Years ago, when the “Baby Boomer” generation was young, it was expected that they would graduate, get married, and start having children in their early 20’s. Today, for the first time in more than 130 years, Americans who are between the ages of 18-34 are more likely to live with their parents than any other living situation.
A Pew Research Center analysis gathered data about Americans who are between the ages of 18-34. They found that 32.1% are still living in their parents’ homes. Another 31.6% have moved out of their parents’ homes and are currently living in their own home with their partner or spouse.
A total of 14% of Americans in that age group are living alone either as a single parent or in a home with roommates or renters. The rest are living with another family member (instead of their parents), or with a nonfamily member, or in a group-living situation like a college dorm or prison.
Pew points out that in 1940 about 35% of Americans who were between the ages of 18-35 lived with their parents. It wasn’t considered to be an ideal choice. Living with a spouse or partner was a more popular choice at that time.
Today some Millennials who are between the ages of 18-34 believe that the very best choice is to continue to live with their parents. The reasons why vary.
What 18-34 year olds are still living with their parents?
* 35% of Millennial men
* 29% of Millennial women
* Less educated adults are more likely to live with their parents than are their college-educated peers
* Black young adults are more likely to live with their parents than in any other situation. This has been true since 1980. Today, 36% of black Millennials live with their parents.
* The Pew Research analysis found that as a whole: women, white people, Asian/Pacific Islanders, and people who have bachelor’s degrees are still more likely to live with their parents than with a spouse or partner.
* Unemployed women are more likely to live with their parents than are women who have a job. But, that doesn’t mean having a job automatically enables a young adult to move out.
FiveThirtyEight points out that Millennials who have jobs are often working part time or for low pay. This is especially true for people who do not have a college degree. In addition, many Millennials are in debt (from student loans) and are unable to afford to move out of their parents’ homes.
Related Articles at Families.com:
* Living at Home While Attending College
* Tips to Avoid Raising a 20-Something Couch Potato
* Some Parents are Following Their Teens to College