The Elusive Average American: Unpacking the Demographics and Lifestyle

Defining the Elusive Average American. We hear it all the time. Average price, average consumer, average account, average day, and on and on endlessly. So, what is it like to be average in today’s digital world? There are many descriptions on the internet and most of them seem to agree with the following individual. This description was published by the Saturday Evening Post in December 2021.

The Average American

According to the recent census, our average American is a white female, between 30 and 34 years old, with German ancestors. If we use the median age of 32, years she was born in 1989, when the most popular girl’s name was Jessica. She lives in California and is married. She’s a five-foot, four-inch brunette, and the mother of a two-year-old boy. Financially, this average American earns $47,000 a year, owes debts totaling $87,000, and has a net worth of about $8,000.

Does this sound like you or someone you know? Probably not. These statistics describe one average person, not the broad spectrum of Americans. So, let’s look at some other general specifics.

What the average household looks like

• The Average American household is about $131,000 in debt.
• The Average American works 34.4 hours per week.
• The Average American median household income is approximately $63,795
• The Average American has less than $1,000 in savings.
• The Average American spends five hours a day on his cell phone.
• The Average American has a mortgage of approximately $241,815.
• The Average American has an auto loan of approximately $23,478.
• The Average American has a student loan of approximately $58,238.

What does this mean?

As you think about these statistics keep in mind that each point does not apply to every person in the US. You may not have a $242,000 mortgage or a $58,000 student loan but you are included as a part of the total population. The US is one of the most, if not the most, demographically diverse country on the planet. Whatever you want to find, it’s here. Attempting to generalize about the population of this country is almost impossible.

To further complicate the process, the immigration population in this nation is rapidly expanding. As they are absorbed into the population and workforce, the current statistics will be considerably different.

Other important facts

Any conversation about average Americans without including how they communicate, socialize, shop, and get their news in this digital age would be incomplete. Internet usage by all age groups has reshaped the way Americans go about their daily lives. It is not likely innovations in technology will change and will continue to influence our lives for generations and beyond.

Social Media Usage Across Age Groups

The advent of the digital age has transformed the way Americans communicate, connect, and consume information. Social media, in particular, has become a fundamental part of daily life. Let’s explore the usage patterns across age groups on the top six platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat, and TikTok.

1. Facebook: Facebook remains a leader in the social media landscape. While its popularity has declined among younger demographics, it continues to be an important platform for adults. According to Pew Research, 69% of U.S. adults use Facebook, with the majority falling in the 18-49 age range.
2. Instagram: Instagram, known for its visual-centric content, has gained substantial popularity, especially among younger users. Pew Research indicates that 71% of individuals aged 18 to 29 use Instagram, making it a go-to platform for visually engaging content.
3. Twitter: Twitter serves as a real-time news and information hub. Its user base skews slightly younger, with 38% of adults aged 18 to 29 using the platform. Twitter’s appeal lies in its ability to facilitate rapid information dissemination and engagement.
4. LinkedIn: LinkedIn caters primarily to professionals and those seeking career-related content. Unsurprisingly, its user base is older, with 46% of adults aged 30 to 49 utilizing the platform. LinkedIn’s emphasis on networking and career development sets it apart from other social media sites.
5. Snapchat: Snapchat’s temporary content has captured the attention of younger users. Pew Research notes that 75% of adults aged 18 to 24 use Snapchat, highlighting its dominance among the college-aged demographic.
6. TikTok: TikTok, a relative newcomer, has taken the social media world by storm, particularly among the younger generation. A staggering 78% of adults aged 18 to 29 use TikTok, highlighting its rapid growth in popularity.

Conclusion

The average American, as depicted by demographic data, is a dynamic individual shaped by numerous factors, including age, ethnicity, education, and income. Social media is a powerful force in contemporary society, reflecting and influencing the way Americans connect and share information. While Facebook continues to maintain its status as a widely used platform across age groups, newer entrants like TikTok are reshaping the landscape, with a clear focus on younger audiences. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the profile of the average American, influenced by the ever-changing currents of society and digital innovation.

An After Thought

Scholars, businesses, scientists, and many others have been trying to define the average American for many years. Each of them may claim success in their own way. To me, the reality is there are far too many variables to determine what is average. It is interesting reading, but the real question is…who wants their life, or success, to be measured by just being average? 

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