Not so empty nesters: record-high number of US adults under 35 live at home, new data says
Data shows that the increase in at-home living stems from high housing costs rather than labor market conditions...
News Desk
Staff Writer
Published
Jun 19, 2026
Source
The Guardian
Analytics
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AI Insight:This trend highlights the struggle many young Americans face in affording independent living due to skyrocketing housing costs.
According to recent data, a record-high number of US adults under the age of 35 are living at home, defying the traditional notion of 'empty nesters.' This phenomenon is largely attributed to the increasing unaffordability of housing in the US, rather than labor market conditions. As housing costs continue to rise, many young adults are finding it difficult to secure stable and affordable living arrangements, leading them to remain in their family homes for longer periods. This trend has significant implications for the US housing market, household formation, and the broader economy, underscoring the need for policymakers to address the root causes of unaffordability and provide support for young adults struggling to establish independent lives.