This group mainly consists of individuals in their 30s, including many recent immigrants, single parents, and families with young children. This community also has the largest population of children under 5. Residents live primarily in rental housing in urban centers and suburbs, often in close proximity to jobs, community centers, and public transportation.
Esri provides the following segments in LifeMode group A. Click a tab to learn more about each segment.
Segment A1 - Independent Cityscapes
Members of these communities often reside in the centers of large metropolitan cities in the South and Midwest, with many also living in the suburbs. Households are mainly single individuals, female single parents raising young children, or family households without couples or children. More than half of individuals have never married, and divorce rates are high among those who have. More than half of the household incomes are in the lower tier, often supplemented by social security or public assistance. Most residents are employed at workplaces within a half-hour commute, and driving is the primary means of commuting. Housing units are typically older low-rise and high-rise apartments built before 1990. Rent is low relative to the national average, as are home values.
Key statistics
Data vintage is Esri 2026 for all characteristics, except where otherwise noted.
Median age: 39.3
Average household size: 2.05
Predominant household structure (Census 2020): Singles living alone; singles with roommates
Median household income: $27,967
Median net worth: $12,285
Percentage of individuals with completion of a bachelor's degree or higher: 17.1%
Housing and employment
Data vintage is Esri 2026 for all characteristics, except where otherwise noted.
Lifestyle patterns
Residents often shop at nearby discount and convenience stores, especially those offering loyalty points.
Consumers are willing to switch brands to use coupons and buy generic products to save money.
Radio and TV, including streaming options, are popular sources of sports entertainment. Some opt for reading a paper copy of their local newspaper.
When in a hurry, they opt for fast food or quick, frozen meals, but they generally prepare homemade meals.
Segment A2 - City Commons
These neighborhoods are typically located in and around the centers of metropolitan cities in the South and Midwest. This segment is the youngest outside of communities centered on colleges and military facilities, and it ranks highest in the presence of single-parent families as well as children under age 6. Many individuals hold full-time jobs in the service sector, though part-time work is also common. Most household incomes are in the lower or middle tier and are often supplemented by social security or public assistance. Neighborhoods typically include a mix of low-rise multiunit dwellings and single-family homes, with more than half built before 1970. Rents are low compared to the national average, though many renters spend more than 35 percent of their income on rent and utilities.
Key statistics
Data vintage is Esri 2026 for all characteristics, except where otherwise noted.
Median age: 29.3
Average household size: 2.53
Predominant household structure (Census 2020): Singles living alone; single parents
Median household income: $29,134
Median net worth: $11,495
Percentage of individuals with completion of a bachelor's degree or higher: 13.0%
Housing and employment
Data vintage is Esri 2026 for all characteristics, except where otherwise noted.
Lifestyle patterns
Households frequent nearby discount supermarkets to stock up on quick meals, children's clothing, medicines, and other supplies.
Consumers occasionally carry a credit card balance to pay for expenses. Common purchases include women's clothing, branded sneakers, watches, and jewelry.
Individuals use a cell phone for internet access, digital payment services, and staying updated on social media.
Residents tend to watch cable TV and subscribe to multiple streaming services.
Segment A3 - Social Security Set
These neighborhoods are primarily located in the downtown urban cores of the largest metropolitan areas, and residents often live in low-rent, older high-rise buildings near centers of economic activity with heavy daytime traffic. The population is older, often widowed or divorced, and there is a higher proportion of single-person households in these communities than any other segment. Rates of recent immigration are high, and many speak a language other than English as their first language. Income disparities are notable, with many residents supported by social security or public assistance, although more than half of household incomes are in the middle tier. Employed individuals work in full- and part-time service occupations. Homeowners spend a large portion of their income on housing costs, and many households do not own a vehicle.
Key statistics
Data vintage is Esri 2026 for all characteristics, except where otherwise noted.
Median age: 49.5
Average household size: 1.68
Predominant household structure (Census 2020): Singles living alone
Median household income: $32,977
Median net worth: $14,093
Percentage of individuals with completion of a bachelor's degree or higher: 31.3%
Housing and employment
Data vintage is Esri 2026 for all characteristics, except where otherwise noted.
Lifestyle patterns
Individuals frequently use services like laundromats and convenience stores for daily needs.
Residents typically prioritize budget-friendly and essential items when shopping. They buy food in bulk when on sale and opt for quick, easy-to-prepare meals, but also enjoy dining out at restaurants.
