re Diverse, More Technologically Saavy
Gen Xers—Mo
Key Birth Years of Gen Xers
IN THE
SPOTLIGHT
1965
Robert Downey Jr.
Rodney King
Sarah Jessica Parker
Scottie Pippen
1966
Adam Sandler
Mike Tyson
Salma Hayek
Toni Braxton
1967
Dave Matthews
Kurt Cobain
Nicole Kidman
1968
Mike Piazza
Molly Ringwald
Sammy Sosa
Tony Hawk
Will Smith
1969
Brett Favre
Jennifer Aniston
Ken Griffey Jr.
Puff Daddy
Tyler Perry
1970
Andre Agassi
David Gregory
Latrell Sprewell
Matt Damon
Tina Fey
1971
Jorge Posada
Kid Rock
Lance Armstrong
Snoop Dogg
Tiffany
1972
Ben Affleck
Carmen Electra
Eminem
Gwyneth Paltrow
Manny Ramirez
1973
Carson Daly
Heidi Klum
Johnny Damon
Oscar De La Hoya
Rufus Wainwright
1974
Alanis Morissette
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Derek Jeter
Leonardo DiCaprio
Penelope Cruz
1975
David Beckham
David Ortiz
Drew Barrymore
Tiger Woods
will.i.am
1976
Colin Farrell
Freddie Prinze Jr.
Peyton Manning
Reese Witherspoon
Ryan Reynolds
Variable And Long-Term Care Products Are: • Not A Deposit Or Other Obligation Of Bank
• Not FDIC-Insured • Not Insured By Any Federal Government Agency
Average Annual Expenditures
Age
Food and Alcohol
Housing
Apparel and Services
Transportation
Health Care
Entertainment
Personal Insurance and Pensions
Cash Contributions
Education
Miscellaneous
Average Annual Expenditures
25–34
$6,720
$17,318
$1,965
$8,699
$1,737
$2,766
$5,510
$1,036
$759
$1,650
$48,159*
35–44
$8,311
$20,649
$2,235
$9,797
$2,499
$3,603
$7,165
$1,550
$953
$2,046
$58,808
*Total varies due to rounding.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure
Survey, 2008
Married Couple Families
Male Householders Living Alone
Female Householders Living Alone
Overall Male Householders
Overall Female Householders
Mean
$85,343
$47,316
$43,449
$58,868
$53,203
Median
$73,601
$36,389
$38,513
$46,179
$44,689
In 2008, the Gen X poverty rate was
below the national average of 13.2%.
% Below Poverty Level*
9.0%
Males
12.3%
Females
* People and families are classified as being in
poverty if their income is less than their poverty
threshold. Poverty thresholds are dollar amounts
the Census Bureau uses to determine a family’s or
person’s poverty status.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population
Survey, Annual Social & Economic Supplement, 2009
Ages 35–39
Mean
$97,729
$48,414
$62,898
$57,075
$70,060
Median
$81,107
$40,435
$40,509
$45,273
$45,896
Ages 40–44
Mean
$104,589
$50,339
$40,153
$55,049
$47,136
Median
$84,278
$39,834
$32,184
$43,269
$36,190
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, Annual Social & Economic Supplement, 2009
This profile of America’s Gen X was prepared by the MetLife Mature Market Institute.
This and its many other free publications and research are available online. Check the “Research” tab
at www.MatureMarketInstitute.com.
Visit: www.MatureMarketInstitute.com | E-mail: MatureMarketInstitute@MetLife.com
Mail: MetLife Mature Market Institute, 57 Greens Farms Road, Westport, CT 06880
Fax: (203) 454-5339
Only Long-Term Care Products: • Not Issued, Guaranteed Or Underwritten By Bank Or FDIC
• Not A Condition To The Provision Or Term Of Any Banking Service Or Activity
• Policy Is An Obligation Of The Issuing Insurance Company
MMI00128(0210)
Racial and Ethnic Composition*
©2010 Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, New York, NY
Overview of America’s Gen Xers in 2009
This demographic profile is one in a series produced by the MetLife
Mature Market Institute. Gen Xers comprise a smaller cohort
following the Baby Boom, and reflect the drop in birth rates after
1964. They have also been known as the “Baby Bust” generation.
Gen Xers
Gen Xers are adults ages 33–44 years old in 2009, born
between 1965 and 1976.
Gen X Males
Gen X Females
2009
24,982,122
24,678,179
2030
23,576,150
24,809,078
Total:
49,660,301
48,385,228
Total U.S. Population in 2009
› In 2009, Gen Xers represented
16% of the total population,
or about 1 in 6 people.
