One person in five--42.4 million Americans--belongs to youth, viz. those who are 14 to 24 years of age. The 1970 census showed that there were 1.8 million Spanish heritage young Americans between 15 and 24 years of age. The number of white youth is estimated to be 36.6 million. The estimate for blacks and other racial minorities was 5.8 million in 1972. In youth, the population balance between the sexes is almost even. In 1970, for example, the census showed that there were 19.6 million men and boys among youth and 19.9 million women and girls. The 1972 estimate of 42.4 million youth was higher than the 1970 census total of 39.5 million Americans 14 to 24. Population growth accounts for the difference between these figures. Overall, the proportion of all young Americans enrolled in school or college in 1972 was 55 percent. Statistics hint at the Nation's preoccupation with young America--one of five belongs to youth, educational attainment going up, income an important fraction of the whole income spectrum, 44 percent on the move in one year, older at first marriage, and so on. Perhaps, though, the recent stress on youth is lifing. Declining birth rates since the late 1960's suggest a somewhat different future for youth. Not better. Not worse. Different, along with the good that always comes with being 14 to 24 years of age. (Author/JM)