Generation Z (Gen Z): Definition, Birth Years, and Demographics (2024)

What Is Generation Z (Gen Z)?

Generation Z is the name given to the generation of people born between 1997 and 2012. It's commonly referred to as "Gen Z," for short. This generation comes after Millennials and before Generation Alpha. The oldest members of Gen Z are reaching their late-20s, with many now out of college, getting married, and starting families, while the youngest may be as young as 12.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, members of Gen Z face a future more uncertain than many previous generations encountered.

Key Takeways

  • Generation Z (Gen Z) refers to the generation of Americans born from 1997 to 2012.
  • The oldest members of Gen Z are starting their post-education years, with new careers and, possibly, families; the youngest are 12.
  • Though older Gen Zers have firm plans for retirement, they haven’t gone very far in starting their savings for it.

Understanding Gen Z

Gen Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation of Americans yet. According to the Pew Research Center, non-Hispanic White Gen Zers hold a very slim majority at 52%. Hispanics make up 25% of Gen Z, while Black Gen Zers make up 14%, and 6% are Asian. The remaining 5% are a different race or two or more races. The majority of Gen Z members are not immigrants: Only 6% were born outside the United States.

Though past generations have taken up social issues, Gen Z are more socially minded than previous generations. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Gen Zers are focused on seven key social issues: healthcare, mental health, higher education, economic security, civic engagement, race equity, and the environment.

Many Gen Zers will soon be ineligible to remain on their parents' health insurance, and they are concerned about how to pay for their own coverage. This issue is further exacerbated by the increase in the number of Gen Zers seeking mental health treatment—37%, according to the American Psychological Association.

Gen Zers also make education a priority. More than half (57%) of those ages 18 to 21 years old were enrolled at either a two- or four-year college. Gen Z members also are more likely to finish high school.

Members of Gen Z are fighting for social change, racial equity, and protecting the environment in record numbers. Some have elevated their profile to the national level, such as X (formerly Emma) González, a survivor of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, who helped organize the March for Our Lives movement with other survivors. According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 70% of Gen Zers think the government needs to take a more active stance in addressing problems.

Gen Z vs. Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers

The 21st Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey of Workers looked at how Gen Z views its finances and retirement prospects compared with millennials, Gen Xers, and baby boomers. Key findings include:

  • Almost six in 10 Gen Z workers (59%) said their employment situation has been negatively impacted—primarily due to a reduction in work hours—as a result of the pandemic, which is significantly more than among millennials (51%), Gen Xers (39%), and baby boomers (30%).
  • Baby boomers, Gen Xers, and millennials are significantly more likely than Gen Zers to cite saving for retirement as a financial priority (75%, 65%, 53%, and 33%, respectively).But they are, of course, a lot closer to it—or already there, in the case of many boomers.
  • Building emergency savings is a priority for 50% of Gen Xers, 46% of millennials, 42% of Gen Zers, and 36% of baby boomers.

33%

The percentage of Gen Zers who consider saving for retirement to be a financial priority.

Gen Z’s Financial Situation

According to the Transamerica survey results, Gen Z currently has little to no financial security. Gen Z workers are more likely to say they are just getting by to cover basic living expenses (50%) and paying off student loans (35%) than older generations. In addition, they have saved just $2,000 in emergency savings, while 30% have dipped into their retirement accounts. Also, approximately one-third of Gen Zers have reduced their day-to-day expenses due to pandemic-related financial strain.

Retirement Savings

Even though Gen Zers might be on shaky financial ground at the moment, they have firm plans for retirement. In fact, 70% are saving for retirement through employer-sponsored plans, such as a 401(k) or similar plan, and/or outside the workplace, per the Transamerica survey. Gen Zers also started saving for retirement at age 19, much earlier than millennials (age 25), Gen Xers (30), and baby boomers (35).

According to the survey, Gen Z members estimate that they will need $500,000 by the time they retire to feel financially secure. However, only 32% have a backup plan if retirement comes unexpectedly.

Additionally, the 2022 Investopedia Financial Literacy Survey found that younger generationsare factoring cryptocurrency into their retirement plans, so understanding cryptocurrency may be extremely important for children.

Financial Planning for Gen Z

Because Gen Zers are just moving into the workforce, many don’t have a lot of experience with financial planning. They may know about employer-sponsored plans, but many don’t know much about investment products outside of work, such as bank accounts (savings and money market), individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and certificates of deposit (CDs). In fact, according to the Transamerica survey, only 9% have a “great deal” of understanding of asset-allocation principles as they relate to retirement investing.

