An article summarized by Fox Business:
More young Americans are continuing to live with their parents as housing costs remain out of reach for many first-time renters and homebuyers. According to Realtor.com, 25.2 million adults under the age of 35, roughly one-third of that age group, lived with a parent in 2025. Economists say the trend is not driven by unemployment or a lack of education, but by a severe shortage of affordable housing.
The U.S. housing market remains constrained by an estimated shortage of about 4 million homes, particularly entry-level properties. While roughly 70% of adults aged 25 to 34 living at home are employed, soaring housing costs have made independence harder to achieve. The median home listing price has risen to $430,000, up more than 34% since 2019, while median rents have climbed nearly 18% to $1,673 per month.
Experts say the trend has created a massive pool of delayed housing demand. Millions of young adults who have postponed renting or buying could eventually enter the market if affordability improves or more homes are built. However, the delays may come at a financial cost, as fewer young people are building home equity. Looking ahead, housing affordability could become even more challenging, with projections from the National Association of Realtors suggesting the national median home price could reach $1 million by 2050.
