As our fifth blogiversary week comes to a close, we must first dole out a giant thank you to everyone for the sweetness (oh the humanity) and the laughs (oh the hilarity) and – well – for taking our little annual poll that we dropped into Monday’s post. This year we had over 30,000 entries. Wowza. Thank goodness Google helped me crunch the numbers (a stark contrast to our first blogiversary poll where I copied and pasted all 199 comment responses into a spreadsheet by hand).
Obviously it wasn’t a scientific study, but we did come out with some fun facts and figures that we thought would be fun to share here courtesy of some fun little graphics we whipped up. I’m hoping if I say “fun” enough you guys will forget this is a post about statistics. Did it work? If not, and you refuse to scroll further, I’ll summarize it for you: most of you are pretty much like us (well, Sherry to be exact): married Americans who own a house and a dog. Although for the first time we’re older than a majority of our readers. So maybe we should throw some quotation marks around the “young” in our name (or check up on the availability of “Thirty-Something House Love”). Anyways, here goes nothing…
We had so much fun reading all of the stats on you guys. Did anything surprise you? Is there anything you’d love to know next year? Oh yeah, and speaking of yesterday’s goal post, this post is under 375 words (not counting the text in the graphics). Small yet satisfying. Like popping a dense little truffle over a heavy ol’ hunk of pound cake. Take that resolution!
Image sources: Beyonce, Ultrasound, Black Eyed Peas, Tina Fey, J.K. Rowling, Martha Stewart and Candice Olson.
Update – Some of the most frequent requests that we get are for info about professionally blogging (how we made our site, how we grew our following, how we make money, etc) so we shared all of the details about how we started a blog, grew our traffic, and turned it into a full time job.
Erin from Mizzou! says
Haha, love the fact that I’m apart of the 1% of teens.
I’ve been reading your blog for about a year and a half. Thanks for always providing a laugh and some inspiration when I’m stressed out with classes. Not to mention that taking a break from homework to read your blog has become the highlight of study time!!
PS don’t worry, if teens are reading and taking the time to complete a survey, you know you’re still cool and young! :)
Lauren M. says
I LOVED the infographics as well. I’m a graphic designer so I really appreciated that :)
If this hasn’t been mentioned already, maybe a question for next year can be how long we have been readers.
Congrats on 5 years, I’ve enjoyed this weeks posts.
MyersMaison.blogspot.com
YoungHouseLove says
Good suggestion! We actually had that a couple of years ago but somehow it fell off. We’ll have to remember that for next time.
-John
Jocelyn Pascall says
This was so cute and really fun to read!
Amanda says
Wow, really impressed with the graphics on this one!! Very cool. I’m definitely one of those people who said, tonight’s gonna be a good night, mainly because I wanted to see what you were gonna do with that. But my favorite graphic here is the Single Ladies one. Hilarious!
Happy blogiversary!
Debbie C says
This was so fun to read! And thanks/great job on the super fun graphics…if only math classes were this fun and colorful. :) Happy Blogiversary, by the way!
Debbie C says
Oh yeah, another question I thought of (for the future perhaps) is which blog post made the most people teary-eyed (in the comments anyways).
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I love that one!
xo
s
Captain Micah says
As awesome as the post and infographics truly were, it’s been neat to see so much interaction from your readers. I’ve never seen so many responses to responses!
Yet more proof that you make great things…
Jennifer M says
I have a sociology degree so I’m definitely a big fan of anything with statistics, throw in some fab infographics, and I’m in heaven. I definitely agree that there’s a big portion of us that are going to have to move up an age box in the coming year or two, so please don’t remove the Young from your name. It keeps us all feeling young.
Oh, and my husband is in the group of males who didn’t take the survey, but reads almost every day. Mostly when I shove the laptop in front of his face and make him read what y’all have done. This is of course after I talk about you like I know you in real life. ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! Another murker!
xo
s
Meg says
My sister’s husband actually searches your site before doing projects to see if you have any woodworking tips or general advice! That same sister introduced me to your blog and I’m obsessed. I’ve order lights from Shades of Light and painted a room, changed fixtures, spray painted countless things … you are so inspiring and I just love your blog!! Happy anniversary!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, that’s so sweet!
xo
s
AJ Banzhoff says
Seriously amazing graphics work. Great stuff!
Sincerely,
From the 2%
Wrenaria says
Love the graphics. Beautifully done.
