If you‘ve turned on the TV or radio lately, you‘ve probably heard a lot about "baby boomers." The baby boomer generation, born between 1946 and 1964, has been discussed almost non-stop in recent years. But how many of these post-World War II babies are actually still around in 2024?
In this in-depth article, we‘ll explore the key statistics and future projections around the size of the boomer generation. You may be surprised at just how large this demographic cohort remains, even as its oldest members are now in their late 70s.
Let‘s dive into the numbers!
Contents
- Quick Answer: 76 Million Boomers in U.S., 205 Million Worldwide
- By The Numbers: Key Stats on U.S. and Worldwide Baby Boomer Population
- Boomers Are Still 76 Million Strong in the U.S.
- Boomers are 20% of U.S. Residents by 2030
- Millennials Have Surpassed Boomers in Size
- Boomers Number 205 Million Worldwide
- Boomer Population Falling, But Still 61 Million by 2029
- Boomers Still Number 10,000 New Retirees Per Day
- 1 in 6 Worldwide Will Be 65+ by 2050
- Boomers: A "Pig in the Python" Demographic Bulge
- State With Most Boomers: California, at Nearly 9 Million
- Boomers are Wealthiest U.S. Cohort
- Boomers Still 33% of U.S. Labor Force
- 90% of Boomers Have Been Married
- Boomers: Still a Force Across Politics, Culture and the Economy
- Conclusion: Boomers Still Number 76 Million Strong in the U.S.
Quick Answer: 76 Million Boomers in U.S., 205 Million Worldwide
For a quick answer: There are approximately 76 million baby boomers still living in the United States as of 2024. Worldwide, the total baby boomer population is estimated to be around 205 million.
But let‘s look at some more detailed boomer demographic data to truly appreciate the size and influence of this generation.
By The Numbers: Key Stats on U.S. and Worldwide Baby Boomer Population
First, a high-level overview of some of the key figures on the size of the baby boomer cohort:
- 76 million – Estimated size of the U.S. baby boomer population in 2024
- 205 million – Estimated size of the global baby boomer population
- 61.3 million – Projected U.S. boomer population by 2029
- 10,000 – Number of boomers reaching age 65 every day in America
- 90% – Share of boomers who have been married
- $8 trillion – Estimated boomer spending on goods/services in 2020
Clearly, this is still an enormous demographic group with the ability to shape economies, politics, culture and more. Next, let‘s analyze some of these data points in greater detail.
Boomers Are Still 76 Million Strong in the U.S.
The baby boomer generation is most commonly defined as those born between 1946 and 1964. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that around 76 million babies were born during those Post-World War II years when Americans were focused on growing families and suburbs.
As of 2024, Census figures show America‘s living boomer population remains at an impressively large 76 million. The cohorts‘ youngest members are still shy of 60, while the oldest are now 77.
To put this gigantic number in perspective, the 76 million boomers represent nearly a quarter of the total U.S. population today. Simply staggering!
"The sheer size of this generation will guarantee its impact is felt by society for decades," explains demographer Mark Mather. "Even as they age, the baby boomers will reshape everything from housing to healthcare with their combined needs and preferences."
Boomers are 20% of U.S. Residents by 2030
As more boomers crossed into their 60s over the past decade, America has undergone a dramatic demographic shift towards an older population.
Back in 2012, just 14% of U.S. residents were over 65. But by 2030, Census Bureau projections show this percentage ballooning to over 20% – or 1 in 5 Americans. This will place major new burdens on younger generations to provide services and benefits to a rapidly aging populace.
The coming "silver tsunami" promises to bring deep economic and social changes to communities nationwide. We explore the impacts more in the sections below.
Millennials Have Surpassed Boomers in Size
For many years, baby boomers reigned as America‘s largest living generation by pure numbers. But that finally changed in 2019, when the Millennial generation (born 1981-1996) overtook them in size:
Largest U.S. Generations by Population
- Millennials – 72.1 million
- Baby Boomers – 71.6 million
- Generation Z – 67.0 million
- Generation X – 65.0 million
Source: Pew Research Center
Fueled by a new wave of immigration, these younger generations now outnumber the aging boomers. The generational torch has officially been passed.
