Gen Z Statistics 2024 By Natives, Age, Population

Gen Z Statistics: Generation Z, often referred to as Gen Z, is the demographic cohort that follows the millennials and is generally defined as the generation born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s.

While there is no universally agreed-upon timeline for exact birth years, Gen Z is typically considered to include individuals born from around 1995 to 1010.

Curator’s Choice

• The Behavioral Health Market size is expected to be worth around USD 227.5 Bn by 2032 from USD 140.1 Bn in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2032.
• Generation Z comprises approximately 26% of the global population.
• The birth years for Generation Z typically range from the mid-1990s to the early 2010s. However, there is no universally agreed-upon definition for the exact birth year range.
• Generation Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in the United States, with 48% being non-white.
• Around 95% of Generation Z owns or has access to a smartphone, making them the first truly “digital native” generation.
• Generation Z is highly active on social media platforms, with 98% of individuals aged 18-24 using at least one social media platform regularly.
• In terms of education, 59% of Generation Z plans to pursue a college degree.
• Approximately 61% of Generation Z is concerned about the environment and believes that companies should take more action to address climate change.
• Mental health issues are a significant concern for Generation Z, with 91% reporting experiencing symptoms of stress and anxiety.

(Source: Pew Research Center, Statista, McKinsey & Company, American Psychological Association)

General Generation Z Statistics

• There are currently 68.6 million Generation Zs living in the US.
• 64% use Instagram at least once daily.
• climate change is Gen Z’s greatest fear and they are more likely than other generations to seek therapy or mental health services for treatment.
• Over one-third of social media influencers belong to Generation Z.
• 40% of Gen Zs say they plan on leaving their job within the next two years.
• Gen Z will become the majority non-white by 2026 in the US.
• 44% of Gen Zs grew up living with parents holding bachelor’s degrees or higher by 2019 compared to only 33% of millennials in 2003.
• over a third are either employed (part- or full-time), self-employed, or students; 51% still attend school full-time and are 51% still students.
• With many postponing parenthood in life, only 11% have married or had children before entering adulthood.
• 55% of Generation Zs say they are extremely interested in environmental issues.
• 36% of Gen Zs were involved in some form of political activism in 2020.
• Generation Z is the largest generational cohort, comprising approximately 32% of the global population.
• The global population of Generation Z is estimated to be around 2 billion people.

(Source: Exploding topics, Bloomberg, United Nations)

Gen Z Statistics – Population Size and Age Distribution

• Generation Z is generally defined as individuals born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s.
• The birth year range for Generation Z is commonly considered to be from 1997 to 2012.
• As of 2023, the current age range for Generation Z is approximately 11 to 26 years old.
• The age distribution within Generation Z varies based on the specific year and region. However, a rough estimate suggests that the majority of Generation Z individuals would fall within the 15 to 24 age group.
• The global population of Generation Z is estimated to be around 2 billion people.
• In the United States, Generation Z is estimated to have a population of approximately 67 million as of 2021.
• Generation Z makes up a significant portion of the global and national populations. In many countries, they represent around 25% to 30% of the total population.

(Source: Pew Research Center)

Racial and Ethnic Composition

• 52% of Generation Z individuals are non-Hispanic white.
• 25% of Generation Z individuals are Hispanic.
• 14% of Generation Z individuals are black.
• 6% of Generation Z individuals are Asian.
• 5% of Generation Z individuals identify as some other race or belong to two or more races.

Immigrant Status

• 6% of Generation Z individuals were born outside of the United States.
• 22% of Generation Z individuals have at least one immigrant parent.

Regional Breakdown

• In the West region, 40% of Generation Zers are non-Hispanic white, while an equal percentage identify as Hispanic. Additionally, 4% are black, 10% are Asian, and 6% identify as some other race.
• In the South region, 46% of Generation Zers are non-Hispanic white.
• In the Midwest region, 68% of Generation Zers are non-Hispanic white.

Gen Z Statistics – Education and Employment Trends

Education

• Among 18- to 21-year-olds who were no longer in high school in 2022, 57% of Generation Z were enrolled in a two-year or four-year college.
• In comparison, 52% of Millennials in 2003 and 43% of Generation X in 1987 were enrolled in college at the same age.
• Second-generation Hispanic youth within Generation Z are less likely to drop out of high school and more likely to attend college than foreign-born Hispanic youth.

(Source: Pew Research Center)

Parental Education

• In 2019, 44% of Generation Zers ages 7 to 17 were living with a parent who had a bachelor’s degree or higher education.
• This is higher than the 33% of Millennials who had a parent with a bachelor’s degree or higher when they were the same age.