Jenny @ House Full of Pretty says
I am obsessed with the graphics!!! Did you come up with these all on your own, or is there some magical program out there that helps? Please say program!!! :)
YoungHouseLove says
So sorry, it’s all just John playing around in photoshop.
xo
s
Trey says
I could be considered a murker/lurker because I didnt take the survey. But in light of the 600 of us and growing that number, can we get a mantastic post once a week? The deck series was awesome, but since then we’ve gotten no moments worthy of the Tim Allen man growl (remember Tool Time?).
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I was actually just thinking of a series I want to start about things from a dude’s POV. I’m hoping the ladies will have fun with it (and feel like they understand their men a little more) and the fellow dudes/murkers will give me a virtual fist bump every once in a while.
-John
Elaine says
I love it -all the stats.
But I wanna know — how many people get half way through a post and realize they forgot to see which one of you wrote that post. I do that ALL the time. So, I sometimes make a game out of it and guess before I scroll up to see who wrote it. I’m mostly wrong! LOL But I think that’s interesting!
I think this week is my fav out of all the weeks. OK -unless you were to tell us you all DID have a bun in the oven! :) ha!
YoungHouseLove says
So funny! We’ve heard other people do that too- playing a little guessing game!
xo
s
Cathy says
When I found This Young House 4+ years ago, the first thing I told my husband was, “This could have been you and me, except for the fact that when we were their ages, we didn’t have the Internet to share what we were doing!” We were ahead of our time! We are fifty now (and I was another survey slacker), but still love all things DIY.
Thanks for sharing your love of your home and family, and for making all of us smile along the way. You do a great job. Happy five years (and belated Happy Birthday to Baron Von Burger)!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, you were totally ahead of your time!
xo
s
Allison says
Hey Guys! Love the graphics, love your blog, love the poll. I was wondering how many of us have kids? (I have 2 little ones.) And what were the runners up in how we like to spend our time (next to the obvious, blog reading:)?
Thanks!
Allison
YoungHouseLove says
Good question! The percentage of folks who had kids was 41% – and the runners up for spending time were shopping & thrifting followed closely by going out with the family and Pinterest. Haha.
xo
s
Faith Harris says
I’m proud to be part of the 1% (teens). Reppin’ the college students ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Hootie hoo!
xo
s
Natalie V. says
Love you all and love your blog. I’ll admit it… I’m addicted!
Quick question… what’s the name of the font you used on the category headings… Age, Gender, Geography, etc? If you can share. :)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s Ostrich Sans, it’s one of our favorites. The designer is amazing!
xo
s
Kyomm says
hey Sherry and John, i am in the 51% by age, 24% by housing, 4% by geography and got a ring on it :) i discovered your blog a few days ago… (and LOVE it!!)… was looking for a remedy to dark brown faux leather sofas with a cream carpet and cream walls.. now i know about texture, making a room look like its collected over time… but one thing i still don’t get is… colour family??? am lost, all colours seem to go with brown??!!! thanks guys..
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh I would pick one accent color to add in small pops (art, pillows) like green or blue or red or yellow or lavender – then after you pepper that in you can try adding another one at about half the amount (ex: a bunch of pops of turquoise with a few splashes of yellow in a soft tone-on-tone room full of texture). Hope it helps!
xo
s
Alana says
On an unrelated note – I just saw your “Thanks” jar featured in HGTV magazine along with a quote from your post!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! That was such a suprise!
xo
s
Susan says
I am so amazed to be in the 1%. I really thought there would be more older readers, I love your blog and am always referring to things you guys are doing. Since I’m on the west coast I look forward to reading your posts in the morning and they always put a smile on my face. Thanks and keep it up,
PS. I’m the director of a childcare center, so I know kids. Your little Clara continually amazes me. She is so bright and happy. All the time you spend with her really shows.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Susan. You’re so sweet.
xo
s
Brandy Owens says
I don’t know why I check your blog every.single.day. It’s bizarre. I can’t put my finger on it. It’s an almost embarrassing obsession that I check young house love every day, the minute I get my stretch pants on after work and get my couch-time on. I love u guys. You get on my nerves, you amaze me, you are too wordy, you write awesome posts. Idk….I just LOVE young house love! So keep doing what you’re doing. Only shorter ;)
And forget the haters…and accept any “failures” you encounter. When you’re green, you’re growing. When you’re ripe, you rot. Watch Derek Sivers “Why You Need To Fail” on YouTube. Trust me:)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thanks Brandy! You’re so sweet.
xo
s
Kathleen Copeland says
Math nerds unite! I loved every bit of this post. You are awesome at graphing!
Meghan says
Hi!
Obviously, I love your blog, but wowzers those graphics are waaaaaaaaay cool! Kudos! Did you photoshop those puppies or use something else?