However, given boomers‘ wealth and voting power, their influence likely still outweighs their raw population totals. Political candidates, marketers and policymakers will certainly continue catering heavily to this group.
Boomers Number 205 Million Worldwide
It‘s more difficult to precisely quantify the total global baby boomer population, since demographic data collection methods vary internationally.
However, aggregating the best available figures, Pew Research Center analysis pegs the total world boomer population at around 205 million as of 2024.
Impressively, over one-third of these boomers reside in the United States. But many other nations – from Canada to Australia to France – also experienced spikes in births following WWII. This left them with substantial boomer cohorts as well.
Declining birth rates in subsequent decades mean these boomers represent disproportionately large segments of their national populations today. This makes their aging another global phenomenon with widespread economic implications.
Boomer Population Falling, But Still 61 Million by 2029
As boomers age through their 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond, their numbers in the U.S. will inevitably decline over the coming years.
Current projections estimate the American boomer population will shrink to around 61.3 million by 2029. That‘s when even the youngest boomers will have turned 65.
However, modern medicine means a large share should still exceed the average life expectancy. Living well into their 80s or 90s is now commonplace for boomers.
So this generation‘s population decrease promises to be gradual. The Census Bureau doesn‘t foresee boomer numbers falling to zero until at least the 2060s!
"Boomers have been defined by their outsized presence since birth," says sociologist Ruth Martin. "So society needs to appreciate that they will remain an outsized, and important, part of America‘s fabric for decades more, even as their ranks slowly thin out."
Boomers Still Number 10,000 New Retirees Per Day
Perhaps nothing underscores the size of the baby boomers quite like the statistics on their looming retirements. Get this:
An estimated 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day. That‘s 10,000 boomers potentially leaving the workforce daily.
"This ‘silver tsunami‘ of new retirees has only just begun," explains financial advisor Chris Lee. "As millions of boomers exit the labor force in the coming years, we will feel the economic aftershocks throughout society."
Indeed, some experts warn that mass boomer retirements could lead to labor shortages in key industries. This enormous generation has dominated the workplace for decades. Replacing their sheer numbers promises to be a towering challenge.
1 in 6 Worldwide Will Be 65+ by 2050
Global population aging means virtually all societies will need to adapt to having more seniors. In 2022, about 700 million people worldwide were over 65. By 2050, the UN projects this figure will swell to a staggering 1.5 billion.
That means the share of the global population aged 65+ will rise from approximately 1-in-11 today to 1-in-6 by midcentury. Developing nations are rapidly catching up to industrialized countries in terms of aging.
Japan leads the way with an estimated 40% of its people being elderly by 2050. But even still-young countries like Mexico and India will see giant spikes in their senior populations.
Boomers: A "Pig in the Python" Demographic Bulge
What caused this unprecedentedly large generation that still numbers 76 million just in America? Demographers point to a perfect storm of factors that made the boomer birth years anomalously "bulgy:"
- Postwar celebration – High marriage rates and eager family formation followed WWII‘s end. The stage was set for a baby boom.
- Prosperity – America‘s economy soared in the 1950s and 60s, providing boomer parents with means to raise kids.
- Healthcare – Penicillin and other medical advances helped more boomer mothers and babies survive pregnancy.
- Suburbs – The mass movement to suburbia encouraged bigger families with backyard space for boomers.
- Car culture – Cars made commuting easier, empowering boomer parents to seek bigger homes.
Demographer Richard Easterlin famously called boomers a "pig in the python" – a huge demographic bulge passing through population charts decade after decade due to their outsized number relative to other cohorts.
And this pig still has plenty of life left in it!
"Boomers have been impacting society since the day they were born," says historian Blanche Dunn. "Understanding their continued demographic dominance today provides key insight into everything from emerging medical needs to transformational lifestyle and community changes ahead."
State With Most Boomers: California, at Nearly 9 Million
Given its enormous population overall, it‘s no surprise California leads all states in total baby boomers:
U.S. States With Most Baby Boomers
- California – 8,980,000
- Texas – 6,330,000
- Florida – 5,620,000
- New York – 5,010,000
- Pennsylvania – 3,980,000
Source: Census Bureau
In fact, America‘s four most populous states – California, Texas, Florida and New York – contain over 25 million boomers between them. However, some smaller states like Vermont and Maine have higher concentrations of boomers as a percentage of their total population.