› 50% male
› 50% female
Gen X
16%
2009
Gen X
Total U.S. Population by 2030
› By 2030, Gen Xers will be
Established in 1997, the Mature Market Institute (MMI) is MetLife’s research organization
and a recognized thought leader on the multi-dimensional and multi-generational
issues of aging and longevity. MMI’s groundbreaking research, gerontology expertise,
national partnerships, and educational materials work to expand the knowledge and
choices for those in, approaching, or caring for those in the mature market.
Only Variable Annuity Products: • Not Guaranteed By Any Bank Or Credit Union
• May Go Down In Value
GEN X
Poverty Status in 2008
Household Income in 2008 by Household Type
Ages 30–34
America’s
2009
A Demographic Profile of America’s Gen X
.
other Strangers, Tyndale House Publishers, 1999
1
Dr. Rick and Kathy Hicks, Boomers, Xers, and Me?” Workforce, Wiley, 2007.
2
Cam Marston, Motivating the “What’s In It ForTime.com, April 16, 2008.
3
M.J. Stephey, Gen-X: The Ignored Generation, 731528,00.html.
http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1
10, 11 The 2009 MetLife Study of the American Dream, MetLife, 2009.
Demographic Profile
PROFILE
n for being an unknown group, amorphous
Although Gen Xers started out with a reputatio
a defining characteristic. More ethnically
and defying definition, their diversity became
” or “politically correct” movement of the
diverse than generations before them, the “PC
tolerance for differences, quest for justice, and
early 1990s may be seen as reflective of their 1
acceptance of those from diverse backgrounds.
rs and workplace commitment startled older
Gen Xers’ altered sense of loyalty to employe
n unwilling to become workaholics and
2
generations. Gen Xers were the first generatio
authenticity, and self-sufficiency.
nce,
bala
e
k-lif
wor
in
ring
ushe
,
lives
ily
fam
r
sacrifice thei
they are comfortable embracing change.
Having grown up in the midst of social changes,
ration have played a part in the development
Bridging many divides, members of this gene
such as
l advancements that dominate today’s world,
of many of the equalizing technologica
3
Google™, YouTube™, and Amazon®.
FINANCES
Gen Xers, like many in the general public, are concerned about job loss
and maintaining their standard of living. This has prompted the pragmatic
Gen Xers to spend more time and energy making smart financial decisions
at work.10 Gen Xers are taking steps to become more educated about financial
topics, and the majority acknowledge the need for a personal safety net.11
L0210087021[exp0113]
ages 54–65 and make up
13% of the total population.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, National Population
Estimates & Projections
13%
2030
Non-Hispanic
White Alone
62%
Non-Hispanic
Black Alone
12%
Hispanic
Non-Hispanic
(Any Race)
Asian Alone
18%
6%
All Other
Races
2%
2030
Non-Hispanic
White Alone
60%
Non-Hispanic
Black Alone
12%
Hispanic
Non-Hispanic
(Any Race)
Asian Alone
19%
8%
All Other
Races
2%
*Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, National Population
Estimates & Projections
re Diverse, More Technologically Saavy
Gen Xers—Mo
Key Birth Years of Gen Xers
IN THE
SPOTLIGHT
1965
Robert Downey Jr.
Rodney King
Sarah Jessica Parker
Scottie Pippen
1966
Adam Sandler
Mike Tyson
Salma Hayek
Toni Braxton
1967
Dave Matthews
Kurt Cobain
Nicole Kidman
1968
Mike Piazza
Molly Ringwald
Sammy Sosa
Tony Hawk
Will Smith
1969
Brett Favre
Jennifer Aniston
Ken Griffey Jr.
Puff Daddy
Tyler Perry
1970
Andre Agassi
David Gregory
Latrell Sprewell
Matt Damon
Tina Fey
1971
Jorge Posada
Kid Rock
Lance Armstrong
Snoop Dogg
Tiffany
1972
Ben Affleck
Carmen Electra
Eminem
Gwyneth Paltrow
Manny Ramirez
1973
Carson Daly
Heidi Klum
Johnny Damon
Oscar De La Hoya
Rufus Wainwright
1974
Alanis Morissette
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Derek Jeter
Leonardo DiCaprio
Penelope Cruz
1975
David Beckham
David Ortiz
Drew Barrymore
Tiger Woods
will.i.am
1976
Colin Farrell
Freddie Prinze Jr.
