The demographic universe estimates for the 1980-1981 television season as defined and published by Nielsen Media Research.
| Demographic | Population | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Households | 79,900,000 | |
| Persons 2+ | 213,340,000 | |
| Persons 2-11 | 32,830,000 | 15.4% |
| Persons 6-11 | 20,190,000 | 9.46% |
| Persons 12-17 | 22,460,000 | 10.5% |
| Persons 18+ | 158,050,000 | 74.1% |
| Persons 18-34 | 65,330,000 | 30.6% |
| Persons 18-49 | 101,590,000 | 47.6% |
| Persons 25-54 | 84,550,000 | 39.6% |
| Persons 35+ | 92,720,000 | 43.5% |
| Persons 35-64 | 68,810,000 | 32.3% |
| Persons 50+ | 56,460,000 | 26.5% |
| Persons 50-54 | 11,350,000 | 5.32% |
| Persons 55+ | 45,110,000 | 21.1% |
| Males 12-17 | 11,440,000 | 5.36% |
| Males 18+ | 74,820,000 | 35.1% |
| Males 18-34 | 32,070,000 | 15.0% |
| Males 18-49 | 49,730,000 | 23.3% |
| Males 25-54 | 41,250,000 | 19.3% |
| Males 35-64 | 33,000,000 | 15.5% |
| Males 55+ | 19,650,000 | 9.21% |
| Females 12-17 | 11,020,000 | 5.17% |
| Females 18+ | 83,230,000 | 39.0% |
| Females 18-34 | 33,260,000 | 15.6% |
| Females 18-49 | 51,860,000 | 24.3% |
| Females 25-54 | 43,300,000 | 20.3% |
| Females 35-64 | 35,810,000 | 16.8% |
| Females 55+ | 25,460,000 | 11.9% |