What is Generation Z?
Generation Z has emerged as a population increasingly worthy of attention, especially now as its older members are in their 20s and have become a politically engaged force in recent elections. Born after 1996, Generation Zers made up one-tenth of the 2020 electorate and have added 8.3 million newly eligible voters since November 2022 — reaching an estimated 41 million total eligible voters in 2024. While they share a number of characteristics with millennials, their formative years have been shaped by a drastically different world, resulting in key differences in attitudes, tendencies and outlook. Statistics compiled by the Pew Research Center and the KIDS COUNT® Data Center paint a clear picture. Here’s what we know.
Demographics of Generation Z
One of the core characteristics of Generation Z is racial diversity. As America’s demographics continue to shift, Gen Z will be the last generation that is a majority white — just barely, with 51%.
The younger Generation Alpha, born 2013 to 2025, is 48% white and on track to be the most diverse generation yet. On the other hand, much larger shares of the older millennials, Gen Xers and baby boomers are white: 55%, 60% and 72%, respectively.
Gen Z is more racially and ethnically diverse than older generations, with:
- 15% Black;
- 6% Asian American or Pacific Islander;
- 5% two or more races; and
- 2% American Indian or Alaska Native young people.
As Gen Zers grew up over the past two decades, children in immigrant families grew more common, too, rising from 19% of the country’s child population in the early 2000s to 25% in 2021.
For many Gen Zers, the backdrop of their early years included the country’s first Black president and the legalization of gay marriage. They are more likely to have grown up amid diverse family structures — whether in a single-parent household, a multiracial household, or a household in which gender roles were blurred. As a result, they are less fazed than previous generations by differences in race, sexual orientation or religion.
Generation Z is the most educated generation yet, with 57% of 18—21-year-olds enrolled in college in 2022, compared to 52% of Millennials at the same age. Many prioritize practical education, with increased interest in trade schools and certifications. Employment trends show Gen Z values flexibility and purpose in their careers, often favoring gig work or freelance opportunities; in 2023, 46% of Gen Z workers participated in the gig economy. They also prioritize mental health and work-life balance, considering these factors critical when choosing jobs. These trends are reshaping education and workplace landscapes.