Introduction
Millennials jogging in Las Vegas symbolize their dynamic generation, the nation's largest. More Millennials are in the workforce than any other age group, and next year they will cast as many votes as Baby Boomers. Millennials are also the most diverse generation in U.S. history: More than 40 percent of them are nonwhite. (Getty Images/George Rose)
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The nation's 75 million Millennials — those 18 to 34 years old — are the largest generation in the United States. More Millennials are in the workforce than any other age group. Next year, they will cast as many votes as Baby Boomers, and in subsequent elections they will reign as the largest generational voting bloc. Millennials also are the most diverse generation in American history: More than 40 percent of them are nonwhite, a huge change from the 1950s, when the United States was nearly 90 percent white. But a weak job market, high levels of student debt and the 2007–09 recession slowed Millennials' launch into successful adulthood, causing many to delay getting married, starting families and purchasing a home. The generation's fortunes are beginning to pick up, however, leading to questions about whether Millennials will reshape the country in their own image — or will end up living much like older generations have in auto-dominated suburbs.
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