Unprecedented Demographic Trends Define the 'Next America'

The Paul Taylor and the Pew Research Center have released a new book called The Next America, which describes a country in the “throes of a demographic overhaul.”

1 minute read

April 15, 2014, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Young Driver

An en Alain / flickr

In announcing the new book, The Next America, author Paul Taylor has written a data- and infographic-rich post detailing the unprecedented demographic changes sweeping the country. For instance:

  • “In every society since the start of history, whenever you broke down any population [by age cohort], you’d always get a pyramid.” That long-standing reality of how society ages is about the change, according to Taylor. “But from 1960 to 2060, our pyramid will turn into a rectangle.”
  • More radical changes regarding race: “In 1960, the population of the United States was 85% white; by 2060, it will be only 43% white.” A contributing factor to those changes, is the ongoing influx of non-European immigrants. The number of immigrant in this country is also about to reach new heights: “Our immigrant stock – that’s immigrants and their children – is projected to make up about 37% of our population by mid-century, the highest share in our history,” writes Taylor.
  • And finally, there’s the Millennials: “They’re America’s most racially and ethnically diverse generation ever.”

Thursday, April 10, 2014 in Pew Research Center

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A painted bus lane in NYC.

NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades

The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.

4 hours ago - NYC Streetsblog

A woman looks at a utility bill.

'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide

Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.

5 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

A person scuba diving in a coral reef off Guam.

Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies

International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.

6 hours ago - Grist