Kids in Generation Alpha, ranging from infants to 12-year-olds as of 2025, are the first generation to be born entirely within the 21st century. They’ve been immersed in technology from day one and represent the most demographically diverse generation to date. Some in this generation were also the first to experience an early childhood defined by the coronavirus pandemic.
This post takes a closer look at what we know — for now — about America’s youngest citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions about Generation Alpha
What birth years define Generation Alpha?
While definitions vary, the term Generation Alpha typically refers to the group of individuals born from 2013 to present. This is the generation after Gen Z.
How large is Generation Alpha?
They represent nearly 39 million children in the United States, according to the latest data from 2023 in the KIDS COUNT Data Center. By far, California and Texas are home to the largest number of Gen Alpha kids, with more than 4 million living in each state.
Who came before Generation Alpha?
Generation Z, born between 1997 to 2012, came before them. And Gen Z follows Generation Y, more commonly known as millennials, who were born between 1981 and 1996.
One way to envision how these groups fit together: Members of Generation Alpha are often the children of millennials and the younger siblings of Generation Z.
How does Generation Alpha compare to Generation Z?
These young generations are still evolving, so it’s early to make firm conclusions. However, if current trends hold, Generation Alpha will be more racially and ethnically diverse than Generation Z. Members of Generation Alpha will also be more likely to live with adults who have high school or college degrees, grow up in single-parent households and experience financial hardship, but less likely to have teen parents. Researchers are also watching concerning infant health trends for Gen Alpha, described below.
While members of both age groups have grown up with technology at their fingertips, Gen Alpha kids have a key advantage: They are the most digitally proficient generation to date.
How diverse is Generation Alpha?
So far, Generation Alpha is the nation’s most racially and ethnically diverse generation yet, and the first in which the white population comprises a minority of the population, at 48%. This compares to 50% for Gen Z, 54% for millennials, 59% for Gen X and 71% for baby boomers, according to 2023 data. Children of color represent the majority of Gen Alpha, including:
- 27% Latino
- 16% Black
- 7% Asian American or Pacific Islander
- 6% Multiracial
- 2% American Indian or Alaska Native
What do we know about Generation Alpha and technology?
Generation Alpha kicked off right after Apple launched its iPad and Instagram made its debut. Surrounded by technology from the get-go, this group views digital tools as omnipresent — not just trendy accessories. The omnipresence of screens has blurred boundaries between entertainment, education and socializing for these young people. In fact, more than eight in 10 parents of Gen Alpha kids say their kids use mobile devices 7–8 hours a day, on average.