THE STREET – For the first time, more members of Gen X own life insurance than any other cohort, including Baby Boomers. The percentage of Gen X who owns life insurance is up from 51% in 2025 to 58% in 2026, according to the latest Insurance Barometer Study from LIMRA and Life Happens.
“It’s not surprising as Gen X becomes the cohort that is in their prime earning years, owning homes, while Baby Boomers are in that shift to retirement and a different phase of life,” said Justin Baker, associate vice president of life insurance for LexisNexis Risk Solutions.
Overall, 52% of Americans own life insurance. Boomers come in just above the average, with 53% of that cohort carrying life insurance. While the percentage of Boomers carrying life insurance fell from 56% to 53%, the percentage for all other demographics rose. Forty-four percent of Gen Z adults own life insurance in 2026, compared to 42% in 2025. Exactly half of all Millennials own life insurance, compared to 49% in 2025.
“Things are more expensive, including housing and education, so there’s more to protect,” he said. “Despite prices being up, and there’s a lot of competition for the discretionary dollar, this cohort has made the choice that the investment is worth it.”
With more than two decades of experience in public relations and journalism, Mike is a strategic communications leader who focuses on media relations and reputation management.