Not everyone has a smartphone, and while print media remains popular, digital newspapers are the primary source for news.
For TV entertainment, residents seek trusted world news and foreign-language channels.
Segment A4 - Fresh Ambitions
These communities are concentrated in the Mid-Atlantic and Pacific regions, consisting of large families—including single parents and married or cohabiting couples, often helped by grandparents. About one-third of the population is under 20, and the child dependency ratio in this segment is among the highest in the nation. Residents tend to work in skilled and service jobs, and household incomes primarily range from low to middle tier. Living arrangements vary widely, including smaller multifamily buildings, single-family homes, and row or townhomes, many built before 1950. Despite varied housing types, they tend to share an urban lifestyle, with nearly half residing in urban centers or suburbs. Although average rents are below the national level, many face a high rental burden.
Key statistics
Data vintage is Esri 2026 for all characteristics, except where otherwise noted.
Median age: 31.5
Average household size: 2.84
Predominant household structure (Census 2020): Married couples; singles living alone
Median household income: $44,022
Median net worth: $15,426
Percentage of individuals with completion of a bachelor's degree or higher: 12.9%
Housing and employment
Data vintage is Esri 2026 for all characteristics, except where otherwise noted.
Lifestyle patterns
Households prioritize practical and affordable shopping, often visiting discount and department stores for everyday needs.
Baby products are in high demand, and children influence brand choices.
Residents are active on social media and avid followers of foreign-language programming on TV and radio. Video game–related purchases are common for entertainment.
Individuals connect with family abroad through instant messaging and video chatting.
Segment A5 - Welcome Waves
Neighborhoods in this segment are concentrated in the centers and nearby suburbs of mega metropolises, predominantly in the South and West. These communities are home to many second-language English speakers and households are often multigenerational. While dual incomes per family are not always feasible, approximately half of families have multiple working adults, and household incomes are generally in the lower or middle tier. Workers tend to be employed in construction, manufacturing, food service, and accommodations jobs, and carpooling, biking, or walking to work is common. Residents primarily live in moderately dense residential areas with mid- to high-rise buildings, most of which were built before 1990. While rental prices are below the national average, rents remain high relative to income.
Key statistics
Data vintage is Esri 2026 for all characteristics, except where otherwise noted.
Median age: 30.1
Average household size: 2.92
Predominant household structure (Census 2020): Married couples; singles living alone
Median household income: $52,642
Median net worth: $17,619
Percentage of individuals with completion of a bachelor's degree or higher: 16.2%
Housing and employment
Data vintage is Esri 2026 for all characteristics, except where otherwise noted.
Lifestyle patterns
Residents are budget-conscious and prioritize spending on necessities such as clothing, shoes, and medical care for their children.
Households often purchase used cars and perform their own maintenance.
Residents rely on their phones for internet access and video calls.
Individuals save money for regular visits to family abroad.
Segment A6 - Young and Restless
These communities are predominantly composed of young residents living in and around urban centers in mega metropolitan areas in the South, Midwest, and West. Many householders are under 35 and live alone, with roommates, or as cohabiting couples without children. Neighborhoods are culturally diverse with a significant portion of the population born outside the U.S. Many residents hold a bachelor’s degree or are currently enrolled in college. This segment has one of the highest labor force participation rates in the country, and the majority of household incomes are in the middle tier. Residents tend to be highly mobile, frequently relocating for housing and employment opportunities. Housing is primarily located in the heart of the city or on its outskirts, primarily in small multifamily apartments or high-rise buildings, and most workers have short commutes.
Key statistics
Data vintage is Esri 2026 for all characteristics, except where otherwise noted.
Median age: 31.6
Average household size: 1.97
Predominant household structure (Census 2020): Singles living alone; married couples
Median household income: $58,668
Median net worth: $16,294
Percentage of individuals with completion of a bachelor's degree or higher: 37.6%
Housing and employment
Data vintage is Esri 2026 for all characteristics, except where otherwise noted.
Lifestyle patterns
Consumers frequent convenience stores for energy drinks or snacks, often grabbing fast food or ordering in. When they have the time, they enjoy cooking at home and exploring gourmet foods and fine dining.
They maintain essential auto and renter’s insurance but may go without health insurance if not provided by their employer.
Residents spend time playing video games and on social media, and they rely on the internet for streaming services, shopping, tax preparation, and job applications.
Individuals tend to visit urgent care centers instead of scheduling regular medical appointments.