The typical age range is 12 to 24.
Gangs vary in size by type of gang.
However, student surveys show a much larger representation of white adolescents among gang members. Rather, they simply are overrepresented in those areas most likely to lead to gang activity. Numerous ethnographic studies have provided excellent descriptions of Hispanic gangs in Los Angeles. The latter, also called criminal gangs, are not considered youth gangs. Surveys have been incapable of measuring these changes nationwide because data and information systems at the local level are inadequate.