States Where the Most People Live With Their Parents

Only 28,562 people in the 18 to 34 age group in North Dakota reside with a parent or older relative such as a grandparent or step parent — or 14.3% of the age group in the state, by far the smallest share among states.

Places where young adults are less likely to live with their parents tend to have a lower overall cost of living, which makes it easier for those just entering the workforce to be financially independent and afford their own place to live. In North Dakota, goods and services are nearly 11% less expensive than they are on average nationwide.

Only about one in every five of the 129,800 young adults in the 18 to 34 age range living in Wyoming reside with a parent or other older relative.

Reasons young adults may opt to live with their parents include their inability to afford their own home or their desire to save money to buy a home in the future. Marriage, especially if both partners are working, earning dual incomes, makes it less likely for a young adult to reside with their parents for financial reasons, and in Wyoming, young adults are more likely to be married than they are in much of the rest of the country. The median age among those marrying for the first time in Wyoming is 26 years, below the comparable age in all but one other state.

Just 21.1% of Iowa’s population between the ages of 18 and 34 live with their parents, the third smallest share among states.

Young adults are more likely to choose to reside with their parents if their economic prospects are limited and affording a home of their own is difficult. Iowa’s strong job market may help explain why such a small share of the 18 to 35 population either still live at home or have moved back home. The state’s jobless rate stands at 4.4%, well below the comparable 6.2% unemployment rate nationwide.

Many of the states where young adults are less likely to reside with their parents are in the Midwest. One of them is Nebraska, where just 21.4% of the 18 to 34 year olds are living at home with parents or grandparents.

A strong job market can make it easier for young adults to achieve financial independence and afford their own home. In Nebraska, the monthly unemployment rate of 2.8% is the lowest in the country and less than half the comparable 6.2% national jobless rate.

There are over 194,000 South Dakotans between the ages of 18 and 34, and only 41,800 of them are living with their parents or grandparents — or 21.5%.

Young adults might choose to live with their parents or former guardians for any number of reasons, though many also do so out of financial necessity. In South Dakota, however, the cost of living is so low that financial incentives for living at home are somewhat reduced. Goods and services are 12.2% less expensive in South Dakota than they are on average nationwide, one of the lowest costs of living of any state.

Colorado is one of only six states in the country where fewer than one in every four residents ages 18 to 34 live with their parents, grandparents, or former legal guardians. Just 24.6% of the 1.4 million young adults in the state live at home.

One reason young people in the United States may live at home is to provide care for an older parent. In Colorado, however, which has one of the youngest populations of any state, such an explanation is less likely than in other parts of the country. Just 14.7% of the state’s population are 65 or older, the fifth smallest share among states.

Just 25.2% of the Kansas population between the ages of 18 and 34 live with their parents, one of the smallest shares among states.

Young adults are more likely to choose to reside with their parents if their economic prospects are limited, hindering their ability to be able to afford their own place to live. The state’s strong job market may help explain why such a small share of the 18 to 34 population either still live at home or have moved back home. The jobless rate in the state stands at 3.8%, well below the comparable 6.2% unemployment rate nationwide.

There are over 233,700 Montana residents between the ages of 18 and 34, and only 58,900 of them are living with their parents or grandparents — or 25.2%.

Certain economic conditions in Montana make it more affordable for young adults to live in their own home. For one, the state is relatively inexpensive, with a cost of living 6.5% below the national average. Young people in the state are also probably more likely to be employed than their counterparts nationwide, as Montana’s jobless rate of just 4.4% is well below the 6.2% rate nationwide.

Just 25.9% of the 18 to 34 year old population in Vermont live with their parents. The share is the smallest in New England and the broader Northeast, and ninth smallest nationwide.

As is often the case in states where relatively small shares of young adults live at home, Vermont has a strong job market, which makes it easier for those entering the workforce to achieve financial independence and afford their own home. As of March, the state’s unemployment rate was just 3.3% — lower than in all but four other states and almost half the comparable 6.2% national rate.

