Decline in young Americans reaching adulthood milestones

A new US Census Bureau working paper finds that far fewer young adults today are reaching traditional milestones of adulthood compared to past generations.

The research examines data from 2005 and 2023. The milestones included moving out of parents’ house, buying a house, getting married, and having kids.

In 1975, nearly half of the people aged between 25 and 34 achieved these major life changes. By 2023, less than a quarter had achieved all four.

More young adults now reach only economic milestones, such as education, employment, and independent living, while many are delaying or forgoing marriage and parenthood.

Rising costs of housing, childcare, and other essentials, along with job instability, have created economic barriers for young Americans.

Additionally, women’s expansion in the workforce and higher college enrollment rates have also reshaped the timeline of adulthood in America.