Peyton Manning
Reese Witherspoon
Ryan Reynolds
Variable And Long-Term Care Products Are: • Not A Deposit Or Other Obligation Of Bank
• Not FDIC-Insured • Not Insured By Any Federal Government Agency
Average Annual Expenditures
Age
Food and Alcohol
Housing
Apparel and Services
Transportation
Health Care
Entertainment
Personal Insurance and Pensions
Cash Contributions
Education
Miscellaneous
Average Annual Expenditures
25–34
$6,720
$17,318
$1,965
$8,699
$1,737
$2,766
$5,510
$1,036
$759
$1,650
$48,159*
35–44
$8,311
$20,649
$2,235
$9,797
$2,499
$3,603
$7,165
$1,550
$953
$2,046
$58,808
*Total varies due to rounding.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure
Survey, 2008
Married Couple Families
Male Householders Living Alone
Female Householders Living Alone
Overall Male Householders
Overall Female Householders
Mean
$85,343
$47,316
$43,449
$58,868
$53,203
Median
$73,601
$36,389
$38,513
$46,179
$44,689
In 2008, the Gen X poverty rate was
below the national average of 13.2%.
% Below Poverty Level*
9.0%
Males
12.3%
Females
* People and families are classified as being in
poverty if their income is less than their poverty
threshold. Poverty thresholds are dollar amounts
the Census Bureau uses to determine a family’s or
person’s poverty status.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population
Survey, Annual Social & Economic Supplement, 2009
Ages 35–39
Mean
$97,729
$48,414
$62,898
$57,075
$70,060
Median
$81,107
$40,435
$40,509
$45,273
$45,896
Ages 40–44
Mean
$104,589
$50,339
$40,153
$55,049
$47,136
Median
$84,278
$39,834
$32,184
$43,269
$36,190
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, Annual Social & Economic Supplement, 2009
This profile of America’s Gen X was prepared by the MetLife Mature Market Institute.
This and its many other free publications and research are available online. Check the “Research” tab
at www.MatureMarketInstitute.com.
Visit: www.MatureMarketInstitute.com | E-mail: MatureMarketInstitute@MetLife.com
Mail: MetLife Mature Market Institute, 57 Greens Farms Road, Westport, CT 06880
Fax: (203) 454-5339
Only Long-Term Care Products: • Not Issued, Guaranteed Or Underwritten By Bank Or FDIC
• Not A Condition To The Provision Or Term Of Any Banking Service Or Activity
• Policy Is An Obligation Of The Issuing Insurance Company
MMI00128(0210)
Racial and Ethnic Composition*
©2010 Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, New York, NY
Overview of America’s Gen Xers in 2009
This demographic profile is one in a series produced by the MetLife
Mature Market Institute. Gen Xers comprise a smaller cohort
following the Baby Boom, and reflect the drop in birth rates after
1964. They have also been known as the “Baby Bust” generation.
Gen Xers
Gen Xers are adults ages 33–44 years old in 2009, born
between 1965 and 1976.
Gen X Males
Gen X Females
2009
24,982,122
24,678,179
2030
23,576,150
24,809,078
Total:
49,660,301
48,385,228
Total U.S. Population in 2009
› In 2009, Gen Xers represented
16% of the total population,
or about 1 in 6 people.
› 50% male
› 50% female
Gen X
16%
2009
Gen X
Total U.S. Population by 2030
› By 2030, Gen Xers will be
Established in 1997, the Mature Market Institute (MMI) is MetLife’s research organization
and a recognized thought leader on the multi-dimensional and multi-generational
issues of aging and longevity. MMI’s groundbreaking research, gerontology expertise,
national partnerships, and educational materials work to expand the knowledge and
choices for those in, approaching, or caring for those in the mature market.
Only Variable Annuity Products: • Not Guaranteed By Any Bank Or Credit Union
• May Go Down In Value
GEN X
Poverty Status in 2008
Household Income in 2008 by Household Type
Ages 30–34
America’s
2009
A Demographic Profile of America’s Gen X
.
other Strangers, Tyndale House Publishers, 1999
1
Dr. Rick and Kathy Hicks, Boomers, Xers, and Me?” Workforce, Wiley, 2007.
2
Cam Marston, Motivating the “What’s In It ForTime.com, April 16, 2008.
3
M.J. Stephey, Gen-X: The Ignored Generation, 731528,00.html.
http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1
10, 11 The 2009 MetLife Study of the American Dream, MetLife, 2009.
Demographic Profile
PROFILE
n for being an unknown group, amorphous
Although Gen Xers started out with a reputatio
a defining characteristic. More ethnically
and defying definition, their diversity became
” or “politically correct” movement of the
diverse than generations before them, the “PC
tolerance for differences, quest for justice, and
early 1990s may be seen as reflective of their 1
acceptance of those from diverse backgrounds.
rs and workplace commitment startled older
Gen Xers’ altered sense of loyalty to employe
n unwilling to become workaholics and
2
generations. Gen Xers were the first generatio
authenticity, and self-sufficiency.
nce,
bala
e
k-lif
wor
in
ring
ushe
,
lives
ily
fam
r
sacrifice thei
they are comfortable embracing change.
