Green is one of the most popular favorite colors around the world. Many studies and surveys have been conducted over the years to determine the most commonly preferred colors. Green often emerges in the top ranks across age groups and genders. But why do so many people list green as their favorite color? And what makes green stand out against other popular picks like blue or red?
The Appeal of Green
There are several reasons why green is an appealing favorite color for many:
- Green is strongly associated with nature, health, and renewal. It reminds people of lush grass, trees, forests, and other vegetation.
- It has a calming, relaxing effect and reduces anxiety. The color green is said to relieve stress.
- It represents growth, harmony, freshness, and fertility in color psychology.
- Green is connected to environmentalism and sustainability.
- It has a strong cultural association with luck and St. Patrick’s Day.
- Dark green is a masculine color associated with money, finance, ambition, greed, and jealousy.
- Light green is a feminine color linked to healing, sympathy, and calm.
- Green is considered a safe, neutral color that appeals to both genders.
The varied symbolism and meanings associated with shades of green give it broad appeal. While preferences for green may stem from different factors, the overall soothing, natural feel of green seems to drive much of its popularity.
Green as a Top Color Preference
Numerous surveys and studies over the years have looked at people’s favorite color choices. Green frequently emerges near the top of these color popularity rankings.
For example, a survey conducted by YouGov in the United Kingdom in 2019 asked respondents to pick their favorite color. 13% chose green, which ranked 2nd behind blue at 40%.
A Harris Poll survey in the United States asked a similar question in 2016. The results showed:
| Color | Percentage Selecting as Favorite |
|---|---|
| Blue | 35% |
| Green | 16% |
| Purple | 14% |
| Red | 13% |
Again, green came in second place with 16% listing it as their favorite color.
An online survey conducted by PDXtreme in 2020 asked respondents about their favorite colors. Out of nearly 29,000 people surveyed worldwide, green was the second most popular with 14.03% of votes:
| Rank | Color | Percentage of Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blue | 24.61% |
| 2 | Green | 14.03% |
| 3 | Purple | 12.66% |
| 4 | Black | 11.15% |
| 5 | Red | 8.75% |
Based on these sample surveys, green consistently emerges as one of the top 2 or 3 most popular colors.
Gender Differences in Green Preferences
When looking at green color preferences by gender, some variations emerge. But green remains near the top for both genders.
In the YouGov UK survey, green was the #1 favorite color for women at 16%, followed by blue at 15%. For men, green tied with red and black at 11% behind blue at 18%.
The Harris Poll showed green as the 2nd favorite for both genders – 17% among women and 15% among men. Blue remained the favorite across the board.
An analysis by Joe Hallock summarized data from multiple studies and found the following breakdowns among men and women:
| Men | Women |
|---|---|
| Blue (26%) | Blue (23%) |
| Black (11%) | Purple (19%) |
| Green (11%) | Green (14%) |
While the order varies slightly, green consistently emerges in the top 3 for both genders. The calming, natural associations with green seem to resonate across the board.
Age Differences in Green Preferences
When looking at favorite color choices across age groups, green is once again consistently popular. However, some interesting variations emerge.
Data summarized from multiple studies showed green ranking 1st among children ages 5-8 at 22%. It remained high with teens ages 13-17 at 16%.
Among adults, green preference peaked with ages 35-44 at 17%, and declined slightly in the 55+ age bracket (13%). But it stayed firmly in the top 4 favorite colors across all adult ages.
This data suggests green may have particular appeal among younger audiences. The connection to nature, growth, and environmentalism may resonate strongly with children.
Green preferences remain relatively steady from the teens throughout adulthood. While the percentages shift, green stays firmly planted as a top pick.
Conclusion
Based on multiple surveys and studies over the years, green consistently emerges as one of the most preferred colors worldwide. Factors like its natural, calming associations and connections to growth, harmony, and environmentalism give it broad appeal. Both women and men rank green as a top 3 color.
Green seems to have particular popularity among children and teens. But it remains firmly planted as a favorite into adulthood. The wide ranging positive symbolism and meanings tied to green seem to resonate with people across age groups and genders.
So when asked “what is your favorite color?”, there is a good chance green will rank near the top. Its versatility and wide appeal help make green one of the most commonly chosen favorite colors.
