The trend of young adults living at home varies widely across the US. Some metro areas have high rates, while others see most of them moving out early. On average, 17.7% of 25- to 34-year-olds live with their parents, but certain cities stand out for having much higher or lower numbers.
These differences reflect economic realities, cultural norms, and local housing markets. Understanding where young adults leave home fastest offers insight into broader social and demographic trends shaping American cities today.
Where do young adults leave home the earliest?
The answer is Lincoln, Nebraska. Only 2.9% of people aged 25 to 34 in this metro area live with their parents, far below the national average. By contrast, metro areas in California and Texas, including Vallejo (33%), Oxnard (32.8%), and Brownsville (30.5%), report the highest percentages of young adults still living at home.
Lincoln’s low rate reflects a combination of demographic and cultural factors. The city has a higher proportion of white young adults, a group that Pew Research Center data consistently shows is less likely to live with parents. In addition, housing affordability in Lincoln likely encourages the new generations to move into their own residences earlier than in more expensive metros.
Even after moving out, many young adults prefer to remain near family. In Lincoln, this pattern suggests that early independence does not necessarily mean moving far away. They can establish their own households while maintaining strong family connections within the community.
How US. cities differ in young adults living at home
Across the United States, roughly 18% of adults aged 25 to 34 lived with their parents in 2023, according to Pew Research Center analysis of census data. This figure represents a slight decline after a long-term increase from 2000 to 2017, a period marked by financial crises that made leaving home more difficult.
Cities with the highest shares tend to be in California and Texas. Vallejo, Oxnard, Riverside, and Merced in California, along with Brownsville in Texas, all have at least 30% of young adults living at home. These metros may face economic pressures, cultural influences, or family dynamics that encourage extended stays in parental households.
On the other hand, cities with the lowest shares are concentrated in the Midwest and Northeast. In addition to Lincoln, Nebraska (2.9%), Springfield, Missouri (6.7%), Utica, New York (7.8%), Colorado Springs, Colorado (8.1%), and Kalamazoo, Michigan (8.3%) report significantly lower percentages. These areas show a pattern of earlier independence among young adults.
This variation across cities highlights how local culture and demographics can shape the path to adulthood. In some places, moving out early is considered a milestone tied to independence, while in others, staying longer in the parental home is more socially accepted. These differences show that the decision to live with parents is rarely just financial—it’s also influenced by family expectations and community values.
Demographics play a role in these patterns. Metros with higher proportions of white young adults tend to have fewer people living with parents, while diversity, cultural expectations, and family obligations influence higher rates in other areas. Pew Research also notes that there is no clear correlation between steep housing costs and higher rates of young people living at home, suggesting that multiple factors contribute to these trends.