Having grown up in the midst of social changes,
ration have played a part in the development
Bridging many divides, members of this gene
such as
l advancements that dominate today’s world,
of many of the equalizing technologica
3
Google™, YouTube™, and Amazon®.
FINANCES
Gen Xers, like many in the general public, are concerned about job loss
and maintaining their standard of living. This has prompted the pragmatic
Gen Xers to spend more time and energy making smart financial decisions
at work.10 Gen Xers are taking steps to become more educated about financial
topics, and the majority acknowledge the need for a personal safety net.11
L0210087021[exp0113]
ages 54–65 and make up
13% of the total population.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, National Population
Estimates & Projections
13%
2030
Non-Hispanic
White Alone
62%
Non-Hispanic
Black Alone
12%
Hispanic
Non-Hispanic
(Any Race)
Asian Alone
18%
6%
All Other
Races
2%
2030
Non-Hispanic
White Alone
60%
Non-Hispanic
Black Alone
12%
Hispanic
Non-Hispanic
(Any Race)
Asian Alone
19%
8%
All Other
Races
2%
*Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, National Population
Estimates & Projections
HEALTH & LONGEVITY
Life expectancy has been on the rise
for decades. When the oldest Xers
were born in 1965, life expectancy at
birth was 70.2 years. By the time the
last Gen Xer was born in 1976, life
expectancy was 72.9 years.4
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, National Vital
Statistics Reports, Vol. 56, No. 9,
December 28, 2007.
4
Self-Reported Health Status:
2006–2008
Ages 25–44
Excellent/
Very Good
Good
Fair/Poor
Male
Female
Life Expectancy: 2006
# Years at Age
Male Female
46.9
42.2
37.6
33.1
51.3
46.4
41.7
37.0
Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention,
National Center for Health Statistics, 2009
Gen Xers grew up in an era marked by uncertainty
and many were the product of two-income households.
Weighing the pros and cons of everything became
a way of life.6 To counter this sense of uncertainty,
having children and a stable family rank high on their
list of priorities, and may include close friends in their definition of family.
They are the generation most likely to say that they place greater importance
on things like personal life and family rather than finances.7
F arming, Fishing, and Forestry
Sales and Office
Service
Management, Professional,
and Related
1%
18%
19%
6%
0%
29%
1%
15%
20%
12%
35%
Males
44%
Females
* Of those employed.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, DataFerrett, Current Population Survey, March Supplement, 2009
Males
65.0%
0.3%
10.3%
2.7%
21.7%
Females
67.2%
1.1%
11.8%
4.1%
15.8%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, DataFerrett, Current Population Survey, March Supplement, 2009
Educational Attainment
Master’s Degree or Higher
Bachelor’s Degree
Some College
High School Graduate
Less than High School
11%
21%
12%
25%
29%
31%
26%
13%
Males
10%
Females
22%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, DataFerrett, Current Population Survey, March Supplement, 2009
8
e Seventh Annual Study of Employee Benefits Trends, MetLife, 2009.
Th
The 2009 MetLife Study of the American Dream, MetLife, 2009.
Household Size by Type
Marital Status
Married
Widowed
Divorced
Separated
Never Married
Homeownership is an important goal for Gen Xers. The majority of Gen Xers own their homes.
Of those who do not, close to half worry about having enough money to purchase one,8 yet they
feel that their own resourcefulness will have the greatest influence on achieving this goal.9
9
J . Walker Smith and Ann S. Clurman, Rocking the Ages: The Yankelovich Report on
Generational Marketing. Harper Paperback, 1998.
7
The 2009 MetLife Study of the American Dream, MetLife, 2009.
Cam Marston, Motivating the “What’s In It For Me?”
Workforce, Wiley, 2007.
Occupation Group*
Production, Transportation,
and Material Moving
Construction, Extraction,
and Maintenance
HOUSING
6
5
70.3% 68.6%
23.6% 23.9%
6.1% 7.4%
Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention,
National Center for Health Statistics, Health Data
Interactive
30
35
40
45
Job security is
key for Gen Xers.
While they entered
WORK
the workplace with
technical savvy,
an unprecedented advantage over
their Boomer co-workers, significant
numbers of their older co-workers
are delaying retirement.5 This leaves
many Gen Xers feeling restless for
promotional opportunities.