(Source: Pew Research Center)

Employment

• Among Gen Z teens (ages 15 to 17) in 2021, only 18% were employed.
• In comparison, 27% of Millennial teens in 2002 and 41% of Gen Xers in 1986 were employed at the same age.
• Among young adults ages 18 to 22, 62% of Generation Z were employed in 2022. This is lower than the employment rates of 71% for Millennials and 79% for Gen Xers when they were a comparable age.

(Source: Pew Research Center)

Gen Z Statistics – Internet and Social Media Use

• Approximately 98% of Generation Z (ages 13-24) individuals use the internet regularly.
• On average, Gen Z spends about 6 hours and 40 minutes online each day.
• Popular online activities among Gen Z include social media, streaming videos, online gaming, and browsing the web.
• Gen Z is the most active generation on social media, with around 90% having at least one social media account.
• The most popular social media platforms among Gen Z include Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.
• Gen Z individuals spend an average of 2 hours and 55 minutes per day on social media platforms.
• Instagram is the preferred social media platform for brand discovery and product research among Gen Z, with 80% of users following at least one brand.
• Around 45% of Gen Z individuals have taken steps to protect their online privacy, such as using private browsing or clearing their browser history.
• Gen Z is more likely to prioritize platforms that prioritize privacy and data security.
• Cyberbullying is a significant concern for Gen Z, with around 59% reporting having witnessed someone being bullied online.

(Source: Pew Research Center, GlobalWebIndex, Kantar, IBM, National Research Group)

Gen Z Statistics – Smartphone Ownership

• Approximately 97% of Generation Z individuals (ages 13-24) own a smartphone.
• Among Gen Z smartphone owners, 84% consider their smartphone as their most important device.
• The most popular smartphone brands among Gen Z are Apple (iPhone) and Samsung.
• Apple iPhones are particularly popular among Gen Z, with around 85% of Gen Z individuals owning an iPhone.
• Gen Z spends an average of 4.5 hours per day on their smartphones.
• The top activities on smartphones for Gen Z include social media usage, messaging, streaming music and videos, gaming, and accessing educational content.
• Gen Z heavily relies on their smartphones for product research and purchasing decisions. Around 65% of Gen Z smartphone users conduct product research on their devices before making a purchase.
• Social media platforms and mobile apps influence the purchasing decisions of approximately 55% of Gen Z smartphone users.

(Source: GlobalWebIndex, Piper Sandler, Pew Research Center)

Gen Z Statistics – Online Activities

• Approximately 98% of Gen Z individuals (ages 13-24) use at least one social media platform.
• Instagram is the most popular social media platform among Gen Z, with around 76% of users aged 13-17 using it.
• Snapchat is also highly popular among Gen Z, with about 73% of users aged 13-24 using it.
• TikTok has seen significant growth among Gen Z, with approximately 68% of users aged 18-24 using it.
• YouTube is a primary source of video content for Gen Z, with 95% of individuals aged 13-24 using the platform.
• Gen Z spends an average of 2 hours and 55 minutes per day watching online videos.
• Short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels are also popular, with about 60% of Gen Z using these platforms.
• Gaming is a prevalent online activity among Gen Z, with about 87% of individuals aged 13-24 engaging in gaming regularly.
• Multiplayer online games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and League of Legends are highly popular among Gen Z gamers.
• Esports, competitive gaming events, and live streaming platforms like Twitch have gained significant popularity among Gen Z.
• Gen Z is actively involved in content creation, with approximately 58% of individuals aged 13-24 creating and sharing their videos online.
• Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram provide opportunities for Gen Z to showcase their creativity and gain an audience.

(Source: Pew Research Center, Think with Google, Entertainment Software Association, Nielsen, GlobalWebIndex)

Social and Political Views of Gen Z Statistics

Social Issues

• A survey found that 78% of Gen Z respondents are concerned about climate change and its impact on the planet.
• Approximately 72% of Gen Z individuals believe that same-sex couples should have the right to marry.
• A study revealed that 76% of Gen Z respondents believe that racial discrimination is a significant issue in society.

(Source: Pew Research Center)

Political Affiliation

• Gen Z tends to lean more toward progressive and liberal ideologies. Around 61% of Gen Z respondents identify as Democrats or lean Democratic.
• Approximately 10% of Gen Z individuals identify as independent voters, demonstrating a desire for non-partisanship.
• Gen Z is actively engaged in political issues, with 57% reporting that they have taken part in a protest or rally for a cause they care about.

(Source: Pew Research Center)

Activism and Social Movements

• A survey showed that 70% of Gen Z supports the Black Lives Matter movement and its objectives.
• According to a study, 69% of Gen Z individuals believe that there should be stricter gun control laws in the United States.
• An analysis revealed that 76% of Gen Z believe that gender equality is important and that society should do more to achieve it.

