10+ Gen X Statistics & Trends That Businesses Must Know

I’ve compiled a list of insightful Gen X statistics and trends For marketing statistics, a brief overview is provided below.

Gen X Statistics: Key Facts For marketer

  • 72% of Generation Xers use the internet to research businesses.
  • Generation X accounts for 31% of total income in the United States.
  • 54% of Gen Xers feel brands and marketers ignore them.
  • 95% of Generation X uses Facebook, 46% use Instagram, and 25% use Twitter.
  • In the last year, 64% of Gen X consumers made a purchase after receiving an email.
  • 82% of Generation Xers are more likely to buy from a company they can trust with their data.
  • 80% of Generation X prefer email marketing as a communication channel.
  • 1/3 of Generation Xers believe businesses should take a stand on social issues.
  • 90% of Generation X prefer to do their grocery shopping in-store.
  • 42% of Gen Xers purchased a product because it was manufactured by a small business.

Sources: (Revlocal, Forbes, PR Daily, Market Splash, Sailthru, HubSpot.)

#1. 72% of Gen X Turn to Web to Research Businesses.

72% of Generation X Uses the Internet to Research Businesses

Source: Revlocal

Significance of the Data: Very High

Mentioned By: BigCommerce, HubSpot, Research Gate, PR Newswire, L3 Funding, Market Splash, 1827 Marketing, Sprout Social, and more.

What does the data SuggestJustification
Focus marketing strategies on online platformsGen X’s substantial online presence demands attention to digital marketing.
Invest in online reputation managementTrustworthiness is vital; Gen X frequently checks online reviews and feedback.
Enhance the business’s online user experienceA seamless and informative online experience will cater to the majority of Gen X researchers.

#2. Generation X Represents 31% of Total U.S. Earnings.

Source: Forbes

Significance of the Data: Very High

Mentioned By: Sogo Cash Card, Big Commerce, Response Media, Dima Ghawi, Credit Acceptance, and more.

What does the data SuggestJustification
Prioritize Generation X in financial products and servicesWith substantial financial power, Gen X remains a pivotal market segment.
Develop tailored economic policies that address Gen X’s needsTheir significant share of income affects national economic trends and decisions.
Engage with Generation X in financial education and planningEnsuring their financial literacy can optimize their contribution to the economy.

#3. 54% of Gen Xers Feel Overlooked by Marketers.

Source: PR Daily

Significance of the Data: High

Mentioned By: Entrepreneur, Haymarket Media Group, BigCommerce, Lucid Advertising, Marketing Charts, Linkedin, and more.

What does the data SuggestJustification
Re-evaluate and adjust current marketing strategiesOver half of Gen X feels overlooked, indicating a significant gap in market engagement.
Cultivate personalized and relevant campaigns for Gen XAddressing their unique needs can foster loyalty and trust.
Invest in market research focused on Generation XUnderstanding their preferences and pain points will refine brand outreach and resonance.

#4. 95% of Gen X Active on Facebook; 46% on Instagram.

Source: Market Splash

Significance of the Data: Very High

Mentioned By: Hootsuite, Pew Research Center, Linkedin, Creatopy, Sprout Social, Social Pilot, Statista, Misco Malta, and more.

What does the data SuggestJustification
Allocate a significant portion of digital marketing to FacebookIts ubiquitous use by Gen X makes it a primary platform for engagement.
Diversify marketing strategies to include InstagramWhile not as dominant as Facebook, Instagram still attracts a notable Gen X audience.
Use Twitter strategically, targeting niche Gen X segmentsIts lower usage by Gen X suggests more specific, tailored campaigns might be effective.

#5. 64% Gen X Bought Products via Email Last Year.

Source: Sailthru

Significance of the Data: High

Mentioned By: Marketing Beat, Hubspot, Retail Minded, Word Stream, Data Axle, Research Gate, Sprout Social, Bluecore, Hootsuite, and more.

What does the data SuggestJustification
Intensify email marketing campaigns for Gen XTheir demonstrated buying behavior from emails suggests a significant ROI potential.
Ensure email content is relevant and actionableFocused, value-rich content can drive further conversions among this demographic.
Optimize email design and user experienceA streamlined, user-friendly design can enhance the purchase journey for Gen X consumers.

#6. 82% of Gen X Prioritize Data Trust in Purchase Decisions.

Source: HubSpot

Significance of the Data: Very High

Mentioned By: Gladly, Sailthru, Business Wire, SAP, Oracle, LinkedIn, Marketing Dive, and more.

What does the data SuggestJustification
Prioritize data privacy and transparency in operationsTrustworthiness is a decisive factor for Gen X’s purchasing behavior.
Implement and communicate strong data protection measuresShowcasing robust data security can build confidence and brand loyalty.
Engage in public awareness campaigns on data safetyEducating Gen X on how their data is used can fortify trust and encourage business.

#7. 80% Gen Xers Favor Email for Brand Communication.

Source: Market Splash

Significance of the Data: Very High

Mentioned By: Ad Shark Marketing, Haymarket, Wordstream, Medium, Acs Creative, Answernet, and more.

What does the data SuggestJustification
Elevate email as the primary marketing channel for Gen XGiven their preference, it maximizes chances of engagement and response.
Optimize email content for relevance and clarityTailored, clear messaging resonates with this audience, ensuring better reception.
Invest in advanced email marketing tools and analyticsLeveraging technology will fine-tune campaigns and enhance understanding of Gen X’s behavior.

#8. A Third of Gen X Demands Corporate Stance on Social Issues.

Source: Market Splash

Significance of the Data: Medium

Mentioned By: SAP, HubSpot, Sprout Social, Jobsage, Civic Science, Pew Research Center, Mckinsey & Company, and more.

What does the data SuggestJustification
Consider integrating social stances in brand narrativesAddressing social issues can resonate with a significant segment of Gen X.
Strategically choose causes that align with company valuesAuthenticity in social stances fosters genuine connections and trust.
Engage in open dialogue with Gen X on pressing social mattersFacilitating discussions can lead to deeper brand loyalty and understanding.