The proportion of young adults in the United States living with their parents has remained notably high in recent years, approaching levels seen during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent report by Realtor.com. As of 2025, roughly one-third of adults under 35 reside in their childhood homes, a figure that reflects ongoing challenges around housing affordability and economic conditions.

During 2020, the share of young adults living with parents surged to approximately 34 percent, driven largely by pandemic-related disruptions. By 2022, this percentage had dipped slightly to around 31 to 32 percent, consistent with rates observed over the previous decade. However, the downward trend proved temporary, with the share climbing back to 33 percent by 2025, nearly matching the pandemic peak.

Experts attribute this persistent trend less to employment instability and more to the difficulties many young adults face in securing affordable housing. “The employment rate for this demographic has remained relatively stable,” said Hannah Jones, senior economist at Realtor.com and author of the report, “but the share of adults living at home has still increased.” Factors such as high rental and purchase costs, inflation, and stagnant wages contribute to the sense that moving out of the family home is increasingly out of reach.

Despite these obstacles, many young adults living with their parents remain employed and well-educated. Several individuals interviewed underscored how returning home can offer important financial and emotional support. For example, Evan Walsh, 30, moved back in with his parents earlier this year following the death of a close friend. He described his return as a “healing” experience that allowed him to better focus on his career without the constant financial pressure. His mother, Wendy Walsh, acknowledged the unexpected but positive impact of his return, noting it had allowed them to spend more time together.

Similarly, Francesca Gullo, 28, who relocated from New York to Tennessee to live with her parents after a decade of independent living, cited financial necessity as a key factor. Working two jobs and struggling to save, she made the decision to return home and enroll in school, prioritizing long-term financial stability. “It is a very sucky feeling to know that I may never be able to afford to live where I grew up,” she said, but expressed gratitude for her parents’ support.

While many parents welcome their adult children back under difficult circumstances, some emphasize that returning home should be tied to significant events rather than economic hardship alone. Wendy Walsh remarked that while she is open to supporting her son after a tragedy, she is less accepting of adult children living at home simply due to living costs.

Overall, the data and personal accounts illustrate the complex interplay between economic challenges, housing markets, and family dynamics influencing young adults’ living arrangements in the United States.