Introduction to LifeMode groups

The ArcGIS Tapestry dataset provides detailed summaries of communities in the United States. Residential areas are grouped into segments based on shared demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle characteristics, offering insight into the unique composition of each segment. For a broader view of consumer markets, segments are summarized into LifeMode groups based on key shared demographic characteristics, with an emphasis on age, income, household type, and population density. LifeMode groups are categorized into LifeStage groups, providing a broad comparison of consumer categories across different stages of life.

Note:

ArcGIS Tapestry offers one approach to grouping the United States population into smaller, more manageable units based on shared characteristics and criteria. For more information about when to use ArcGIS Tapestry, data limitations, and alternative data collections and approaches, see Considerations.

LifeMode groups

Each LifeMode group is identified using a unique letter (A-L) and name. Within each LifeMode group, segments are identified using unique alphanumeric codes and names. In the segment code, the letter indicates the LifeMode group to which the segment belongs, and the number is relative to the number of segments within the group. For example, segment A3 belongs to LifeMode group A, and it is the third of six segments in that group.

The 60 Tapestry segments are classified into 12 LifeMode groups. In the table below, click a group to learn more about the segments in that group. See the following summary tables to compare segments across various demographic, education, economic, housing, and urbanicity attributes:

LifeMode groupLifeMode group nameOverview

Group A

Urban Threads

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.

There are six segments in this LifeMode group (A1-A6).

Group B

Books and Boots

This group consists largely of individuals in their early to mid-20s, including college students and full-time military families. Mostly unmarried, they often work part-time jobs while pursuing degrees. They typically live in rental housing near college campuses or military bases and move frequently.

There are three segments in this LifeMode group (B1-B3).

Group C

Metro Vibes

This group consists of a mix of families and individuals in their 30s, and there is a notable presence of recent immigrants. Employment is primarily in health care, retail, and food services. Residents typically live in urban rental housing, and some own single-family homes. Home values and rents tend to be below the national average.

There are six segments in this LifeMode group (C1-C6).

Group D

Tech Trailblazers

This group consists of working professionals in their mid-30s, many of whom were born outside the U.S. They live primarily in urban areas, renting multifamily housing in major metropolitan cities. Residents tend to commute using public transportation or have access to remote work options.

There are five segments in this LifeMode group (D1-D5).

Group E

Community Connections

This group consists of a range of households that are often multigenerational, including married couples with or without children, single-parent families, and single individuals living alone. They live in and around urban areas and in the suburbs, often in single-family detached units. Rental prices are among the lowest compared to other groups.

There are six segments in this LifeMode group (E1-E6).

Group F

Urban Harmony

This group consists of households that are often multigenerational and center around married couples with or without children. Neighborhoods tend to be located in and around urban centers. Residents spend a substantial portion of their income on rent or home ownership, and they frequently use public transportation for commuting, running errands, and dining out.

There are five segments in this LifeMode group (F1-F5).

Group G

Family Fabric

This group mainly consists of multigenerational families with children, and household sizes often exceed three members. Marriage rates are lower than average, with many single-parent households or cohabiting families. These residents live primarily in suburban areas with low vacancy rates and limited access to public transportation.

There are three segments in this LifeMode group (G1-G3).

Group H

Family Prosperity

This group mainly consists of married couples with or without children. They live primarily in single-family homes in newer suburban developments, and households typically own multiple vehicles for commuting and accessing entertainment and amenities. Incomes often exceed the national average by a significant margin.

There are four segments in this LifeMode group (H1-H4).

Group I

Countryscapes

This group consists of families and residents aged 55 and older. Typically, individuals are retired, approaching retirement, or working in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and agriculture, and they tend to have long commute times. Housing in this group consists of single-family homes, and there are high rates of vacancy and seasonal living in some communities.

There are seven segments in this LifeMode group (I1-I7).

Group J

Mature Reflections

This group consists of residents aged 55 and older. Residents are typically retired and are supported by social security, public assistance, and retirement income. This group primarily consists of single-family homes and assisted living facilities. There is a high prevalence of seasonal living with homes remaining vacant during off seasons.

There are four segments in this LifeMode group (J1-J4).

Group K

Suburban Shine

This group consists of residents aged 45 years and older. Housing is predominantly single-family detached homes built before 2000, and home values tend to be above the national average. Labor force participation is high, with most households earning middle-tier incomes in professions such as social work, skilled trades, health care, and manufacturing. Residents commute alone by car.

There are eight segments in this LifeMode group (K1-K8).

Group L

Premier Estates

This group consists of residents aged 45-64, and many households consist of families. Residents are often retired or work from home and are employed in management, finance, technology, and engineering. Net worth is high, and most residents hold a bachelor's or graduate degree. These neighborhoods tend to consist of newly constructed, single-family homes.

There are three segments in this LifeMode group (L1-L3).

LifeStage groups

Each LifeMode group is associated with one of three distinct LifeStage groups. These groups are defined by factors such as income, age, and household composition. Refer to the table below to learn more about the LifeMode groups in each LifeStage group.

LifeStage groupOverviewAssociated LifeMode groups

Contemporary Households

This group contains the youngest collection of segments and is mainly comprised of single individuals, married couples without kids, and nonfamily households. Households are typically smaller, and these neighborhoods are generally located in densely populated urban areas.

Group A

Group B

Group C

Group D

Family Portraits

This group mainly includes larger households with married couples, including families with children or young adults living at home. It also encompasses single individuals and multigenerational families. These neighborhoods are often located in suburban and urban areas.

Group E

Group F

Group G

Group H

Mature and Retired Living

This group represents the oldest households with members who are either approaching retirement or retired. Households are often smaller, and there are fewer single individual households and married couples without kids. These neighborhoods tend to be located in less densely populated suburbs and rural areas.

Group I

Group J

Group K

Group L