More U.S. Young Adults Living With Parents Despite Having Jobs, New Data Shows

A growing number of young adults in the United States are continuing to live with their parents even after securing full-time employment, according to new research highlighting a sharp rise in multigenerational households.

A recent report by Realtor.com shows that nearly 30% of Americans aged 18 to 34 are still living in their parents’ homes. Surprisingly, about 70% of these individuals are employed and earning regular incomes.

Hannah Jones, senior economist at Realtor.com and lead author of the study, said the findings challenge the long-standing assumption that only unemployed young adults remain in their family homes. “A large share of young adults living with their parents are working,” she said, noting that income alone is no longer sufficient to guarantee independent living.

The data also reveals a steady increase over time. Among those aged 25 to 29, about 20.4% were living with their parents last year—up roughly 6 percentage points compared to 25 years ago. For the 30 to 34 age group, the share has nearly doubled since 2000, rising from 7.1% to 12.7%.

Experts say rising housing costs are a major driver of the trend. In 2025, the median home price in the U.S. reached around $430,000, a 34.4% increase compared to 2019. Rental prices have also climbed by nearly 18% over the same period.

In addition, financial burdens such as student loans, car loans, and credit card debt are limiting young adults’ ability to afford independent housing, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

However, living at home does not necessarily mean financial dependence. A Pew Research Center survey found that 72% of young adults living with their parents contribute to household expenses in some form. About 65% help pay for groceries and utilities, while 46% contribute directly to rent or mortgage payments.

Experts warn that the trend is reshaping both household dynamics and the housing market. While it provides financial relief for young adults, it also places pressure on parents—many of whom delay downsizing or retirement plans to accommodate adult children. Analysts say this is increasing demand for larger homes suitable for multi-generational living.