Are you curious about the number of people in the United States who are actively preparing for emergencies and adopting a survivalist lifestyle? We have gathered the most recent data and statistics to give you a deeper insight into the survivalist population and their demographics.
Key Takeaways:
- According to a FEMA survey, there were approximately 7 million resilient citizens or preppers in the US in 2019.
- This means that at least 5.2% of US households are prepared for self-reliance for at least 31 days.
- Based on the assumption of 1.5 adults per household, there are over 10 million individual American preppers.
- The number of preppers is estimated to be between 10-20 million.
- Preppers are more likely to live outside big cities, but there is a growing number of preppers near urban areas, particularly in the SF Bay Area.
- Preppers make about 10% more income per year than the average person and set aside over 60% more savings for emergencies.
- Education and political affiliation among preppers are similar to the general population, but there are certain differences in racial and disability demographics.
Prepping Trends and Growth
In recent years, the size of the survivalist community has been on the rise. Prepping has become a mainstream phenomenon, with an increasing number of individuals recognizing the importance of being prepared for potential disasters. Let’s take a closer look at the growth trend and prevalence of prepping.
From 2017 to 2020, the number of Resilient Citizens, also known as preppers, in the United States witnessed a significant surge, experiencing a 50% increase. In 2020 alone, approximately 14.9 million Americans had preparedness plans in place for a minimum of 31 days.
Furthermore, the trend of prepping has evolved beyond basic levels of preparedness. More people are acknowledging the need to go above and beyond mere emergency supplies. Nowadays, preppers are investing in comprehensive survival plans, including physical security measures, sustainable food sources, and alternative energy solutions.
Geography plays a role in the prevalence of prepping. Rural states tend to have higher rates of preparedness, where individuals have easier access to natural resources and greater self-sufficiency opportunities. However, there is a growing community of preppers in urban areas as well, indicating that people from all walks of life are embracing the survivalist mindset.
An interesting trend that emerged in 2020 was the significant increase in prepping among Asians. This surge may have been influenced by news reports from Asia, especially during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. These reports may have highlighted the importance of preparedness, prompting individuals of Asian descent to take proactive measures.
Additionally, the average age of preppers increased slightly in 2020 to 52.6 years old. This suggests that individuals of various age groups are recognizing the need to be self-reliant and prepared for potential emergencies.
Overall, the growth of the survivalist community and the increasing number of individuals embracing prepping demonstrates a growing awareness of the importance of preparedness in today’s uncertain world.
Quote:
“Prepping has gradually evolved from a niche interest to a mainstream lifestyle choice. As the world becomes more unpredictable, it’s reassuring to see that more people are prioritizing their safety and well-being by embracing the survivalist mindset.”
Prepping by Generations
Survivalist demographics reveal fascinating insights into the preparedness habits of different generations. Millennials, in particular, have emerged as the most equipped generation when it comes to doomsday scenarios. An impressive 58.3% of millennials have purchased survival items within the last 12 months. Following closely behind, Gen Z and Gen X also display a high level of preparedness, with 77.4% and 76.6% respectively actively prepping for disasters. On the other hand, only 66.2% of baby boomers and 59.6% of the silent generation are prepared for potential emergencies.
When it comes to spending on prepping, there are some notable differences between genders. Men are more likely to purchase survival materials, while women tend to outspend men in specific areas such as food and water supplies, home renovations, insurance, and means of evacuation. Baby boomers allocate the most resources to home renovations and savings, whereas millennials invest heavily in survival kits, survival courses, and even essentials as basic as toilet paper.
Understanding the survivalist lifestyle data and its correlation with different generations helps us recognize evolving trends in preparedness strategies. As the survivalist community size continues to grow, it is crucial to acknowledge the unique ways each generation approaches and invests in emergency preparedness.
FAQ
How many people are survivalists?
According to a FEMA survey in 2018, there were 7 million “Resilient Citizens” or preppers in the US in 2019. The number of preppers is estimated to be between 10-20 million.
What is the size of the survivalist community?
At least 5.2% of households in the US are prepared for self-reliance for at least 31 days, which equates to over 10 million individual American preppers. The number of preppers has been steadily increasing and in 2020, there were approximately 14.9 million Americans who had preparedness for at least 31 days.
Are there any survivalist statistics on demographics?
Preppers are more likely to live outside big cities, but there is a growing number of preppers near urban areas. While 13% of the US population is Black, around 6.5% of preppers are Black. Pacific peoples and those with disabilities are more likely to engage in prepping. Education and political affiliation among preppers are similar to the general population.
What is the growth trend of survivalists?
The number of preppers in the US has been steadily increasing. From 2017 to 2020, the number of Resilient Citizens grew by 50%. In 2020, there were approximately 14.9 million Americans who had preparedness for at least 31 days.
How many survivalists are there globally?
The FEMA survey data specifically focused on the US, so there is no specific data on the global number of survivalists.
Which generations are most prepared for survival situations?
Millennials are the generation most equipped for disasters, with 58.3% of them reporting that they bought survival items in the last 12 months. Gen Z and Gen X also have high rates of preparedness, with 77.4% of Gen Z and 76.6% of Gen X prepping for disasters. Baby boomers and the silent generation have lower rates of preparedness.