(Source: Pew Research Center)

Gen Z Statistics – Shopping Habits

• 81% of Gen Zers conduct online research before making a purchase.
• 85% of Gen Zers read reviews before making a purchase decision.
• 62% of Gen Zers prefer to see reviews from people they know or trust.
• 70% of Gen Zers use their smartphones for shopping.
• 62% of Gen Zers are comfortable with mobile-only checkouts.
• 51% of Gen Zers have made a purchase directly through a social media platform.
• 72% of Gen Zers prefer to shop in physical stores.
• 80% of Gen Zers like to see, touch, and try products before purchasing.
• 47% of Gen Zers are more likely to buy a product if they can personalize it in-store.
• 66% of Gen Zers have made a purchase based on a recommendation from a social media influencer.
• 63% of Gen Zers follow influencers on social media to discover new products.
• 59% of Gen Zers say that they trust influencers more than traditional celebrities.
• 67% of Gen Zers say that discounts and promotions influence their purchasing decisions.
• 60% of Gen Zers are more likely to purchase from a brand that supports causes they care about.
• 50% of Gen Zers believe it is important for brands to take a stand on social issues.

(Source: IBM, Morning Consult, IBM, Forbes)

Gen Z Statistics – Brand Preference

• 91% of Gen Zers believe that authenticity in brands is important.
• 67% of Gen Zers prefer brands that are authentic and transparent.
• 52% of Gen Zers trust influencers more than traditional celebrities when it comes to brand recommendations.
• 70% of Gen Zers believe companies should take a stand on social issues.
• 61% of Gen Zers are more likely to support a brand that aligns with their values.
• 55% of Gen Zers prefer to buy from brands that are committed to making a positive social or environmental impact.
• 83% of Gen Zers believe it is important for brands to be diverse in their advertising.
• 64% of Gen Zers expect brands to showcase diversity and inclusion in their marketing campaigns.
• 62% of Gen Zers are more likely to support brands that feature people from diverse backgrounds in their ads.
• 81% of Gen Zers are concerned about the environment and believe that individuals should take action to address environmental issues.
• 73% of Gen Zers are willing to pay more for products that are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

(Source: Forbes, Morning Consult, Wunderman Thompson, Morning Consult, McKinsey, IBM)

Gen Z’s Sustainable and Ethical Consumption

• 70% of Gen Zers believe that companies should take a stand on environmental issues even if it means a potential decrease in profits.
• 73% of Gen Zers are willing to change their consumption habits to reduce their impact on the environment.
• 66% of Gen Zers are more likely to support brands that are committed to social and environmental causes.
• 58% of Gen Zers consider a company’s social and environmental commitments when deciding what to buy.
• 79% of Gen Zers say that they actively recycle.
• 76% of Gen Zers say they are concerned about the amount of waste produced by packaging.
• 65% of Gen Zers actively seek out products with minimal packaging.
• 60% of Gen Zers are open to buying secondhand or used products.
• 40% of Gen Zers have shopped at a thrift store in the past year.
• 30% of Gen Zers plan to increase their spending on secondhand fashion in the future.

(Source: Cone Communications, McKinsey, BBMG, IBM, World Packaging Organisation)

Gen Z Statistics – Health and Well-being

Mental Health

• 1 in 3 Gen Zers has been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
• 71% of Gen Zers have reported symptoms of stress or anxiety.
• 37% of Gen Zers have experienced symptoms of depression.

(Source: American Psychological Association)

Physical Health

• 75% of Gen Zers engage in regular exercise or physical activity.
• 24% of Gen Zers report fair or poor physical health.
• 20% of Gen Zers report having a chronic health condition.

(Source: McKinsey)

Substance Use

• 31% of Gen Zers have reported using alcohol in the past month.
• 20% of Gen Zers have reported using marijuana in the past month.
• 7% of Gen Zers have reported misusing prescription drugs in the past year.

(Source:  exploding topics)

Generation Z Statistics by Country

United States

• Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) represents approximately 25% of the U.S. population.
• 98% of Gen Zers in the U.S. own a smartphone.
• 85% of Gen Zers in the U.S. use YouTube regularly.
• 79% of Gen Zers in the U.S. use Instagram regularly.
• 70% of Gen Zers in the U.S. lean towards the Democratic Party or identify as Democrats.
• 62% of Gen Zers in the U.S. believe that racial and ethnic diversity makes the country stronger.
• 61% of Gen Zers in the U.S. say that government should do more to solve problems.
• 50% of Gen Zers in the U.S. plan to attend a four-year college.
• 35% of Gen Zers in the U.S. are employed, with 70% working part-time jobs.
• 37% of Gen Zers in the U.S. are financially independent from their parents.
• 5% of Gen Zers in the U.S. are non-white.
• 70% of Gen Zers in the U.S. believe that gender does not define a person as much as it used to.

