More adult children in the United States are living at home than during the height of the pandemic, according to a new study from Realtor.com. The data shows that in 2025, 25.2 million adults under the age of 35 reside with their parents, marking a rise compared to the figures recorded during the early years of the coronavirus outbreak. This trend reflects broader economic pressures, including high housing costs, stagnant wages, and the increasing difficulty of affording independent living. The shift has been driven largely by financial constraints. Many young adults are finding it difficult to manage expenses such as rent, utilities, and other living costs on their current incomes. According to Realtor.com’s findings, approximately seven out of ten individuals aged 25 to 34 who live at home are employed. However, their earnings often fail to keep pace with inflation, making it challenging to maintain a household independently. Karleigh Gaudreau, a 34-year-old business coach and content creator based in South Carolina, exemplifies this growing trend. Following the end of a relationship, Gaudreau decided to return to her parents' home due to financial difficulties. Earning around $60,000 annually, she explained that splitting rent was manageable, but living alone would require significantly more income. “To be able to afford that on top of your student loans or car payment, it's really hard to function off of anything, I believe, less than $85,000,” she said. Her experience is echoed by many others facing similar challenges. The American Dream of homeownership continues to elude many, particularly given the surge in home prices and increased mortgage rates over the past few years. A recent analysis by LendingTree revealed that fewer than four in ten non-homeowner households can afford a typical starter home. This underscores the deepening divide between housing affordability and the realities faced by younger generations seeking to establish themselves financially. Experts suggest that systemic changes are necessary to address these issues. Susan Wachter, a professor of real estate at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business, emphasized the need for societal response to the widespread affordability crisis. “It's affordability across the board. It's not just the price of the home and the mortgage,” Wachter noted. Her comments highlight the multifaceted nature of the problem, which extends beyond housing costs to include broader economic factors affecting young adults. Despite these challenges, some individuals remain optimistic about their future prospects. Gaudreau, for instance, is working towards achieving financial independence. By reducing her monthly expenses through shared living arrangements, she aims to save enough to move into her own place by November. Her story illustrates the resilience and adaptability of many young adults navigating today's economic landscape. As the situation evolves, ongoing research will be crucial in understanding how long this trend might persist and its potential impact on both individual lives and the broader economy. With housing markets continuing to fluctuate and economic conditions remaining uncertain, the experiences of those returning to live with family offer insight into the changing dynamics of modern life in America.
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