YoungHouseLove says
That was all John, just playing around in photoshop. Haha!
xo
s
Jessica R says
I love the stats! didn’t know so many 20 something’s were into DIY lol I also love the little snips of NYC, I’m still a nyc dweller but you guys inspire me to maybe take the leap and look into the south now that kids are in the picture! PLUS it looks like I can have more space over there to fuel my DIY madness hahah
katalina says
loved the graphics and charts….
but the one statistic missing on TMI Graph was how Sherry has one bra?!!
have a nice weekend! now I can’t remember how I found your blog. I tell alot of people about it though. maybe when I was go goggling on painting cabinets..which I still have not done!!
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah!
xo,
s
Carol says
Great post! I was sure the % of European readers would be higher!
Does this mean we won’t be able to buy your book in Ireland? Booooo ????
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes you can! I think it’s already available for preorder on your version of amazon.com!
xo
s
Sarah says
Well, aren’t I the hip one! At age 63, I see the number of my peers is slim in the ole pie chart. I love your blog….good style and common sense living is applicable at any age. Thanks for helping me “keep up”.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Sarah! We love you for being so hip and reading our blog.
xo
s
Carol says
Oh fantastic, apologies for the huge amount of nonsense question marks, I think my finger slipped!!! (it’s friday wine time here!) x
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah!!
xo,
s
Lynn @ Our Useful Hands says
Okay so I bet that most all of the 30 somethings were the ones who said “I just want to be myself…” because it’s at this precipice in life where you realize that you are who you are and everything’s gonna be alright.
My best, Lynn
Leigh Card says
Here’s to the 3%! Fun, happy and talent happens at all ages! You guys have got it all!
Nell says
Your blog is great just the way it is!
Kate says
This post made me lol several times. Have a great weekend :)
sarah says
Hi Sherry and John, I am SO surprised that I came in at an under 1% country – Portsmouth, UK???? I was so pleased when I found your blog, I love seeing your designs and diy, and I usually get to check every day. I am addicted to car boot sales here as we dont have the variety of home stores you do unfortunately, but I manage to bag some bargains anyway, would love to send you some photos but not sure how to attach them to this?? congratulations on 5 years, look forward to the next 5 xx
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Sarah! We’d love to see the pics! You can link to them on a site like Flickr from the comments, or upload them to our facebook page for us!
xo
s
Justin says
I’m a dude, didn’t fill out your survey (crazy week). I rent in NYC with my wife, we bought a beach rental last year because we couldn’t afford to buy in NYC but wanted to own. We renovated it with some help from our handy families, hence the interest in your DIY blog. I found your blog from a mention by Hooked On Houses who I saw in an article about the House Hunters staging stuff, which my wife and I watch together along with tons of HGTV. That’s how I found you.
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! More murkers! So glad you found us Justin.
xo
s
Chenell says
Love you guys, but…and I mean this in the most constructive way…I totally agree about the wordiness of the posts. Especially after reading the break-down of your day and realizing how much work goes into the proofing. I say fewer words equals more projects around the house(and more time with each other). If I am completely honest, sometimes if the post is too, too long, I’ll just skim it anyway. (Again, love the blog, but some of them are REALLY long.)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Chanell!
xo
s
Kari says
You have to change the pregnant statistic to 2,655… when I took the survey, I didn’t know I had a bun in the oven! Found out yesterday- yay!
Love reading every day- thanks for all you do! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! You’re the second one! Congrats Kari!
xo
s
Willow says
Hi John and Sherry!
Just wanted to say that as a member of the 24% of your readers who rent our homes I’d LOVE to see some more projects geared towards smaller/ rented spaces (i.e. no demolition and probably no painting…). I know you guys do do these type of projects often, but it would be great if they could be featured/ isolated/ made easier to search for. And what about some smaller apartment reader re-designs?!
Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Sure thing! We’d love more apartment/rental reader redesigns. Send them to us, folks, please!!
As for our own projects for those spaces, we usually do at least 5-8 projects a month that would work in a rental, condo, or even a dorm! The best way to search for them is to click the tab that says “Projects” up near our header and just peruse the photos. Certain categories like the DIY art section and the crafty section should have a lot, but even things in the painting section can work really well for an apartment or dorm (ex: maybe we’re painting a thrifted piece of furniture and not a wall). Hope it helps!
xo
s
Anne says
How’d you calculate the pet owners? I have a dog, a cat, and several ‘others’ (horses, in my case), so I clicked all three boxes. I’m sure several others clicked more than one box too. So shouldn’t the dog/cat/other owner breakdown equal more than a 100? Or does my owning a dog cancel out my cat and horse owning? I love my dog, but I’m really a cat person… Can I move my 1/23,400 of a percentage point to that category? :)
(PS I’m also an English teacher, so I apologize if my math is horrifically wrong.)
