This group consists of householders with a median age above 60, making it the oldest cohort and also one of the most rapid-growing. Residents are typically retired and are supported by social security, public assistance, and retirement income. Housing primarily consists of single-family homes and assisted living facilities, often in warmer climates near resort or vacation centers. There is a high prevalence of seasonal living with homes remaining vacant during off seasons.
Esri provides the following segments in LifeMode group J. Click a tab to learn more about each segment.
Segment J1 - Senior Escapes
While much of this segment's population is scattered across the United States, the majority resides in the warmer climates of low-density neighborhoods in the suburban South and West on the outskirts of metropolitan areas. However, roughly one-quarter of these residents live in rural areas. This segment is growing at approximately twice the national average rate of growth. More than half of these householders are age 65 and older and they include a notable population of retired military personnel. Household incomes are overwhelmingly in the lower or middle tier, supplemented by social security or public assistance. Approximately one-third of this cohort lives on retirement income. Manufactured homes make up almost half of all housing stock. Low home values and rental rates means that homeownership rates are typically high, though many homes remain vacant for much of the year, drawing seasonal residents only during colder months elsewhere. Their location on the outskirts of larger metropolitan neighborhoods means that most households own one or two cars by necessity.
Key statistics
Data vintage is Esri 2026 for all characteristics, except where otherwise noted.
Median age: 61.5
Average household size: 1.97
Predominant household structure (Census 2020): Singles living alone; married couples with no kids
Median household income: $52,569
Median net worth: $250,569
Percentage of individuals with completion of a bachelor's degree or higher: 22.2%
Housing and employment
Data vintage is Esri 2026 for all characteristics, except where otherwise noted.
Lifestyle patterns
Cost-conscious consumers favor American products and shop in-person at local department stores.
Residents schedule regular medical appointments and commonly use prescription drugs. Health and dietary considerations guide their food purchases.
Media consumption is primarily through TV, CDs, DVDs, newspapers, and magazines.
Residents are likely to vote and contribute to religious groups. Households typically own older, well-maintained and insured vehicles that are driven sparingly.
Segment J2 - The Elders
Communities in this segment tend to be designed for senior or assisted living and are primarily found in the suburbs of metropolitan areas in states with warmer climates and higher rates of seasonal populations, such as Florida, Arizona, and California. This is the oldest segment, as the majority of residents are at least 65 with age dependency ratios that are more than triple the national average. Population growth in these popular neighborhoods is twice the national rate. Households are a combination of married couples without children and single individuals. Residents are primarily retired and living on retirement savings and investments, often supplemented by social security or public assistance. Wages earned in these communities are primarily from those supporting the majority population, including health-care professionals, real estate agents, and financial advisors. One-third of the housing stock was constructed after 2000, and a high proportion of these are categorized as second or seasonal residences. Most homes are valued above $200,000, which makes homeownership unaffordable for most local workers but achievable for the majority of these residents. Many have stopped driving and most households own one vehicle or none.
Key statistics
Data vintage is Esri 2026 for all characteristics, except where otherwise noted.
Median age: 74.2
Average household size: 1.66
Predominant household structure (Census 2020): Married couples with no kids; singles living alone
Median household income: $72,938
Median net worth: $533,360
Percentage of individuals with completion of a bachelor's degree or higher: 42.7%
Housing and employment
Data vintage is Esri 2026 for all characteristics, except where otherwise noted.
Lifestyle patterns
Many carry premium credit cards but pay cash for vehicle purchases. Residents tend to use coupons from newspapers and magazines.
Retirees in this segment tend to have a variety of assets, and some own multiple properties. They often pay for services to manage their finances, homes, and gardens.
Residents primarily use cable modems on older computers. Cable TV and newspapers are their go-to sources for staying informed and entertained.
Daily routines often involve medical appointments, specialty diets, and regular medications, but many are also quite active, enjoying activities such as golfing, savoring wine and cocktails, visiting beauty salons, and hosting game nights. When residents travel, they often opt for cruises.
Segment J3 - Retirement Communities
These neighborhoods are spread across metropolitan areas, both large and small, nationwide, and can be found in the affordable suburbs and peripheries of urban cores. The youngest of the senior segment, only a quarter of this population is aged 75 and above. Households consist of primarily recent empty nesters, nearly half of whom are single individuals. Household incomes are typically in the middle tier, and accrued household net worth tends to be above the national average. Approximately half of these householders are recently retired and living on retirement savings and investments, often supplemented by social security or public assistance, while just over half continue to earn wages and salaries. Those who are employed typically work in professional sectors such as education, health care, management, sales, and technology, with a notable proportion who are self-employed (though often not earning enough to cover all of their financial needs). Housing stock in these communities consists of relatively affordable single-family homes, duplexes, and apartments, although rental costs exceed the national average. Additionally, many assisted living and nursing facilities are found in these communities.
Key statistics
Data vintage is Esri 2026 for all characteristics, except where otherwise noted.
Median age: 55.0
Average household size: 1.94
Predominant household structure (Census 2020): Singles living alone; married couples with no kids
Median household income: $84,980
Median net worth: $313,800
Percentage of individuals with completion of a bachelor's degree or higher: 51.2%
Housing and employment
Data vintage is Esri 2026 for all characteristics, except where otherwise noted.
Lifestyle patterns
Their shopping habits feature a mix of online and catalog purchases, and they tend to choose domestic products and trusted brands.
These residents manage their finances with the help of financial advisors and tax professionals. Residents hold health, auto, home, and life insurance.
Residents spend time watching sports, news, and movies on cable TV, as well as reading books and newspapers.
Residents schedule regular medical appointments and tend to be both physically and socially active. They often go to theaters, art galleries, and restaurants.
Segment J4 - Silver and Gold
These low-density neighborhoods are located in suburban, rural, or coastal settings, often in warmer climates. The most affluent of the senior segments, these residents are typically aged 55 and older and more than half of households are married couples with no children. Household incomes are in the middle and upper tiers, and the median household net worth is approximately three times the national average. Half of these residents are still earning wages (full time or part time), and many are supported at least in part by a blend of retirement funds and investment income, supplemented by social security or public assistance. Those who remain employed work in professional roles such as management, health care, technology, and legal fields, and one in five is self-employed. The housing stock is predominantly composed of single-family units built after 2000, with one in five residences a multifamily unit. This segment ranks among the highest for seasonal vacancies, with around a third of units occasionally vacant. Homeownership rates are high, although housing affordability is low (particularly for younger residents working service jobs in the area) compared to the national average.
Key statistics
Data vintage is Esri 2026 for all characteristics, except where otherwise noted.
Median age: 64.4
Average household size: 2.00
Predominant household structure (Census 2020): Married couples with no kids
Median household income: $107,946
Median net worth: $998,352
Percentage of individuals with completion of a bachelor's degree or higher: 53.5%
Housing and employment
Data vintage is Esri 2026 for all characteristics, except where otherwise noted.
Lifestyle patterns
Consumers tend to use reward memberships when shopping.
They often pay for services to manage their finances, homes, and legal matters. They are well-insured and often drive high-end vehicles.
They read books spanning a wide range of genres and often purchase greeting cards.
Residents spend time birdwatching, golfing, cooking, and dining out. They tend to engage with their communities by regularly participating in elections and volunteering. They travel frequently, both domestically and internationally.