Gen Xers
Coined “Gen X” (like the unknown
variable X) by the novelist Douglas
Coupland, this generation is sandwiched
between two significantly larger
generations, the Baby Boomers and
the younger Gen Yers. The coming-ofage trends that shaped their world
view included:
others working outside the home
• M
• Divorce on the rise
• Downsizing and layoffs
These experiences created defining
characteristics and values that differentiate
Gen Xers, whether in the workplace or in
life. They may be perceived as:
•
•
•
•
I ndependent
Resilient
Adaptable
Cautious and skeptical
1
2
3
4
5
6
7+
Average Size
All Households
16.5%
18.4%
18.8%
25.9%
13.0%
4.7%
2.6%
3.3 people
Family Households*
—
18.8%
23.3%
32.3%
16.4%
5.9%
3.2%
3.8 people
* Family Household—Household maintained by a householder who is in
a family (group of two people or more, one of whom is the householder,
related by birth, marriage, or adoption and residing together), and includes
any unrelated people (unrelated subfamily members and/or secondary
individuals) who may be residing there.
**Non-Family Household—Householder living alone (a one-person household)
or where the householder shares the home exclusively with people to whom
he/she is not related.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, DataFerrett, Current Population Survey,
March Supplement, 2009
Non-Family Households**
78.5%
17.0%
2.1%
1.8%
0.4%
0.1%
0.1%
1.3 people
Geographic Distribution in 2008
Gen Xers represent 13%–18%
of the population of every
state in the U.S.
Homeownership Rates in 2008 by Family Status and
Age of Householder
Age
30–34
35–39
40–44
Married Couple
Males
Families
Living Alone
70.3%
78.7%
83.7%
36.1%
44.2%
46.9%
Females
Living Alone
34.0%
45.2%
49.5%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Housing and Household Economic Statistics Division
Source: U.S. Census Bureau,
Population Division, 2009
Job security is
key for Gen Xers.
While they entered
WORK
the workplace with
technical savvy,
an unprecedented advantage over
their Boomer co-workers, significant
numbers of their older co-workers
are delaying retirement.5 This leaves
many Gen Xers feeling restless for
promotional opportunities.
HEALTH & LONGEVITY
Life expectancy has been on the rise
for decades. When the oldest Xers
were born in 1965, life expectancy at
birth was 70.2 years. By the time the
last Gen Xer was born in 1976, life
expectancy was 72.9 years.4
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, National Vital
Statistics Reports, Vol. 56, No. 9,
December 28, 2007.
4
Self-Reported Health Status:
2006–2008
Ages 25–44
Excellent/
Very Good
Good
Fair/Poor
Male
Female
Gen Xers grew up in an era marked by uncertainty
and many were the product of two-income households.
Weighing the pros and cons of everything became
FAMILY
a way of life.6 To counter this sense of uncertainty,
having children and a stable family rank high on their
list of priorities, and may include close friends in their definition of family.
They are the generation most likely to say that they place greater importance
on things like personal life and family rather than finances.7
Marital Status
70.3% 68.6%
23.6% 23.9%
6.1% 7.4%
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry
Sales and Office
Service
Management, Professional,
and Related
1%
18%
Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention,
National Center for Health Statistics, Health Data
Interactive
6%
29%
1%
15%
Life Expectancy: 2006
# Years at Age
Male Female
30
35
40
45
46.9
42.2
37.6
33.1
51.3
46.4
41.7
37.0
20%
12%
44%
35%
Males
Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention,
National Center for Health Statistics, 2009
Married
Widowed
Divorced
Separated
Never Married
Females
* Of those employed.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, DataFerrett, Current Population Survey, March Supplement, 2009
Females
67.2%
1.1%
11.8%
4.1%
15.8%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, DataFerrett, Current Population Survey, March Supplement, 2009
Educational Attainment
Master’s Degree or Higher
Bachelor’s Degree
Some College
0%
19%
Males
65.0%
0.3%
10.3%
2.7%
21.7%
High School Graduate
Less than High School
11%
21%
12%
25%
29%
31%
26%
13%
Males
10%
Females
22%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, DataFerrett, Current Population Survey, March Supplement, 2009
The Seventh Annual Study of Employee Benefits Trends, MetLife, 2009.
The 2009 MetLife Study of the American Dream, MetLife, 2009.
Household Size by Type
J . Walker Smith and Ann S. Clurman, Rocking the Ages: The Yankelovich Report on
Generational Marketing. Harper Paperback, 1998.
7
The 2009 MetLife Study of the American Dream, MetLife, 2009.
Cam Marston, Motivating the “What’s In It For Me?”
Workforce, Wiley, 2007.
