Most Young Adults Living With Their Parents for the First Time in 130 Years

A Pew Research Center analysis of Census Data reveals a fundamental shift in the way U.S. residents are living—last true in a time closer to the Civil War than the 20th century.

1 minute read

May 25, 2016, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Full House Painted Ladies

Erik Söderström / Flickr

"Broad demographic shifts in marital status, educational attainment and employment have transformed the way young adults in the U.S. are living," according to an article by Richard Fry, "and a new Pew Research Center analysis of census data highlights the implications of these changes for the most basic element of their lives – where they call home."

According to Fry, the primary demographic trend responsible for the new domestic arrangements is the reluctance of young people to settle down romantically before 35. "Dating back to 1880, the most common living arrangement among young adults has been living with a romantic partner, whether a spouse or a significant other." That arrangement's dominance, however, has been in steady decline since 1960.

By 2014, reports Fry, "31.6% of young adults were living with a spouse or partner in their own household, below the share living in the home of their parent(s) (32.1%)."

The article includes several useful visualizations of the data, as well as deeper breakdowns of the demographics, by gender, employment status, educational attainment, and race and ethnicity for example. 

Tuesday, May 24, 2016 in Pew Research Center

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog