Gen Y (15-32 year olds) boasts about 77.4 million members, which is about equal in size to the baby boomers (46-64 years old). Yet, Gen Y is much more diverse and educated (60 percent of Gen Y goes to college), according to the center, which recently presented its findings at the USC Lusk Center Orange County Executive Briefing.

Stan Ross, Lusk Center Chairman of the Board, says that “baby boomers and Gen Y comprise 50 percent of the population and will soon be part of the largest U.S. wealth transfer ever.”

As more of this age group joins the work force, “they will produce a massive increase in housing demand,” forecasts the USC’s Lusk Center.

However, Ross points out “these kids are concerned. They have watched the stock market, financial markets, and economy wipe out their parents’ retirement plans. As a result, they will choose lower-risk investment strategies.”

Source: “USC Lusk Center Says More Educated, Diverse Generation to Drive Real Estate Recovery,” The Hoyt Organization (July 19, 2011) [No Link]