8
9
6
5
Occupation Group*
Production, Transportation,
and Material Moving
Construction, Extraction,
and Maintenance
HOUSING
Homeownership is an important goal for Gen Xers. The majority of Gen Xers own their homes.
Of those who do not, close to half worry about having enough money to purchase one,8 yet they
feel that their own resourcefulness will have the greatest influence on achieving this goal.9
Gen Xers
Coined “Gen X” (like the unknown
variable X) by the novelist Douglas
Coupland, this generation is sandwiched
between two significantly larger
generations, the Baby Boomers and
the younger Gen Yers. The coming-ofage trends that shaped their world
view included:
others working outside the home
• M
• Divorce on the rise
• Downsizing and layoffs
These experiences created defining
characteristics and values that differentiate
Gen Xers, whether in the workplace or in
life. They may be perceived as:
•
•
•
•
I ndependent
Resilient
Adaptable
Cautious and skeptical
All Households
16.5%
18.4%
18.8%
25.9%
13.0%
4.7%
2.6%
3.3 people
1
2
3
4
5
6
7+
Average Size
Family Households*
—
18.8%
23.3%
32.3%
16.4%
5.9%
3.2%
3.8 people
* Family Household—Household maintained by a householder who is in
a family (group of two people or more, one of whom is the householder,
related by birth, marriage, or adoption and residing together), and includes
any unrelated people (unrelated subfamily members and/or secondary
individuals) who may be residing there.
**Non-Family Household—Householder living alone (a one-person household)
or where the householder shares the home exclusively with people to whom
he/she is not related.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, DataFerrett, Current Population Survey,
March Supplement, 2009
Non-Family Households**
78.5%
17.0%
2.1%
1.8%
0.4%
0.1%
0.1%
1.3 people
Geographic Distribution in 2008
Gen Xers represent 13%–18%
of the population of every
state in the U.S.
Homeownership Rates in 2008 by Family Status and
Age of Householder
Age
30–34
35–39
40–44
Married Couple
Males
Families
Living Alone
70.3%
78.7%
83.7%
36.1%
44.2%
46.9%
Females
Living Alone
34.0%
45.2%
49.5%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau,
Population Division, 2009
TIMELINE
U.S.
hostages
taken
in Iran
First cellular
mobile phone
developed
First
space shuttle
tested
Sony® Walkman®
developed
Three Mile
Island nuclear
accident occurred
U.S.
hostages
released
in Iran
Madeline Albright
appointed first female
Secretary of State
Time magazine’s
Man of the Year:
The computer
O.J. Simpson
acquitted
of murder
MTV®
premiered
First
artificial
heart
implanted
Sally Ride
first woman
in space
Microsoft®
Windows® 95
released
U.S. shuttle
joined Russian
space station
Internet use
increased to
30 million in
North America
Titanic,
the movie,
premiered
First
cloned sheep,
Dolly, born
Timothy McVeigh
sentenced to death
for Oklahoma City
bombing
Job security is
key for Gen Xers.
While they entered
WORK
the workplace with
technical savvy,
an unprecedented advantage over
their Boomer co-workers, significant
numbers of their older co-workers
are delaying retirement.5 This leaves
many Gen Xers feeling restless for
promotional opportunities.
HEALTH & LONGEVITY
Life expectancy has been on the rise
for decades. When the oldest Xers
were born in 1965, life expectancy at
birth was 70.2 years. By the time the
last Gen Xer was born in 1976, life
expectancy was 72.9 years.4
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, National Vital
Statistics Reports, Vol. 56, No. 9,
December 28, 2007.
4
Self-Reported Health Status:
2006–2008
Ages 25–44
Excellent/
Very Good
Good
Fair/Poor
Male
Female
Gen Xers grew up in an era marked by uncertainty
and many were the product of two-income households.
Weighing the pros and cons of everything became
FAMILY
a way of life.6 To counter this sense of uncertainty,
having children and a stable family rank high on their
list of priorities, and may include close friends in their definition of family.
They are the generation most likely to say that they place greater importance
on things like personal life and family rather than finances.7
Marital Status
70.3% 68.6%
23.6% 23.9%
6.1% 7.4%
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry
Sales and Office
Service
Management, Professional,
and Related
1%
18%
Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention,
National Center for Health Statistics, Health Data
Interactive
6%
0%
29%
19%
1%
15%
Life Expectancy: 2006
# Years at Age
Male Female
30
35
40
45
46.9
42.2
37.6
33.1
51.3
46.4
41.7
37.0
20%
12%
44%
35%
Males
Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention,
National Center for Health Statistics, 2009
Females
* Of those employed.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, DataFerrett, Current Population Survey, March Supplement, 2009
Males
65.0%
0.3%
10.3%
2.7%
21.7%
Married
Widowed
Divorced
Separated
Never Married
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, DataFerrett, Current Population Survey, March Supplement, 2009
Educational Attainment
Master’s Degree or Higher
Bachelor’s Degree
Some College
High School Graduate
Less than High School
11%
21%
12%
25%
29%
31%
26%
13%
Males
10%
Females
22%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, DataFerrett, Current Population Survey, March Supplement, 2009
TIMELINE
U.S.
