Move over Millennials: with a staggering 25% of the global population, a worldview profoundly shaped by digital immersion from birth, and a seismic shift in their social and sexual identities, Generation Z is not just arriving—they’re redefining everything from the workforce to mental health to our very notion of community.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, 20% of Gen Z (ages 18-26) in the US identified as non-heterosexual, compared to 10% of Millennials at the same age.
- Gen Z comprises 27% of the global workforce as of 2024, projected to reach 30% by 2025.
- 56% of Gen Z in the US live in urban or suburban areas, with only 15% in rural settings according to 2022 Census data.
- 76% of Gen Z US high school students in 2023 achieved proficiency in reading per NAEP.
- Only 57% of Gen Z enrolled in college immediately after high school in 2022.
- Gen Z college enrollment rate dropped 12% from 2019-2022 due to pandemic.
- Gen Z unemployment for recent grads is 12% in US 2023.
- 52% of Gen Z hold gig economy jobs like Uber/DoorDash.
- Gen Z job-hop rate is 30% within first year of work.
- 77% of Gen Z own or use TikTok daily for entertainment.
- Gen Z spends average 4.8 hours daily on social media.
- 89% of Gen Z have smartphone by age 12 in US.
- 50% of Gen Z adults report daily anxiety symptoms.
- 42% of Gen Z sought therapy or counseling in past year.
- Gen Z suicide rate rose 57% from 2007-2021 for ages 10-24.
Gen Z is a diverse and digitally native generation redefining education, work, and mental health.
Demographics
- In 2023, 20% of Gen Z (ages 18-26) in the US identified as non-heterosexual, compared to 10% of Millennials at the same age.
- Gen Z comprises 27% of the global workforce as of 2024, projected to reach 30% by 2025.
- 56% of Gen Z in the US live in urban or suburban areas, with only 15% in rural settings according to 2022 Census data.
- The median age of Gen Z in 2024 is 16 years old globally, with the oldest turning 27.
- 42% of Gen Z Americans have at least one immigrant parent, higher than previous generations.
- Gen Z women outnumber men by 2% in the US population as of 2023.
- 65% of Gen Z globally report being multiracial or from mixed ethnic backgrounds in urban areas.
- In the UK, Gen Z makes up 21% of the population aged 10-24 in 2023.
- 30% of Gen Z in the US delayed driver's license until age 18 or later, per 2022 surveys.
- Gen Z's global population is estimated at 2.0 billion, representing 25% of world population in 2024.
- 51% of Gen Z US high school graduates in 2023 were female.
- In Australia, 28% of Gen Z identify as non-Christian religiously in 2023 census.
- 37% of Gen Z in Europe live in households with two working parents, down from 45% for Boomers.
- Gen Z's share of US voters in 2024 election projected at 18% of total electorate.
- 24% of Gen Z globally are first-generation college attendees in their families.
- In Canada, Gen Z unemployment rate for ages 15-24 was 12.5% in 2023.
- 68% of Gen Z in the US have siblings, but 32% are only children per 2022 data.
- Gen Z's median household income in US for young adults is $52,000 annually in 2023.
- 45% of Gen Z in India are urban dwellers as of 2024 projections.
- In Brazil, Gen Z represents 22% of population with high racial diversity at 55% non-white.
- 58% of Gen Z US adults under 25 own smartphones purchased before age 13.
- Gen Z fertility rate in US is 1.6 births per woman aged 15-19 in 2022.
- 33% of Gen Z in South Korea live with grandparents due to family structures.
- In the US, Gen Z homeownership rate is 26% for ages 25-29 in 2023.
- 40% of Gen Z globally report fluency in more than two languages.
- Gen Z's obesity rate in US is 21% for ages 12-19 per CDC 2023.
- 27% of Gen Z in Mexico migrate internally for education by age 18.
- In France, 35% of Gen Z have at least one parent born abroad.
- Gen Z's average height in US males is 5'9" , females 5'4" per NHANES 2022.
- 62% of US Gen Z aged 18-24 voted in 2020 election.
Demographics Interpretation
Gen Z is rewriting the playbook as the most diverse, globally connected, and urbanized generation yet, bringing an authentic and fluid identity to a quarter of the world's population that is just now flexing its considerable political and economic muscle.