Just 26.0% of the 18 to 34 year old population in Idaho live with their parents, the 10th smallest share of any state.

One reason young adults may opt to live with their parents is an inability to afford their own home or a desire to save money to buy a home in the future. Married young adults, especially if both partners are working, are less likely to reside with their parents for financial reasons, and in Idaho, young adults are more likely to be married than young adults nationwide. The median age among those marrying for the first time in Idaho is 26.7 years, below the comparable age in all but three other states, and well below the national median of 29.4 years.

Just 26.1% of young adults in the 18 to 34 age group in Washington state live with their parents, one of the smallest shares of any state.

One reason young people in the United States may live at home is to provide care for an older parent. However, in Washington, which has one of youngest populations of any state, such an explanation is less likely than in much of the rest of the country. Just 15.9% of the state’s population are 65 or older, the eighth smallest share among states.

Minnesota is one of many Midwestern states where a smaller than average share of young adults reside with their parents. Just 26.3% of the 1.3 million people in the 18 to 34 age range in the state live at home.

Economic conditions in the state may make it more affordable for young adults to live on their own compared to other states. For one, the state is relatively affordable, with a cost of living 2.0% below the national average. Young people in the state are also probably more likely to be employed than their counterparts nationwide, as Minnesota’s monthly jobless rate of just 4.5% is well below the 6.2% national rate.

Only about 338,600 young adults in Wisconsin live with their parents — or 26.4% of the 18 to 34 year old population.

Places where young adults are less likely to live with their parents tend to have a lower overall cost of living, making it easier for those just entering the workforce to be financially independent and afford their own place to live. In Wisconsin, goods and services are 8.1% less expensive than they are on average nationwide.

At 26.7%, the share of young adults in Oregon who live with their parents is well below the comparable national share and that of most other states.

States where those in the 18 to 34 year age range are less likely to live with their parents tend to have a low cost of living and a strong job market. Oregon, however, is an exception. Goods and services are 2.2% more expensive in the state than they are nationwide on average. Additionally, the state’s 6.5% monthly unemployment rate is slightly higher than the comparable 6.2% national rate.

The share of Oklahoma residents in the 18 to 34 age group who live with their parents is just 27.3%, less than in most states and well below the comparable national average.

Certain economic conditions in Oklahoma make it easier for young adults to achieve financial independence and afford their own place to live. For one, the state is one of the least expensive in the country, with a cost of living 12.8% below the national average. Young people in the state are also probably more likely to be employed than their counterparts nationwide, as the monthly jobless rate in Oklahoma stands at just 4.1% — well below the 6.2% unemployment rate nationwide.

Maine is one of only a few states in the Northeast where a smaller than average share of young adults live with their parents. Just 27.8% of the state’s 18 to 34 year olds live with parents or grandparents.

The reduced likelihood of young adults living at home in the state is likely due in part to certain economic conditions that make it easier for those in the early stages of a career to achieve financial independence and afford a place of their own. For one, the state is relatively inexpensive, with a cost of living 0.7% below the national average. Young people in the state are also more likely to be employed than their counterparts nationwide, as the unemployment rate in Maine stands at 5.4% — below the 6.2% unemployment rate nationwide.

Just 28.8% of the 1.4 million people in Missouri who are in the 18 to 34 year age range live at home with parents or grandparents.

Younger Americans in the early stages of their career can save money by living at home, and this option is even more attractive to a broader range of young adults during times of economic hardship, much like the COVID-19 recession. However, Missouri’s economy is faring better than most, as just 4.4% of the labor force are unemployed, compared to 6.2% of all labor force participants nationwide.

Utah is one of 20 states where less than 30% of young adults are living with their parents or grandparents.

