Idaho Sees 25.4% of Young Adults Living at Home

New Jersey and Puerto Rico lead the nation in young adults living with parents amid rising costs.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:14pm

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According to recent census data, 33% of U.S. adults aged 18 to 34 live with their parents, nearing pandemic highs. Idaho has 25.4% of young adults aged 18 to 34 living at home, while New Jersey leads mainland states with 44.1% and Puerto Rico tops overall at 57.5%. The trend is driven by factors like rising housing costs, student loan debt, and job market instability.

Why it matters

This trend highlights the economic challenges facing young adults, as they struggle to afford independent living amid high rents, student loans, and uncertain job prospects. It also reflects broader shifts in living arrangements and the role of family support, especially in more expensive regions.

The details

Finances are the leading factor for young adults living at home, with the cost of housing and student loan debt preventing many from affording their own place. Even graduates with jobs often can't keep up with rising inflation. Job market instability, particularly in fields like tech, also contributes to the trend. States with the highest rates of young adults living at home, like New Jersey and California, tend to be more expensive places to live.

  • The census data analyzed is from 2026.

The players

FinanceBuzz

A company that took a nationwide look at the trend of young adults living at home.

Patricia Mendoza

A reporter for the Asbury Park Press who contributed to the reporting via the USA TODAY Network.

Reuters Connect

A news agency that provided some of the data and reporting for this story.

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The takeaway

This trend of young adults living at home highlights the economic challenges facing the next generation, as they struggle to achieve financial independence amid rising costs of living. It reflects a need for solutions to address housing affordability, student debt, and job market stability to help young people transition to independent adulthood.