hostages
taken
in Iran
First cellular
mobile phone
developed
First
space shuttle
tested
Sony® Walkman®
developed
Three Mile
Island nuclear
accident occurred
Iran-Iraq
War began
401(k)
contribution
became law
CNN
launched
U.S.
hostages
released
in Iran
MTV®
premiered
Females
67.2%
1.1%
11.8%
4.1%
15.8%
Time magazine’s
Man of the Year:
The computer
Rock Hudson’s death
from AIDS shone a
light on the disease
The Oprah
Winfrey Show
debuted
e Seventh Annual Study of Employee Benefits Trends, MetLife, 2009.
Th
The 2009 MetLife Study of the American Dream, MetLife, 2009.
Household Size by Type
J. Walker Smith and Ann S. Clurman, Rocking the Ages: The Yankelovich Report on
Generational Marketing. Harper Paperback, 1998.
7
The 2009 MetLife Study of the American Dream, MetLife, 2009.
Cam Marston, Motivating the “What’s In It For Me?”
Workforce, Wiley, 2007.
8
9
6
5
Occupation Group*
Production, Transportation,
and Material Moving
Construction, Extraction,
and Maintenance
HOUSING
Homeownership is an important goal for Gen Xers. The majority of Gen Xers own their homes.
Of those who do not, close to half worry about having enough money to purchase one,8 yet they
feel that their own resourcefulness will have the greatest influence on achieving this goal.9
Gen Xers
Coined “Gen X” (like the unknown
variable X) by the novelist Douglas
Coupland, this generation is sandwiched
between two significantly larger
generations, the Baby Boomers and
the younger Gen Yers. The coming-ofage trends that shaped their world
view included:
others working outside the home
• M
• Divorce on the rise
• Downsizing and layoffs
These experiences created defining
characteristics and values that differentiate
Gen Xers, whether in the workplace or in
life. They may be perceived as:
•
•
•
•
I ndependent
Resilient
Adaptable
Cautious and skeptical
All Households
16.5%
18.4%
18.8%
25.9%
13.0%
4.7%
2.6%
3.3 people
1
2
3
4
5
6
7+
Average Size
Family Households*
—
18.8%
23.3%
32.3%
16.4%
5.9%
3.2%
3.8 people
* Family Household—Household maintained by a householder who is in
a family (group of two people or more, one of whom is the householder,
related by birth, marriage, or adoption and residing together), and includes
any unrelated people (unrelated subfamily members and/or secondary
individuals) who may be residing there.
**Non-Family Household—Householder living alone (a one-person household)
or where the householder shares the home exclusively with people to whom
he/she is not related.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, DataFerrett, Current Population Survey,
March Supplement, 2009
Non-Family Households**
78.5%
17.0%
2.1%
1.8%
0.4%
0.1%
0.1%
1.3 people
Geographic Distribution in 2008
Gen Xers represent 13%–18%
of the population of every
state in the U.S.
Homeownership Rates in 2008 by Family Status and
Age of Householder
Age
30–34
35–39
40–44
Married Couple
Males
Families
Living Alone
70.3%
78.7%
83.7%
36.1%
44.2%
46.9%
Females
Living Alone
34.0%
45.2%
49.5%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Housing and Household Economic Statistics Division
Source: U.S. Census Bureau,
Population Division, 2009
10, 1110,
11 2009
The
The 2009
MetLife
MetLife
Study
Study
of theofAmerican
the American
Dream,
Dream,
MetLife,
MetLife,
2009.2009.
PROFILE
GenGen
Xers,
Xers,
likelike
many
many
in the
in the
general
general
public,
public,
areare
concerned
concerned
about
about
jobjob
lossloss
andand
maintaining
maintaining
their
their
standard
standard
of living.
of living.
This
This
hashas
prompted
prompted
thethe
pragmatic
pragmatic
FINANCES
FINANCES GenGen
XersXers
to spend
to spend
more
more
time
time
andand
energy
energy
making
making
smart
smart
financial
financial
decisions
decisions
10 10
at work.
at work.GenGen
Xers
Xers
are are
taking
taking
steps
steps
to become
to become
more
more
educated
educated
about
about
financial
financial
11 11
topics,
topics,
andand
thethe
majority
majority
acknowledge
acknowledge
the the
need
need
for for
a personal
a personal
safety
safety
net.net.
