African-Americans (53%) were female in 2006.

13.3% of 18 to 25 year old residents are immigrants.

The majority of young Hispanics (54%) were male in 2006.

Young Americans are 29.1 percentage points less likely to be married than they were in 1968.

Source: 2006 Youth Demographics and Immigrant Youth Demographics

Changes in Race and Ethnicity
Between 1968 and 2006, the percentage of young residents who are white has steadily fallen from approximately 88% in 1968 to approximately 62% in 2006.

The percentage of young residents who are Hispanic has grown over 10 percentage points from 8% in 1976 to 18% in 2006.

Among all immigrant residents, ages 18 to 25, 59% are Latino.

Source: 2006 Youth Demographics and Immigrant Youth Demographics

Education
High School
21% of 18-25 year olds do not have a high school diploma, which is over six percentage points lower than in 1968 (27%).

Nearly 39% of young Hispanic 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 Hispanic residents have had no college experience.

Source: 2006 Youth Demographics

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