YoungHouseLove says
Such a good question! We’re not sure how google summarized it, but we think it just divided the total numbers of entries logged for each category (so all of your animal votes counted, and instead of 30,000 pieces of data for this question, it maybe got 60,000 for folks who clicked more than one box, and still just broke down the precentage of dogs logged, cats logged, and others logged. Hope that makes sense.
xo
s
Jennifer says
John, AMAZING work on the infographics!! As a graphic designer I realize how much time and energy goes into making things like that. They are all so creative and look so professional (and yes, fun!). Props to you!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, thanks Jennifer!
-John
Trela says
What? Only 9% would be Candice? Perhaps you should have asked what percent would be Sherry…
So for next year, definitely repeat the graphic style of THIS post. It was awesome. (Because I won’t read otherwise? Ok, you had me at Hello…). I think you’d be curious to find out how we all found you… I mean, if I had an uber popular blog, that might be what I wanted to know. And, by the way, Iowa is a totally underserved area in terms of interior design… I think you should visit. Congrats on the five years!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- I love Iowa! My BFF is from there so I’ve actually spent Christmases there! Reinbeck, IA, represent!
xo
s
Laura D says
I just turned 40 so I’m new to being in my 40s. But seeing that I’m among only 6 percent who read your blog in their 40s, I didn’t know if that makes me really old or really hip for my age. I’m going with hip! In all seriousness, I do really love your blog. And of course, I love when you make references to the ’80s and ’90s, and I think, ‘hey, I’m not that much older than Sherry and John.’ Happy Blogiversary!
YoungHouseLove says
I’m going with hip too! Haha. Thanks for reading Laura.
xo
s
Laura says
Great post! The math nerd in me is doing a dance right now! I’m so surprised that there aren’t more Australians reading YHL. As soon as we start talking about blogs everyone announces that YHL is their favourite! Maybe we just suck at doing surveys! Aussies represent!
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah! Spread the word – we need more Aussies!
xo
s
Leslie Stewart says
John & Sherry,
I have fallen in love with your blog! I love that you really open yourself up to your readers and you make us feel welcome!
You inspire me!
Leslie
House on the Way
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Leslie. You’re so sweet.
xo
s
Tricia Regar says
Oh, wow, so much fun!! After participating, I couldn’t wait to see the results. You guys did a fantastic job making this post artistically pleasing. Thank you!
seabluelee says
I’m laughing at the 40-somethings who feel old…I’m in the 1% and I don’t mean the teens. My own “kids” are 40-somethings. I’m not sure why I love Young House Love so much. Clearly, I’m not in your demographic. My style is very different from yours. But I love seeing how you get things done, and I love your DIY tutorials, too. You guys are just so much FUN!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, thanks Seabluelee! We love you for reading!
xo
s
Greenieweenie says
I’m probably your 1% Asia reader but I’m an expat so I’m not sure that counts. I’ve read this blog in Beijing, Kashgar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and now Hong Kong. I plan on taking it to Malaysia and Indonesia!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahooo! Love you for reading across the globe :)
xo
s
Theresa says
Another reader in Australia here!
I love your blog, I have been reading for a couple of years!
Well done on your success.
Theresa x
sparky says
Not to be picky, but in your country stats, you are showing >1% as other. That’s greater than 1%, not less than – which is what I think you meant…
YoungHouseLove says
Argh, you’re right! Gotta fix that!
xo
s
sparky says
Thanks, that’s just my Mathematics minor coming out…
20s / male / US / bank owns it / ring on it / not preggo / dog owner / nothing currently in my teeth / always a good night / wouldn’t trade places w/ anyone.
Enjoy the blog guys.
Brandy says
Happy 5 years! I have been a daily reader of your blog for nearly 4 years now and I think you guys are great! Thanks so much for sharing your lives with us. I have found a lot of inspiration from both your bigger and smaller projects(and I often find myself in Home Goods thinking “What would Sherry see in this?”). Keep up the great work!
Lilly says
Just wanted to share that I recently started reading this blog–while searching for ideas for our kitchen reno. 2 weeks later and I’m still avidly going through the archives & enjoying all your posts/ideas/pics/sense of fun & humor. Congrats on your 5th!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Lilly!
xo
s