Education
- 76% of Gen Z US high school students in 2023 achieved proficiency in reading per NAEP.
- Only 57% of Gen Z enrolled in college immediately after high school in 2022.
- Gen Z college enrollment rate dropped 12% from 2019-2022 due to pandemic.
- 42% of Gen Z college students major in STEM fields in 2023 surveys.
- Average Gen Z student debt upon graduation is $29,800 in 2023.
- 68% of Gen Z prefer online learning hybrids post-COVID per 2023 polls.
- Gen Z high school dropout rate in US is 5.2% for class of 2022.
- 55% of Gen Z international students study abroad for under 1 year.
- In the UK, 89% of Gen Z achieve GCSE passes, but only 25% top grades in math.
- Gen Z's average GPA in US colleges is 3.15 as of 2023 data.
- 37% of Gen Z pursue vocational training over 4-year degrees.
- Gen Z literacy rates globally average 92% for ages 15-24 in 2023.
- 49% of Gen Z students report cheating on exams via tech in 2022 surveys.
- In Australia, Gen Z PISA scores in science averaged 507 in 2022.
- 72% of Gen Z value mental health days in school policies.
- Gen Z homeschooling rates rose to 11% in US during 2020-2023.
- 61% of Gen Z college grads have internships experience by graduation.
- Average time to complete bachelor's for Gen Z is 5.2 years in US.
- 28% of Gen Z in Europe study business/administration majors.
- Gen Z's participation in AP courses up 15% from 2015-2022.
- 44% of Gen Z report bullying in schools, mostly online.
- In Canada, 82% of Gen Z graduate high school by age 19.
- Gen Z's interest in trade schools rose 22% since 2019.
- 53% of Gen Z use AI tools for homework daily in 2024.
- Average Gen Z class size preference is under 20 students.
- 67% of Gen Z value DEI programs in higher education.
- Gen Z's math proficiency fell to 26% in US NAEP 2022.
- 39% of Gen Z pursue certifications over degrees.
- In India, Gen Z literacy rate is 95% for urban youth.
Education Interpretation
Gen Z seems to be a highly literate generation that's pragmatically sidestepping traditional education's debt and rigid timelines, embracing instead a flexible, hybrid future of STEM, vocational training, and AI-assisted homework, all while fiercely protecting their mental health.
Employment
- Gen Z unemployment for recent grads is 12% in US 2023.
- 52% of Gen Z hold gig economy jobs like Uber/DoorDash.
- Gen Z job-hop rate is 30% within first year of work.
- 65% of Gen Z prioritize work-life balance over salary.
- Average starting salary for Gen Z grads is $58,000 in tech.
- 41% of Gen Z are freelancers or self-employed by 25.
- Gen Z's underemployment rate is 15% for degree holders.
- 73% of Gen Z want remote/hybrid work permanently.
- In UK, Gen Z youth unemployment peaked at 14.2% in 2023.
- 48% of Gen Z reject 9-5 jobs for flexible schedules.
- Gen Z entrepreneurship rate is 17% starting businesses by 25.
- 56% of Gen Z in retail jobs report burnout within 6 months.
- Average Gen Z work hours per week is 35 for full-time.
- 62% of Gen Z seek employers with mental health benefits.
- Gen Z's promotion rate lags 10% behind Millennials.
- 29% of Gen Z work in service industry as primary job.
- In Australia, Gen Z casual employment is 45% of young workers.
- 71% of Gen Z value company purpose/social impact.
- Gen Z side hustle participation is 54% for extra income.
- 38% of Gen Z delay full-time work for further education.
- Average tenure in first job for Gen Z is 1.8 years.
- 67% of Gen Z use LinkedIn daily for job hunting.
- Gen Z wage growth is 4.1% annually in US 2023.
- 45% of Gen Z in Europe work part-time involuntarily.
- 59% of Gen Z prioritize career growth over pay raises.
Employment Interpretation
Gen Z is rewriting the career playbook as a series of side quests and gigs, trading traditional stability for flexibility and purpose while navigating an economy that too often offers them burnout instead of a ladder.
Mental Health
- 50% of Gen Z adults report daily anxiety symptoms.
