North Dakota Young Adults Least Likely to Live With Parents

Nationally, 33% of young adults aged 18-34 were living with their parents as of 2025, a figure nearing the peak observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. This equates to 25.2 million adults under 35 living in their parental homes, according to research by Realtor.com®. A generational report by Realtor.com® further indicates that financial independence is no longer solely defined by earning a paycheck. Factors such as housing shortages, job market fluctuations, and significant increases in the cost of living have collectively created a challenging economic landscape for young adults seeking autonomy.

A recent study by FinanceBuzz, which analyzed Census data, mapped the prevalence of young adults living with parents across all U.S. states. This analysis revealed that North Dakota has the lowest percentage of individuals aged 18 to 34 living with their parents, with only 12.30% of this demographic currently residing in their parental homes. In contrast, states with the highest percentages of young adults living at home include New Jersey at 44.1%, Connecticut at 41.3%, and California at 39.1%. These states often share a common characteristic: high costs of living, suggesting that the decision to remain with parents is frequently driven by economic necessity rather than preference.

Conversely, states that offer lower housing costs, more accessible remote living options, and greater overall space tend to report lower rates of young adults living with their parents. North Dakota's housing market, while not as expensive as some coastal regions, still presents a significant financial barrier. The state received a "C" grade in the 2026 Realtor.com® Housing Report Cards, with a median home price of $364,259. This median price, though lower than in many other states, remains a substantial hurdle for many young adults attempting to achieve homeownership or independent living. The data suggests that while national trends point towards increased cohabitation with parents due to economic pressures, North Dakota's specific market conditions and potentially lower cost of living outside of housing may contribute to its unique position as the state with the fewest young adults living at home.