One reason young adults may opt to live with their parents is an inability to afford their own home or a desire to save money to buy a home in the future. Young married couples, especially if both partners are working, are less likely to reside with their parents for financial reasons, and in Utah, young adults are more likely to be married than they are nationwide.. The median age among those marrying for the first time in the state is 25.8 years, the lowest of any state and well below the comparable 29.4 year national median.

There are 993,000 people between the ages of 18 and 34 in Kentucky — and only 29.6% of them, a far smaller share than average, live with either their parents or grandparents.

Young adults might choose to live with their parents or former guardians for any number of reasons, though many also do so out of financial necessity. In Kentucky, however, cost of living is so low that financial incentives for living at home are somewhat reduced. Goods and services are 12.6% less expensive than average in Kentucky than they are nationwide, one of the lowest costs of living of any state.

Young adults in the Midwest are among the least likely of all Americans in the same age group to reside with their parents or grandparents. In Indiana, a smaller than average 29.9% share of the 18 to 34 year olds live with their parents.

Like other parts of the region, Indiana has a low cost of living and a relatively strong job market — both factors that can make it easier for those in the early stages of a career to achieve financial independence and afford their own place. Cost of living in the state is 11.3% below the national average and the unemployment rate in Indiana stands at 4.7% — below the 6.2% unemployment rate nationwide.

There are 669,000 people in Arkansas in the 18 to 34 age group — and only 30.4% of them live with parents or grandparents, a smaller than average share.

Young adults who are married, especially married couples with dual incomes, are less likely to live with parents or grandparents than those who are single. In Arkansas, young adults are far more likely to be married than those nationwide. The median age among those marrying for the first time in the state is 26.4 years, the third lowest of any state and well below the comparable 29.4 year national median.

Ohio is one many states in the Midwest where a smaller than average share of young adults live with their parents. Just 30.4% of the state’s 18 to 34 year old population live with parents or grandparents.

The reduced likelihood of young adults living at home in the state is likely due in part to certain economic conditions that make it easier for those in the early stages of a career to achieve financial independence and afford their own place. For one, Ohio is relatively inexpensive, with a cost of living 11.6% below the national average. Young people in the state are also more likely to be employed than their counterparts nationwide as the unemployment rate in Ohio stands at 4.9% — below the 6.2% unemployment rate nationwide.

In Alaska, just 31.0% of the 18 to 34 population live with their parents or grandparents, a slightly smaller than average share.

One reason young people in the United States may live at home is to provide care for an older parent. However, in Alaska, which has one of youngest populations of any state, such an explanation is less likely than in much of the rest of the country. Just 12.4% of the state’s population are 65 or older, the second smallest share among states.

Just 30.4% of the 1.6 million 18 to 34 year olds in Tennessee live with parents or grandparents, below the national share.

The reduced likelihood of young adults living at home in the state is likely due in part to certain economic conditions that make it easier for those in the early stages of a career to achieve financial independence and afford their own place to live. For one, Tennessee is relatively inexpensive, with a cost of living 10.3% below the national average. Young people in the state are also more likely to be employed than their counterparts nationwide as the unemployment rate in Tennessee stands at 5.1% — below the 6.2% unemployment rate nationwide.

There are 701,000 people in Nevada in the 18 to 34 age group — and only 31.4% of them live with parents or grandparents, a slightly smaller than average share.

As is the case in most of the country, young adults in Nevada are more likely to live with a parent or grandparent today than they were a decade ago. In 2010, the share of 18 to 34 year olds living with their parents in the state was 27.5%. The 3.9 percentage point increase in Nevada exceeds the comparable 2.9 percentage point uptick nationwide.

There are nearly 364,000 West Virginians between the ages of 18 and 34, and an estimated 31.7% of them are living with their parents or grandparents.

Young adults might choose to live with their parents or former guardians for any number of reasons, though many also do so out of financial necessity. In West Virginia, however, cost of living is so low that financial incentives for living at home are somewhat reduced. Goods and services are 12.9% less expensive in West Virginia than they are on average nationwide, one of the lowest costs of living of any state.

