politics
Survey Reveals Income and Demographics of DSA Members
An internal survey from 2021, which resurfaced this week, shows that 28% of Democratic Socialists of America members earned over $100,000 annually. The data also indicates that 56% held office jobs in sectors such as academia, tech, public or non-profit, white-collar work, or health care. More than 80% of members were college-educated, with 35% holding at least a master's or professional degree.
Apr 26, 5:48 AM·2m read1 source
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A 2021 internal survey of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) members, which resurfaced this week, reported that 28% earned more than $100,000 annually. The survey also found that 56% worked in office jobs in academia, tech, the public or non-profit sector, white-collar positions, or health care.
The organization did not include income data in its latest version in 2025. More than 80% of members were college-educated, with 35% holding at least a master's or professional degree, according to the survey. This education level is more than twice the national average.
Few followed “Squad” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s (D-NY) lead and worked in a bar – with only 6% of members in the service or retail industry. Even the self-described “Bronx girl,” a DSA member herself, is regularly mocked for trying to make her short stint as a bartender such a big part of her public image when she had a comfortable upbringing in Westchester .
An even smaller number of members – 4% had blue collar jobs, and another 4% were writers, performers or in the arts – like National Political Committee member and mime David Jenkins . Another 5% were self-employed, 8% were students and 15% were unemployed or retired.
The socialist organization, which reached 100,000 members in February , saw a massive demographic shift in the mid-2010s, with younger members, galvanized by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ presidential run, joining what had previously been an organization made up mostly of aging hippies and retirees.
In 2013, the median age was 68. By 2021, it dropped to 33, with the majority of members, 73%, Millennials or Gen Zs. As a sign of their financial comfort, 54% of members had either dished out personal funds on the DSA or bought merchandise, the survey reported.
