Young people in California are facing challenges when it comes to moving out of their childhood homes. Recent data reveals that the state is among the hardest hit in terms of young adults still living with their parents.
According to the 2025 U.S. Census Bureau, a striking 39.1% of Californians aged 18 to 34 reside at home. This statistic, compiled by Finance Buzz, puts California in a difficult position.
If you’re searching for the heart of America’s “boomerang generation,” look no further than New Jersey, where 44.1% of young adults are still living at home.
Connecticut is following closely behind at 41.3%, while California takes the third spot in this concerning trend, highlighting a broader issue of young people struggling to attain independence along the coasts.
New York is also in the upper echelon, with 35.9% of the youth opting for home-cooked meals rather than pricey apartments in Manhattan.
Interestingly, California’s figure might not be that surprising given the circumstances. With soaring rents, steep housing prices, and a competitive job market, many young people are left with little choice but to stay with their parents.
This trend is particularly prevalent in certain Californian cities. For example, places like Vallejo and Oxnard have around one-third of young adults in their mid-20s to early 30s still living at home, as noted by 2023 Pew Research Center data.
However, this isn’t solely a West Coast issue. Across the United States, living with parents has emerged as a common situation. Roughly one-third of Americans aged 18 to 34 currently live at home, and this number has been on the rise over the years.
On the flip side, if you’re looking for young adults who manage to live independently, North Dakota offers a stark contrast. Only 12.3% of youth there live with their parents, which is the lowest rate nationwide. It seems that the tranquility and affordability of life in the Great Plains provide an appealing alternative for many.
The District of Columbia also shows a low percentage, with only 13.3% of young people still residing at home.
- Puerto Rico: 57.5%
- New Jersey: 44.1%
- Connecticut: 41.3%
- California: 39.1%
- Maryland: 38.5%
- Florida: 36.6%
- New Hampshire: 36.5%
- New York: 35.9%
- Massachusetts: 35.7%
- Illinois/Nevada: 35.1%
