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More RVs are owned by 35-to-54 year olds than any other age group. The typical RV owner is age 49, married, owns a home and has an annual household income of $68,000.

RV OWNERSHIP UP 15% SINCE 2001

Today nearly 8 million U.S. households own at least one RV—a 15 percent increase over the past four years and a stunning 58 percent rise since 1980. Also, one in 12 U.S. vehicle-owning households now own at least one RV. These statistics and others are conclusions from the most recent study conducted by the University of Michigan Survey Research Center. 

A leading force behind RV ownership's upswing is the enormous baby boomer generation, supported by strong ownership gains among both younger and older buyers. In fact, high RV ownership rates now extend across a 40-year span from age 35 to 75, the study found.

Those under age 35 posted the largest gains in RV ownership rates over the past four years—testimony to industry promotion efforts bringing in more young families, the study suggests.

"Programs to attract younger owners have had a very noticeable impact on RV ownership," remarked Dr. Richard Curtin, director, University of Michigan Survey Research Center, who conducted the study. Launched in 1997, the industry wide GoRVing.com advertising campaign targets adults age 30 to 64.

Other key demographic findings include more RVs being owned by 35-to-54 year olds than any other age group. Also, the typical RV owner is age 49, married, owns a home and has an annual household income of $68,000.

Commissioned by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, the study updates similar research conducted every four years since 1980.

Baby boomers have begun entering the prime age range of 55 to 64 with the highest ownership rates, according to the study. Today one-in-10 vehicle-owning households in that age group own at least one RV.

"Overall, there is a strong and enduring appeal to the RV lifestyle that is as valid today as it was 20 years ago," Curtin declares. "The latest survey data only adds support to an optimistic forecast of RV sales and future ownership growth."