Selected Characteristics of Baby
Boomers 42 to 60 Years Old in
2006
Background
• The population born between 1946 and 1964
is commonly referred to as the Baby Boom
generation.
• Distinguishable by a dramatic increase in
birth rates following World War II, Baby
Boomers now comprise what is seen as one
of the largest generations in U.S. history.
• In 2006, Baby Boomers were ages 42 to 60.
2
Background
• Understanding the demographic and
socioeconomic characteristics of the
members of this generation in the present
day is essential.
• The primary purpose of this presentation is to
study the current characteristics of Baby
Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) by
focusing on the population ages 42 to 60 in
2006. However, some of the current U.S.
population ages 42 to 60 presented here is
foreign born and was born in other countries
during the same period.
3
Topics for Discussion About the
Baby Boomer Population
• Population size
• Geographic distribution
• Demographic characteristics
• Socioeconomic characteristics
4
Past, Present and Future
Population Size of Baby Boomers
Baby Boomers by Sex: 1970-2030
Year
Both Sexes
Male
Female
Number
1970
72,376,007
36,369,345
36,006,662
2000
78,310,361
38,679,407
39,630,954
2006
77,980,296
38,275,051
39,705,245
2030
57,793,135
26,054,999
31,738,136
Percent
1970
100.0
50.3
49.7
2000
100.0
49.4
50.6
2006
100.0
49.1
50.9
2030
100.0
45.1
54.9
Note: The data presented here do not exclude the effects of immigration and persons born in other
countries living in the United States.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Decennial Census 1970 and 2000
U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates as of July 1, 2006
U.S. Census Bureau, Population Projections as of July 1, 2008
6
7
Population by Single Year of Age
and Sex: 1970
1.8
1.3
0.8
0.3
0.3
0.8
1.3
1.8
Under 1 year
5 years
10 years
15 years
20 years
25 years
30 years
35 years
40 years
45 years
50 years
55 years
60 years
65 years
70 years