The demographic universe estimates for the 1981-1982 television season as defined and published by Nielsen Media Research.
| Demographic | Population | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Households | 81,500,000 | |
| Persons 2+ | 215,650,000 | |
| Persons 2-11 | 32,760,000 | 15.2% |
| Persons 6-11 | 19,780,000 | 9.17% |
| Persons 12-17 | 22,030,000 | 10.2% |
| Persons 18+ | 160,860,000 | 74.6% |
| Persons 18-34 | 65,960,000 | 30.6% |
| Persons 18-49 | 104,140,000 | 48.3% |
| Persons 25-54 | 86,710,000 | 40.2% |
| Persons 35+ | 94,900,000 | 44.0% |
| Persons 35-64 | 70,740,000 | 32.8% |
| Persons 50+ | 56,720,000 | 26.3% |
| Persons 50-54 | 11,030,000 | 5.11% |
| Persons 55+ | 45,690,000 | 21.2% |
| Males 12-17 | 11,210,000 | 5.20% |
| Males 18+ | 76,140,000 | 35.3% |
| Males 18-34 | 32,440,000 | 15.0% |
| Males 18-49 | 50,990,000 | 23.6% |
| Males 25-54 | 42,360,000 | 19.6% |
| Males 35-64 | 33,880,000 | 15.7% |
| Males 55+ | 19,820,000 | 9.19% |
| Females 12-17 | 10,820,000 | 5.02% |
| Females 18+ | 84,720,000 | 39.3% |
| Females 18-34 | 33,520,000 | 15.5% |
| Females 18-49 | 53,150,000 | 24.7% |
| Females 25-54 | 44,350,000 | 20.6% |
| Females 35-64 | 36,860,000 | 17.1% |
| Females 55+ | 25,870,000 | 12.0% |