25% of People Under 35 Live with Parents — What It Means

A 2025 report from Realtor.com shows that about one-third (33%) of adults under 35 in the U.S. live with their parents, a figure that has remained near its pandemic peak since 2020 Rethinking65. This translates to roughly 25.2 million young adults in 2025, the highest number ever recorded CBS News+1.

Why the Rate Is So High
The primary driver is housing affordability. Many young adults are employed and hold college degrees, but wages are not keeping pace with rising home prices and rents. The national median home listing price is now $430,000 — 34% above 2019 levels — and median rent is $1,673 — 18% above 2019 levels Rethinking65. A decade of housing underproduction has left a deficit of about 4 million homes, making independent living difficult for millions Rethinking65.

Demographics and Trends
Employment: Around 7 in 10 of those 25–34 living at home have jobs, but their incomes are often insufficient to cover rent, student loans, and other expenses CBS News.

Gender differences: Young men are more likely than young women to live with parents (20% vs. 15% in 2023) Pew Research Center.

Metro variation: Rates vary widely — some metros have over 30% of young adults living at home, while others have less than 5% Pew Research Center.

Long-term pattern: This is part of a recurring cycle: economic crisis or pandemic → spike in co-residence → partial retreat → new higher baseline Rethinking65.

Implications
Living with parents offers financial relief but can also affect independence and social life. Many young adults plan to move out once they save enough, as seen in CBS News examples where individuals moved back home temporarily to afford rent and then relocated later CBS News.

Bottom line: The 25% figure reflects a structural housing affordability crisis, not a lack of job opportunities. Without significant changes in housing supply or cost, this co-residence rate is likely to remain high for years to come Rethinking65.