This geographic dispersion means the "graying of America" will be felt on a national scale. All communities should begin preparing for a coming wave of senior boomers who will reshape housing, healthcare, transportation and more.
Boomers are Wealthiest U.S. Cohort
With their peak earning years happening during an era of rising affluence, baby boomers collectively hold significant wealth. Exact totals are debated, but most experts agree boomers are America‘s richest generation.
Estimated Total Wealth by Generation
- Baby Boomers – $59 trillion
- Generation X – $17 trillion
- Millennials – $2.5 trillion
Source: Federal Reserve & Gallup
Boomers were well-positioned to reap the fruits of America‘s growing economic pie in the 60s, 70s and 80s. Today, they own approximately 56% of all privately held stocks in America.
This gives boomers formidable spending power – even as they retire. Estimates peg their annual economic activity around a staggering $8 trillion per year.
Boomers Still 33% of U.S. Labor Force
Of course, not every boomer rushes to full retirement right at 65. Many are delaying retirement – either voluntarily or out of financial necessity.
Surprisingly, government data show over a third of baby boomers – 33% – remain actively working and contributing to the U.S. economy.
However, COVID-19 accelerated boomer retirements, and ongoing waves are expected in the 2020s. That promises major impacts across industries as employers struggle to adequately replace these veteran workers.
"We anticipated a ‘boomer drain‘ from the workforce," says Thelma Jackson, economist. "But the sheer volume still surprises us. Replacing their institutional knowledge and skills remains a monumental challenge."
90% of Boomers Have Been Married
Beyond workforce participation, an interesting demographic contrast emerges when looking at boomers‘ marital history compared to younger cohorts:
- 90% of baby boomers have been married at some point
- Just 33% of millennials were married by age 33
- 25% of millennials are expected never to marry
The data highlights changing cultural norms. While marriage was an expectation for earlier generations, millennials and Gen Z are taking a more skeptical view of the institution.
Boomers, however, formed families at rates similar to their parents‘ generation. Census figures confirm that getting (and staying) married was simply the default pathway for the vast majority as they came of age.
Boomers: Still a Force Across Politics, Culture and the Economy
The sheer size of the baby boomer cohort means this generation has influenced – and continues influencing – many aspects of American society, including:
Politics
- Boomers have voted at high rates throughout their lives, making them a coveted electoral prize for any candidate or cause seeking votes. Their needs and policy preferences have dominated government decision-making for decades.
Music & Entertainment
- Classic rock remains popular on radio in large part thanks to enduring boomer fandom. They still buy millions of concert tickets to see aging bands they followed in their youth.
Housing
- As they age, boomers increasingly favor accessibility features like single-floor living. Experts say demand for senior housing could soar over 200% by 2030. Entire communities catering to active, mobile seniors are emerging.
Healthcare
- Boomers are adding to the prevalence of chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes as they move through their 60s and beyond. Their healthcare needs have policy makers focused on improving geriatric medicine and offering expanded home care options.
Retail & Marketing
- Consumer companies work feverishly to court boomers‘ buying power in areas like travel, food, healthcare products, financial services and more. Entire business strategies are built around capturing this lucrative generation‘s spending.
In essence, boomers have been America‘s alpha cohort for much of the modern era. Their continued demographic dominance assures their preferences and purchasing behavior will remain highly influential for decades ahead.
Conclusion: Boomers Still Number 76 Million Strong in the U.S.
We‘ve covered a lot of ground here! To summarize, the baby boomer generation remains an enormously impactful age cohort:
- Boomers number around 76 million people in the United States as of 2024.
- They represent nearly a quarter of the total U.S. population.
- Worldwide, the total boomer population sits at approximately 205 million.
- Their numbers will gradually decline in the coming decades due to aging.
- However, boomers will still comprise over 60 million Americans by 2029.
- This generation‘s economic, political and cultural clout will remain substantial.
- Both public and private sector institutions must plan ahead to serve boomers‘ needs as they age.
In short, don‘t think of baby boomers as a fading demographic. With 76 million members, they still have the power to shape America‘s course well into the future.