U.S. Census defines today's typical middle-aged boomer

September 08, 2000

U.S. Census defines today's typical middle-aged boomer

By DON WORTHINGTON / Staff Writer

Middle age.

It's most likely to be a time of relative financial security, more stress and less leisure time.

According to U.S. Census and other demographic data, almost 38 million people are middle aged.

The typical middle-aged baby boomer lives in an urban area, is married and drives about 22 minutes to work.

The boomer has a choice of two cars, but often both the husband and wife have jobs. Three out of four Baby Boomer women work, and the Baby Boom generation is almost evenly split between males and females.

They're more likely than other adults to start their commute early. Boomers get up before 6 a.m. than other adults.

They bring a high degree of education to the work force. More than 80 percent have at least a high school degree. One half of the Boomers have been to college and one in four has a college degree.

They hold mostly professional, administrative or executive jobs, pulling down a median household salary of $34,601, according to the 1990 census.

Since that census the income has risen. In 1998, the Bureau of the Census estimated the average household income for all age groups is $38,885. Boomers, defined as those between 35 and 44, had an average income of $48,451 - about a $5,000 increase in buying power when the 1990 numbers are adjusted to 1998 dollars.

Job satisfaction varies. Research by Roper Starch Worldwide Inc. found that one-third would quit their job if they could.

When they return from work, they come to a three-bedroom house that's connected to public water and sewer service and has a computer and a telephone. This is the reach-out-and-touch generation, and is more likely than other adults to make long-distance phone calls, according to Roper.

The home's median assessed value is $83,100 with a median mortgage of $757.

Typically, they have less leisure time, according to Roper. The average middle-ager relaxes 5.5 hours on a Saturday, while other adults relax an average of 6.9 hours.

Health concerns include more incidents of high blood pressure, hearing and vision problems, heart disease and arthritis.

Other findings, according to Roper, are:

HEIGHT="6" ALT="* "> They think all politicians lie.

HEIGHT="6" ALT="* "> They think lawyers file frivolous law suits.

HEIGHT="6" ALT="* "> "Natural" products are better.

HEIGHT="6" ALT="* "> They're more likely to discipline a child than other adults.

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