Which of the following best describes demographics?

Demographics refer to measurable characteristics of a population, such as age, gender, income level, education, marital status, and other statistical data that define and describe a group of individuals. These characteristics are quantifiable, allowing for the analysis of trends and patterns within specific populations. This numerical data is essential for businesses and organizations to understand the composition of their target markets, aiding them in tailoring their products or services appropriately.

The other options, while related to broader concepts of market analysis, do not accurately capture the essence of demographics. Qualitative characteristics pertain more to subjective attributes like opinions, experiences, and feelings, which are not strictly quantifiable. Psychographic segmentation delves into lifestyle, values, and attitudes, going beyond mere demographics to understand consumer behavior on a deeper level. Financial statistics of a company focus on economic metrics, such as revenue or profit margins, which do not relate to the population characteristics that demographics seeks to define.