Housing Costs Push Record 25M US Young Adults to Live with Parents

A record 25.2 million adults under 35 were living with their parents in the United States in 2025, representing about one‑third of that age group. Roughly 70 % of those co‑residing adults were employed, indicating that wages are not keeping pace with rising rent, debt and other living expenses. Realtor.com economist Hannah Jones said the surge reflects affordability pressures rather than unemployment, noting that high housing costs are forcing even employed young adults to return home.

An Urban Institute analysis found that the share of 25‑ to 34‑year‑olds living with parents has risen from 11.8 % in 2005 to about 20 % nationally, with a widening gap between high‑cost and low‑cost metropolitan areas. By 2024 the disparity grew to 5.8 percentage points, driven by a 29 % increase in inflation‑adjusted median rent for two‑bedroom apartments in high‑cost metros versus a 17 % rise in cheaper markets. Low‑income young adults are especially affected, with over a third in high‑cost areas remaining at home.