In Virginia, 32.7% share residents in the 18 to 34 age range live with their parents or grandparents — a slightly smaller than average.

One reason young people in the United States may live at home is to provide care for an older parent. However, in Virginia, which has one of youngest populations of any state, such an explanation is less likely than in much of the rest of the country. Just 15.9% of the state’s population are 65 or older, the 10th smallest share among states.

An estimated 32.9% of North Carolinians between the ages of 18 and 34 live with one or more of their parents or grandparents, slightly below the comparable national share.

Like many states where young adults are less likely to live with their parents, North Carolina is a relatively affordable state with a relatively strong job market. Goods and services in North Carolina are 8.3% below the comparable national average. Young people in the state are also more likely to be employed than their counterparts nationwide, as the monthly state unemployment rate stands at 4.6% — below the 6.2% unemployment rate nationwide.

Massachusetts is one of the few states in the Northeast where a smaller than average share of young adults live with at least one parent or grandparent. Of the nearly 1.7 million 18 to 34 year olds in the state, 32.9% live with their parents.

As is the case in most of the country, young adults in Massachusetts are more likely to live with a parent or grandparent today than they were a decade ago. In 2010, the share of 18 to 34 year olds living with their parents in the state was 31.4%. The 1.6 percentage point uptick in Massachusetts, however, was not as pronounced as the comparable 2.9 percentage point increase nationwide.

The 34.1% share of adults in the 18 to 34 age range in Pennsylvania who live with their parents or grandparents is closely in line with the comparable share nationwide.

The decision to live at home in the early stages of one’s career is often influenced by financial considerations. While goods and services in Pennsylvania are 3.0% less expensive than they are nationwide on average, making it easier for young adults to achieve financial independence, there are other hurdles. For example, the March unemployment rate in the Keystone State was 7.3% — well above the comparable 6.2% national jobless rate.

There are nearly 579,400 Arizona residents between the ages of 18 and 34 who live with at least one parent or grandparent — or 34.1% of the young adult population.

As is the case in most of the country, young adults in Arizona are more likely to live with a parent or grandparent now than they were a decade ago. In 2010, the share of 18 to 34 year olds living with their parents in the state was 28.7%. The 5.4 percentage point increase in Arizona is higher than the rise in all but three other states and well exceeds the comparable 2.9 percentage point uptick nationwide.

Of the 211,900 people living in Delaware between the ages of 18 and 34, 34.3% live with a parent or grandparent, almost exactly in line with the national average.

Unlike young adults across the U.S. as whole, however, Delaware residents in the 18 to 34 age range are actually less likely to live with their parents today than they were a decade ago. Since 2010, the share of young adults living with their parents in the state has fallen by 2.2 percentage points, nearly the largest decline of any state. Meanwhile, the comparable share nationwide climbed by 2.9 percentage points over the same period.

An estimated 34.9% of the 18 to 34 year old population in New Hampshire live with at least one parent or grandparent, only slightly higher than the share nationwide.

The decision to live at home in the early stages of one’s career is often influenced by financial considerations. While goods and services in New Hampshire are 6.5% more expensive than they are nationwide on average, making it more difficult for young adults to achieve financial independence, the state also has some advantages. For example, the March unemployment rate in New Hampshire of 3.2% was nearly the lowest of any state and well below the comparable 6.2% national rate, suggesting that young adults in the state have an easier time securing a job than those in much of the rest of the country.

In most of the Midwestern United States, young adults are less likely than average to live with a parent or grandparent. Michigan, however, is a notable exception. There are nearly 2.3 million Michigan residents between the ages of 18 and 34, and a slightly higher than average 35.0% of them live with their parents.

One reason young people in the United States may live at home is to provide care for an older parent. In Michigan, 17.7% of the population are 65 or older, a larger share than in most states and well above the 16.5% share in the U.S. population.