If you belong to Gen Z, here are four steps you can take to help you start down the road to a strong financial future.

$500,000

The amount that Gen Zers feel they need to save for a financially secure retirement.

1. Get a comprehensive financial plan

Don’t wait until you are well into your career to seek financial advice for your financial future. If you have a steady job and already are saving for retirement through an employer-sponsored plan, now is the time to seek input on how to maximize your savings.Learn about budgeting—there are great apps for that—and work to build an emergency fund to help you through tough times and keep you from ending up with serious credit card debt if, for example, your car breaks down.

2. Manage your debt

Even for 25-year-old (so the oldest) Gen Zers, purchasing a home may still be some years away. But it's not too soon to get your finances under control, which will help you get a mortgage when the time comes. A good credit rating and a low debt level will help both your current life (hiring managers sometimes check this) and your future ability to get everything from a car loan to, eventually, a mortgage. Work to get your student debt under control and keep credit card debt at a minimum. Learn about debt-to-income (DTI) ratio—a number that will eventually help you get a mortgage (mortgage lenders want your DTI to be 43% or less to qualify for a home loan, per Chase) but that right now can help you gain control of your finances.

Paying off credit cards can give your DTI a big boost, as can paying off any installment loans, such as car loans or student loans. If you’re having trouble paying down your debt, a certified credit counselor can help you develop a plan of action.

3. Get a head start on college costs

As college tuition continues to increase, it's important to look for ways to pay for college that won't leave you drowning in debt. Though four-year colleges are considered a primary path to a college degree, there are other, more affordable options that could reduce how much you pay for college. Taking classes online, attending a community or junior college, or opting for a technical school all offer avenues to a secondary education that cost less than traditional four-year schools—or make the first part of a college education cheaper.

Taking time off to work full time and save up for tuition costs is another way to pay for college. You could also apply for the Federal Work-Study program, wherein you can work part time while attending school either part or full time.

Searching for scholarships and grants is another way to pay for college. Don't rely solely on your school's financial aid office to match you with possible scholarships or grants. There are several search engines available to help locate scholarships that you may qualify for to help pay tuition and college costs. These include Fastweb, Mometrix, StudentScholarships.org, Unigo, and Scholly.

4. Get a financial picture from parents

As you embark on adulthood and begin to take control of your own finances, talk with your parents regarding how to build a secure financial foundation. They can help answer any questions you may have about building up your savings, managing your credit card use, establishing a good credit history, and understanding employer-sponsored retirement accounts and benefits.

If your parents don't have a strong financial history, search for a local banker or financial advisor you can talk with regarding your financial issues and goals. And build your financial expertise by learning on your own.

Who Belongs to Generation Z (Gen Z)?

People born from 1997 to 2012 are considered to be part of Gen Z. That means that the eldest among them will reach a quarter-century of life in 2022.

Do Gen Zers Tend to Be Financially Secure?

Not yet. Fifty percent are making just enough to cover their basic living expenses, while 35% have student loans to pay off. One-third of them report having suffered financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Are Gen Zers Saving for Retirement?

Gen Zers are the most retirement-conscious generation ever. A staggering 70% have some sort of retirement plan, whether employer-sponsored or self-administered. Gen Zers started saving for their retirement at age 19. Compare that to millennials (age 25), Gen Xers (age 30), and baby boomers (age 35). Gen Zers anticipate needing to save $500,000 for retirement, however, which may prove to be an underestimate given that financial experts tend to peg the number higher at as much as $2 million.

The Bottom Line

Gen Z’s oldest members are beginning to move into their post-education years, which brings a wealth of new financial considerations with it. This includes planning for retirement, finding ways to pay for their college education, and setting the stage for a strong financial future, including buying a home. Having a firm financial plan in place can go a long way in helping them achieve their financial goals and provide financial security as they get older.

Generation Z (Gen Z): Definition, Birth Years, and Demographics (2024)

FAQs

Generation Z (Gen Z): Definition, Birth Years, and Demographics? ›

This generation consists of individuals born between 1997 and 2012 who are presently 25 years old and younger. Generation Z's only frame of reference is a digital dominant world, one in which technology has been with them from birth, and is present, always in-hand, literally at one's fingertips.

What are the demographics of the Generation Z? ›

Frey's analysis of U.S. Census data suggests that as of 2019, 50.9% of Generation Z is white, 13.8% is black, 25.0% Hispanic, and 5.3% Asian. 29% of Generation Z are children of immigrants or immigrants themselves, compared to 23% of Millennials when they were at the same age.

