California Struggles: Ranks Among Worst States for Young Adults Living with Parents

Young adults in California are finding it increasingly challenging to move out of their parents’ homes, with recent data spotlighting the state as one of the “worst” for this trend. This issue has been highlighted by Finance Buzz, which utilized 2025 U.S. Census Bureau data to rank California among the highest for young adults aged 18 to 34 still residing with their parents, at a rate of 39.1%.

For those seeking the heart of the so-called “boomerang generation” in America, New Jersey takes the lead. The Garden State tops the list with a staggering 44.1% of young adults living with their parents. Following closely is Connecticut at 41.3%, with California not far behind, marking a significant coastal trend where younger generations face barriers to achieving independence.

In addition to these states, New York also ranks in the top ten, with 35.9% of its young residents choosing the comfort of home over the expense of living in a costly Manhattan apartment. This trend highlights a growing preference among young adults for familial support as they navigate the high costs of living independently.

Connecticut follows at 41.3%, and Cali comes in third, signaling a coastal crisis where younger generations are locked out of independence.

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters

New York also landed in the top ten, with 35.9% of its youth population opting for home-cooked meals over high-priced Manhattan studios.

The full top ten is as follows:

1. Puerto Rico: 57.5%
2. New Jersey: 44.1%
3. Connecticut: 41.3%
4. California: 39.1%
5. Maryland: 38.5%
6. Florida: 36.6%
7. New Hampshire: 36.5%
8. New York: 35.9%
9. Massachusetts: 35.7%
10. Illinois / Nevada: 35.1%

California’s ranking, citing roughly four in 10 young Californians haven’t flown the nest, might not come as a shock.

Between sky-high rents, brutal home prices, and a competitive job market, young people are increasingly opting — or being forced — to stay put.

The trend is especially pronounced in certain California metro areas. In fact, places like Vallejo and Oxnard rank among the highest in the nation, with roughly a third of adults in their mid-20’s to early 30’s still living at home, per 2023 Pew Research Center data.

Still, this isn’t just a West Coast phenomenon.

Across the U.S., living with parents has become far more common. Roughly one-third of Americans aged 18 to 34 now live at home — a figure that’s climbed significantly over the decades, according to Finance Buzz.

If you want to find a 20-something who actually pays their own mortgage, head to North Dakota. Only 12.3% of young adults in ND still live with their parents — the lowest in the nation.

Apparently, the peace and quiet coupled with the cheap rent found in the Great Plains are enough to get anyone out of their parents’ hair.

The District of Columbia also saw a low rate of 13.3%.