Many of the states where young adults are more likely than average to live with a parent or grandparent are in the South — and Alabama is one of them. An estimated 35.4% of the state’s 18 to 34 year olds live with their parents, a full percentage point above the national average.

Young adults are more likely to live with a parent in the state despite some economic conditions that could make it easier for those in the early stages of a career to be financially independent and live on their own. For example, just 3.4% of the labor force in Alabama are unemployed, well below the 6.2% national jobless rate. Additionally, housing is relatively affordable in the state, as the median home value of $154,000 is only three times higher than the median household income of $51,734. Nationwide, the typical home is worth nearly four times more than the median household income.

In Texas, 35.6% of residents between the ages of 18 and 34 live with a parent or grandparent, a larger share than in most other states. Since 2010, the share of young adults in the Lone Star State living with their parents has increased by 5.0 percentage points, well above the comparable 2.9 percentage point uptick nationwide.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, that share has likely climbed even more as Texas’ job market was hit especially hard. As of March 2021, unemployment in the state stood at 7.2%, a full percentage point above the national jobless rate that month.

There are a total of 1.1 million people in the 18 to 24 age group in Louisiana, and 35.7% of them live with at least one parent or grandparent.

Young adults are more likely to live with a parent in the state despite some economic conditions that could make it easier for those in the early stages of a career to be financially independent and live on their own. For example, goods and services are 12.1% less expensive in Louisiana than they are nationwide on average. Unemployment in the state, however, is 13th highest.

There are nearly 410,900 South Carolina residents between the ages of 18 and 34 who live with at least one parent or grandparent — or 36.0% of the young adult population.

As is the case in most of the country, young adults in South Carolina are more likely to live with a parent or grandparent today than they were a decade ago. In 2010, the share of 18 to 34 year olds living with their parents in the state was 31.4%. The 4.6 percentage point increase in South Carolina was higher than the increase in all but 10 other states and well exceeds the 2.9 percentage point uptick nationwide.

In Illinois, young adults are more likely to live with a parent or grandparent than in any other state in the Midwest. An estimated 36.2% of the state’s population between the ages of 18 and 34 live with their parents.

One potential explanation for the greater likelihood is the state’s relatively weak job market, which can make it more difficult for those in the early stages of a career to achieve financial independence. An average of 9.5% of the state’s labor force were unemployed in 2020, and as of March 2021, the jobless rate in the state stood at 7.1%. Meanwhile, the comparable unemployment rates nationwide were 8.1% and 6.2%, respectively.

Georgia is one of many southern states where young adults are more likely than average to live with their parents. An estimated 36.8% of the state’s population between the ages of 18 and 34 live with at least one parent or grandparent.

As is the case in most of the country, young adults in Georgia are more likely to live with a parent or grandparent now than they were a decade ago. In 2010, the share of 18 to 34 year olds living with their parents in the state was 31.0%. The 5.7 percentage point increase in Georgia was higher than the rise in all but one other state and well exceeds the 2.9 percentage point uptick nationwide.

Nearly 116,000 of the 310,337 18 to 34 year olds in Hawaii live with at least one parent or grandparent — making the state one of only 10 nationwide where more than 37% of young adults live with their parents.

Young adults may decide to live with their parents for any number of reasons, but for many, it is for financial reasons — especially in areas with a high cost of living. In Hawaii, goods and services are 19.3% more expensive than they are nationwide on average. Living in the most expensive state in the country, young Hawaii residents face greater than average difficulty in achieving financial independence.

There are 1.7 million people between the ages of 18 and 34 in New York state living with at least one parent or grandparent, or 37.7% of the young adult population.

A number of factors in the state may make it more difficult for those in the early stages of a career to achieve financial independence and afford their own place to live. For one, unemployment in New York stands at 8.5%, well above the 6.2% national average. Additionally, housing is not especially affordable in the state, as the median home value of $338,700 is nearly five times higher than the median household income of $61,980. Nationwide, the typical home is worth less than four times the median household income.