- 42% of Gen Z sought therapy or counseling in past year.
- Gen Z suicide rate rose 57% from 2007-2021 for ages 10-24.
- 34% of Gen Z report depression diagnosis by age 25.
- 63% of Gen Z feel stressed most days due to school/work.
- Gen Z sleep averages 6.5 hours nightly, below recommended 8-10.
- 48% of Gen Z experienced cyberbullying in past year.
- 29% of Gen Z self-harm at least once by age 18.
- Gen Z loneliness rate is 61%, highest of any generation.
- 55% of Gen Z females report eating disorder concerns.
- 37% of Gen Z have ADHD diagnosis, up from prior gens.
- Gen Z alcohol abstinence rate is 40% vs 25% Millennials.
- 52% of Gen Z report FOMO impacting mental health.
- In UK, Gen Z antidepressant prescriptions up 25% since 2018.
- 66% of Gen Z prioritize mental health over physical.
- Gen Z vaping rates peak at 28% for high school seniors.
- 44% of Gen Z report panic attacks monthly.
- 71% of Gen Z want mental health education in schools.
- Gen Z body image dissatisfaction is 70% influenced by social media.
- 31% of Gen Z have PTSD symptoms from pandemic.
- Average Gen Z mindfulness app usage is 3x/week.
- 57% of Gen Z males report reluctance to seek help.
- Gen Z cannabis use for anxiety is 22% regularly.
- 49% of Gen Z feel hopeless about climate change impact.
- 68% of Gen Z exercise less than 3x/week due to mood.
- Gen Z therapy wait times average 3 months in US.
- 40% of Gen Z report improved mental health via pets.
- 53% of Gen Z have generalized anxiety disorder traits.
- Gen Z's resilience scores dropped 15% post-2020.
- 62% of Gen Z use social media as primary coping mechanism.
Mental Health Interpretation
A generation raised with the world at their fingertips is now learning, with alarming statistics as their proof, that their own minds have become the most difficult and urgent frontier to navigate.
Technology Use
- 77% of Gen Z own or use TikTok daily for entertainment.
- Gen Z spends average 4.8 hours daily on social media.
- 89% of Gen Z have smartphone by age 12 in US.
- 62% of Gen Z prefer YouTube over TV for video content.
- Gen Z's screen time averages 9 hours daily including all devices.
- 95% of Gen Z use Instagram for social interaction weekly.
- 48% of Gen Z game online daily, 25% competitively.
- Gen Z podcast consumption is 70% weekly in US.
- 83% of Gen Z use AI chatbots like ChatGPT monthly.
- Average Gen Z TikTok usage is 1.5 hours daily.
- 71% of Gen Z stream music via Spotify/Apple Music daily.
- Gen Z VR/AR adoption for gaming is 35% in 2024.
- 66% of Gen Z delete apps over privacy concerns.
- 92% of Gen Z use Snapchat for ephemeral messaging.
- Gen Z's metaverse engagement is 28% weekly via Roblox/Fortnite.
- 55% of Gen Z use Discord for communities and voice chat.
- Average Gen Z YouTube watch time is 48 minutes daily.
- 74% of Gen Z shop online via mobile apps weekly.
- Gen Z crypto ownership is 20% among 18-25 year olds.
- 81% of Gen Z use multiple devices simultaneously.
- 39% of Gen Z create content on social platforms regularly.
- Gen Z Twitch streaming viewership is 60% of total audience.
- 67% of Gen Z use voice assistants like Siri daily.
- Average Gen Z app downloads per month is 12.
- 76% of Gen Z concerned about deepfakes and AI misinformation.
- Gen Z NFT ownership peaked at 15% in 2022.
- 84% of Gen Z use email less than once a week for personal.
Technology Use Interpretation
While their digitally-native thumbs scroll past privacy deepfakes at hyperspeed and their AI chatbot confidants whisper sweet nothings, Gen Z is masterfully curating a multi-screen, content-rich existence where the new town square is a chaotic, ephemeral, and algorithmically-served blend of TikTok, Discord, and YouTube, proving they are not just consuming culture but tirelessly archiving, gaming, and shopping within it—all before their parents have figured out how to send a proper email.
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