What is Gen Z defined by? ›

Key Takeways. Generation Z (Gen Z) refers to the generation of Americans born from 1997 to 2012. The oldest members of Gen Z are starting their post-education years, with new careers and, possibly, families; the youngest are 12.

What is the age definition of Gen Z? ›

Members of the Gen Z years were born between 1997 and 2012. So as of 2023, the Gen Z age range is anywhere from 11 to 26. They are commonly referred to as the first fully “digitally native” generation. They grew up with social media and smartphones—they're used to living in a digital-first world.

What is range of birth years for the Gen Z generational group? ›

1997 – 2012

What are the years for Gen Z? ›

Recent News. Generation Z, term used to describe Americans born during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Some sources give the specific year range of 1997–2012, although the years spanned are sometimes contested or debated because generations and their zeitgeists are difficult to delineate.

How long will Gen Z live? ›

The members of Generation Z, the oldest of which are now in their 20s, on average are expected to live to 100 and beyond. Health technology may or may not eventually lift Gen Zers well past that. They could be the generation that collectively hits the biological ceiling.

Why is Gen Z the strongest generation? ›

That is to say, their opinions and beliefs tend to be the same but Generation Z's are stronger. The young people of Gen Z declare that they will respect their superiors, not according to their diploma or authority but rather according to their capacities, confidence, and listening skills.

Is Gen Z aging faster? ›

This has led many young people to believe that their skin is aging more rapidly than their predecessors. But according to WebMD, dermatologists say that is just not true.

What makes Gen Z different from other generations? ›

Gen Z (or Generation Z) grew up with rapid digital changes. As teens, Gen Zers experienced the boom of smartphones, wearables, and virtual assistants, among other disruptive tech. This immersion makes them open to integrating new technology into their lives. Gen Z is already using AI in their daily lives.

What does Gen Z mean in slang? ›

This is a list of slang that is or was previously popularized by Generation Z (Gen Z), generally those born between the late 1990s and early 2010s in the Western world.

What age does Gen Z end at? ›

By Michele Debczak | Feb 22, 2024, 6:14 PM EST
GenerationTime FrameAge Now
Gen X1965-198044-59 years old
Millennials1981-199628-43 years old
Gen Z1997-201212-27 years old
Gen AlphaEarly 2010s-20250-approx. 11 years old
2 more rows
Feb 22, 2024

What is the newest generation called? ›

Generation Alpha, term used to describe the generation of people born (or who will be born) between 2010 and 2025. Some researchers, however, consider slightly different ranges.

What are the demographics of Gen Z? ›

Frey's analysis of U.S. Census data suggests that as of 2019, 50.9% of Generation Z is white, 13.8% is black, 25.0% Hispanic, and 5.3% Asian. (See figure below.) 29% of Generation Z are children of immigrants or immigrants themselves, compared to 23% of Millennials when they were at the same age.

What does z in Gen Z stand for? ›

Boomer refers to people born between 1946-1964. After boomer comes Generation X, which was 1965 to 1980. Then came Millennial, and after that was Generation Z, or Gen Z. Gen Z refers to people born between 1995 and 2010. The 'Z' in the name means "zoomer", as this is the first generation known to 'zoom' the internet.

What are generation definitions? ›

It also is "the average period, generally considered to be about 20–⁠30 years, during which children are born and grow up, become adults, and begin to have children." In kinship, generation is a structural term, designating the parent–child relationship.

What is the demographic segment of Gen Z? ›

Gen Z: Born between 1997 and 2012. A socially conscious generation that prioritizes mental health, sustainability, and racial equity, while shaping consumer habits with a tech-savvy approach.

Is Gen Z the most racially and ethnically diverse? ›

Generation Z is the most racially diverse generation in American history, with roughly 1 in 2 Gen Zers identifying as non-white.

What is the breakdown of Gen Z and Millennials? ›

A Millennial is anyone born between 1980 and 1995. In the U.S., there are roughly 80 million Millennials. A member of Gen Z is anyone born between 1996 and the early-mid 2000s (end date can vary depending on source). In the U.S., there are approximately 90 million members of Gen Z, or “Gen Zers.”

Who are Millennials and Gen Z target audience? ›

Marketing Architect at SAP, Ex-Infoscion…

Millennials, born roughly between the early 1980s and mid-1990s, exhibit a penchant for authenticity, social consciousness, and experiences. In contrast, Generation Z, born from the mid-1990s to the early 2010s, values individuality, digital fluency, and instant connectivity.

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