Over 181,600 of the 474,070 18 to 34 year olds in New Mexico live with at least one parent or grandparent — making the state one of only eight nationwide where more than 38% of young adults live with their parents.

A strong job market can make it easier for young adults to achieve financial independence and afford their own place to live. In New Mexico, however, the monthly unemployment rate of 8.0% is the fifth highest in the country and well above the 6.2% national jobless rate.

There are about 99,500 young adults in Rhode Island who live with at least one parent or grandparent — or 38.8% of the state’s young adult population.

Married young adults, especially if both partners are working, are less likely to reside with their parents for financial reasons, and in Rhode Island, 18 to 34 years olds are less likely to be married than the average American in the age group. The typical Rhode Island resident getting married for the first time is 31.2 years old, older than the median marriage age in every other state.

Nearly 532,900 of the more than 1.3 million 18 to 34 year olds in Maryland live with at least one parent or grandparent — making the state one of only six nationwide where more than 39% of young adults live with their parents.

Young adults may decide to live with their parents for any number of reasons, but for many, it is done out of financial prudence — especially in areas with a high cost of living. In Maryland, goods and services are 7.7% more expensive than they are nationwide on average. Living in one of the most expensive states in the country, young state residents face greater than average difficulty in achieving financial independence.

Young adults in Connecticut are considerably more likely to live with their parents than most Americans in the same age group. An estimated 39.6% of the state’s 18 to 34 year olds live with at least one parent or grandparent.

The higher share of young adults in the state living with their parents is likely closely tied to their tendency to delay starting their own household. The median age of those getting married for the first time in Connecticut is just over 31, the second highest of any state. Economic conditions in the state may also make it more difficult for those in the early stages of a career to achieve financial independence. The monthly unemployment rate in the state of 8.3% is the third highest in the country.

Mississippi is one of several states in the South where young Americans are more likely than average to live with their parents. There are about 264,500 people between the ages of 18 and 34 in Mississippi who live with at least one parent or grandparent — or 39.7% of the state’s young adult population.

As is the case in most of the country, young adults in Mississippi are more likely to live with a parent or grandparent today than they were a decade ago. In 2010, the share of 18 to 34 year olds living with their parents in the state was 35.4%. The 4.3 percentage point increase in Mississippi was higher than the rise in most other states and well exceeds the comparable 2.9 percentage point uptick nationwide.

Over 3.9 million of the 9.7 million 18 to 34 year olds in California live with a parent or grandparent — making the state one of only three nationwide where more than 40% of young adults live with their parents.

A number of factors in the state may make it more difficult for those in the early stages of a career to achieve financial independence and afford their own place to live. For one, unemployment in California stands at 8.2%, well above the 6.2% national average. Additionally, housing is not especially affordable in the state, as the median home value of $568,500 is over seven times higher than the median household income of $80,440. Nationwide, the typical home is worth less than four times the median household income.

Young adults are more likely to live with a parent or grandparent in Florida than in any other state in the South. There are more than 4.5 million Florida residents between the ages of 18 and 34, and 40.5% of them live with their parents.

One reason young people in the United States may live at home is to provide care for an older parent. In Florida, 20.9% of the population are 65 or older, the second largest share of any state and well above the 16.5% share of the U.S. population.

In New Jersey, 45.1% of the 1.9 million residents between the ages of 18 and 34 live with at least one parent or grandparent, the largest share of any state in the county.

Several economic factors may help explain the greater likelihood that young adults live at home in the Garden State. For one, the state is one of the most expensive places to live in the country, with a cost of living 16.0% greater than the national average. New Jersey also has a relatively weak job market. An average of 9.8% of the state’s labor force were unemployed in 2020, and as of March 2021, the jobless rate in the state stood at 7.8%. Meanwhile, the comparable unemployment rates nationwide are 8.1% and 6.2%, respectively.