When some people hear the term "hip hop," they think of teenagers and the problems they face, specifically in poor areas. While this genre of music has its roots in this stereotype and often speaks of it, the music actually appeals to a slightly older crowd. According to "Media Life Magazine" and RBR.com, a broadcasting news website, the average age of hip hop listeners ranges between 26 and 32, depending on the source. Only about 20 percent of music listeners ages 18 and younger listen to hip hop.
Hip hop listeners fall into a variety of age groups. "Media Life Magazine" states that 22 percent range between the ages of 25 and 54. Those who are younger than 25 account for about 25 percent of listeners. People 35 to 44 years old make up 15 percent of all listeners, accounting for a large portion of the 22 percent between ages 25 and 54.
Many hip hop listeners have college degrees and full-time jobs. Many of them also are homeowners. According to a 2007 Tech Crunch article, hip hop listeners -- as a group -- boasted $500 billion each year in spending power.
According to "Media Life Magazine," listeners are split fairly evenly between males and females with females accounting for a greater portion of listeners. African-Americans make up about 46 percent of listeners and Hispanics make up about 25 percent.