Boomerang kids is a term for those who moved out of their parents’ home only to return. The number of young adults who were forced to move back home reached historic highs in 2020 when the pandemic began. In fact, three in ten Gen Zers (18-25) moved back home with their parents during the pandemic as school campuses closed down. Around 18% of younger millennials (26-34) and 17% of older millennials (35-41) also moved back in with mom and dad. However, a recent report shows that two-thirds of young adults in the US who moved back home during the pandemic have yet to leave the nest.
Housing and rental costs are at historic highs and continue to rise. Inflation is soaring, rates are rising, and the youth is struggling. The demographic that should be starting families is financially priced out of doing so. Around 31% of boomerang kids said their top focus is saving for a down payment on a home, and nearly 30% of those who did move out managed to purchase a home. Around 39% of those who moved back home said they were focused on paying off debt.
About 73% of those who did move out after the pandemic were only able to rent. Unsurprisingly, states with the highest cost of living host the largest number of boomerang kids. Around 21.6% of adult children live at home in Hawaii, followed by New Jersey and Florida, which host 20.7% and 20.1%, respectively.
Young adults can no longer afford the American dream. Nearly three years after the pandemic, most young adults who moved back home have been unable to leave. Housing costs are usually the biggest expense of any household, and the youth simply cannot afford to buy in this market. This is why the birth rate is steadily declining, and the future workforce will be limited.