Average
Average
Annual
Annual
Expenditures
Expenditures
25–34
35–44
25–34
35–44
$6,720
$8,311
$6,720
$8,311
$17,318
$17,318 $20,649
$20,649
$1,965
$2,235
$1,965
$2,235
$8,699
$9,797
$8,699
$9,797
$1,737
$2,499
$1,737
$2,499
$2,766
$3,603
$2,766
$3,603
$5,510
$7,165
$5,510
$7,165
$1,036
$1,550
$1,036
$1,550
$759
$953
$759
$953
$1,650
$2,046
$1,650
$2,046
$48,159*
$48,159* $58,808
$58,808
*Total
*Total
variesvaries
due to
duerounding.
to rounding.
Source:
Source:
U.S. Department
U.S. Department
of Labor,
of Labor,
Bureau
Bureau
of Labor
of Labor
Statistics,
Statistics,
Consumer
Consumer
Expenditure
Expenditure
Survey,
Survey,
20082008
Poverty
Poverty
Status
Status
in 2008
in 2008
In 2008,
In 2008,
the the
GenGen
X poverty
X poverty
raterate
waswas
below
below
the the
national
national
average
average
of 13.2%.
of 13.2%.
% Below
% Below
Poverty
Poverty
Level*
Level*
9.0%
9.0%
Males
Males
Females
Females
12.3%
12.3%
* People
* People
and families
and families
are classified
are classified
as being
as being
in in
poverty
poverty
if their
if their
income
income
is lessis than
less than
their their
poverty
poverty
threshold.
threshold.
Poverty
Poverty
thresholds
thresholds
are dollar
are dollar
amounts
amounts
the Census
the Census
Bureau
Bureau
uses uses
to determine
to determine
a family’s
a family’s
or or
person’s
person’s
poverty
poverty
status.
status.
Source:
Source:
U.S. Census
U.S. Census
Bureau,
Bureau,
Current
Current
Population
Population
Survey,
Survey,
Annual
Annual
SocialSocial
& Economic
& Economic
Supplement,
Supplement,
20092009
Household
Household
Income
Income
in 2008
in 2008
by Household
by Household
Type
Type
Ages
Ages
30–34
30–34
Mean Median
Median
Mean
Married
Couple
Families
$85,343 $73,601
$73,601
Married
Couple
Families
$85,343
Male
Householders
Living
Alone
$47,316 $36,389
$36,389
Male
Householders
Living
Alone
$47,316
Female
Householders
Living
Alone $43,449
$43,449 $38,513
$38,513
Female
Householders
Living
Alone
Overall
Male
Householders
$58,868 $46,179
$46,179
Overall
Male
Householders
$58,868
Overall
Female
Householders
$53,203 $44,689
$44,689
Overall
Female
Householders
$53,203
Ages
Ages
35–39
35–39
Ages
Ages
40–44
40–44
Mean Median
Median Mean
Mean Median
Median
Mean
$97,729 $81,107
$81,107$104,589
$104,589 $84,278
$84,278
$97,729
$48,414 $40,435
$40,435 $50,339
$50,339 $39,834
$39,834
$48,414
$62,898 $40,509
$40,509 $40,153
$40,153 $32,184
$32,184
$62,898
$57,075 $45,273
$45,273 $55,049
$55,049 $43,269
$43,269
$57,075
$70,060 $45,896
$45,896 $47,136
$47,136 $36,190
$36,190
$70,060
Source:
Source:
U.S. Census
U.S. Census
Bureau,
Bureau,
Current
Current
Population
Population
Survey,
Survey,
Annual
Annual
SocialSocial
& Economic
& Economic
Supplement,
Supplement,
20092009
ThisThis
profile
profile
of America’s
of America’s
GenGen
X was
X was
prepared
prepared
by the
by the
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©2013
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Metropolitan
Metropolitan
Life Life
Insurance
Insurance
Company,
Company,
NewNew
York,York,
NY 10166
NY 10166
L0513323335[exp0416]
A Demographic Profile of America’s Gen X
AgeAge
Food
andand
Alcohol
Food
Alcohol
Housing
Housing
Apparel
andand
Services
Apparel
Services
Transportation
Transportation
Health
CareCare
Health
Entertainment
Entertainment
Personal
Insurance
andand
Pensions
Personal
Insurance
Pensions
Cash
Contributions
Cash
Contributions
Education
Education
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous
Average
Annual
Expenditures
Average
Annual
Expenditures