(Source: Pew Research Center)

China

• Approximately 260 million Gen Z individuals in China.
• Gen Z is expected to make up around 27% of China’s total population by 2025.
• Gen Z is projected to account for 40% of overall consumption in China by 2020.
• Around 50% of Gen Z in China are expected to hold university degrees.
• 47% of Chinese Gen Z consumers reported buying products on the go, indicating a higher level of impulsiveness compared to their peers in other countries.
• 78% of Chinese Gen Z respondents expressed confidence that they will earn more in the future, contributing to their impulsive spending behavior.
• 36% of the surveyed Chinese Gen Z consumers admitted to overspending their budget, potentially driven by their impulsive nature and optimistic outlook on future earnings.
• Only 21% of Chinese Gen Z respondents stated that they would be relieved if they could pay off all their debts, indicating a relatively higher comfort level with owing money compared to Chinese Millennials.

(Source: Chozan, McKinsey)

India

• In 2021, millennials and Gen Z accounted for 52% of India’s total population, surpassing the global average of 47%.
• By 2030, the share of India’s Gen Z and Millennial population is expected to reach 50%, remaining higher than the global average of 46%.
• Indian millennials have higher stress and anxiety levels (49%) compared to the global average (41%).
• Indian Gen Z individuals experience similar levels of anxiety and stress (46%) as the global average.
• Notably, physical/medical health is a major driver of stress for Indian millennials, with 48% expressing higher concern compared to the global average of 33%.

(Source: Business-standard, Deloitte)

Indonesia

• Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) accounted for approximately 32% of Indonesia’s total population.
• Around 90% of Indonesian Generation Z members have access to the internet, with a significant portion using smartphones as their primary device for online activities.

(Source: Statista, Deloitte)

Recent Developments

Market Research and Insights:

• Research firms conducted surveys and studies to understand Gen Z demographics, preferences, and behaviors in various industries, providing insights for businesses and marketers.
• Reports indicated that Gen Z is the most diverse and digitally savvy generation, with a strong preference for authenticity, social responsibility, and personalized experiences.

Digital Engagement and Social Media Trends:

• Gen Z’s use of social media platforms continued to evolve, with a preference for visually appealing content, short-form videos, and interactive storytelling formats.
• Brands launched influencer marketing campaigns targeting Gen Z audiences on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat to drive engagement and brand awareness.

E-commerce and Online Shopping Habits:

• Gen Z’s purchasing behavior shifted towards online shopping, with a preference for mobile-friendly e-commerce platforms and seamless checkout experiences.
• Direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands gained popularity among Gen Z consumers for their authentic brand storytelling, sustainable practices, and personalized product offerings.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility:

• Gen Z expressed a strong interest in sustainability and ethical consumption, driving demand for eco-friendly products, transparent supply chains, and brands that align with their values.
• Companies responded by launching sustainable product lines, implementing green initiatives, and communicating their corporate social responsibility efforts to resonate with Gen Z consumers.

Entrepreneurship and Side Hustles:

• Gen Z showed a growing interest in entrepreneurship and side hustles, with many starting their businesses, freelance gigs, or creative projects alongside traditional employment.
• Online platforms and marketplaces provided opportunities for Gen Z to monetize their skills and hobbies, such as content creation, graphic design, and e-commerce ventures.

Education and Career Preferences:

• Gen Z placed a high value on education and professional development, seeking flexible learning options, career mentorship, and opportunities for skill acquisition.
• Remote work and gig economy opportunities appealed to Gen Z’s desire for work-life balance, autonomy, and flexibility in their careers.

Political and Social Activism:

• Gen Z demonstrated a strong interest in political and social activism, advocating for issues such as climate change, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and gun control.
• Social media platforms served as catalysts for activism and social movements, enabling Gen Z to amplify their voices, mobilize communities, and effect change.

Wrap Up

Gen Z Statistics – Gen Z, born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, represents a dynamic and influential cohort that is shaping the future in various ways.

This tech-savvy generation has grown up in a digital age, embracing technology and social media as integral parts of their lives.

With a strong emphasis on individuality, inclusivity, and social justice, Gen Z is unafraid to challenge the status quo and fight for meaningful change.

As the torchbearers of the future, Gen Z will continue to make a significant impact on society, driving innovation, promoting equality, and shaping a more inclusive and sustainable world for generations to come.

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