By the Numbers
In the last decade, multigenerational living—or residing in homes that include at least two generations of adults or homes that have grandparents living with grandchildren under age 25—has nearly quadrupled in the United States.
6 in 10 | The number of adults living in multigenerational housing who began or continued their living arrangements due to COVID-19. |
The COVID-19 pandemic played a strong role in the recent rise in
multigenerational living. Caregiving needs, the economic climate, unforeseen life changes, and cultural or family expectations also contributed to the increase.
Source: gu.org/resources/multigenerational-families
79% | The number of multigenerational household residents who experienced enhanced relationships with other resident family members. |
Those living in multigenerational homes report improved relations with other members of the household. Other reported benefits include easier care for elders and children, improved finances, increased school or work opportunities for residents, and strengthened physical or mental health.
Source: gu.org/explore-our-topics/multigenerational-households
11
| Utah’s ranking among states with the most multigenerational households in 2018. |
About 4 percent of Beehive State residents—or approximately 41,000 households—live in multigenerational homes. Hawaii tops the list at almost 8 percent, followed by California, Texas, and New Jersey.
Source: businessinsider.com/the-states-with-the-most-multigenerational-households-2020-4#11
66.7 million | The number of American adults who reside in multigenerational households. |
The most common type of multigenerational household includes three generations: grandparents, parents, and adult or underage children.
Source: gu.org/explore-our-topics/multigenerational-households
26% | The percentage of Black and Hispanic Americans who live in multigenerational households. |
These two demographics are the most likely to live in homes with at least two adult generations; White Americans are the least likely. Housing trends are linked to cultural norms for each group, and the national increase in multigenerational living may be due to increased racial and ethnic diversity in the United States.
Source: pewresearch.org/social-trends/2022/03/24/the-demographics-of-multigenerational-households
25% | The percentage of multigenerational home buyers in 2021 who bought primarily to facilitate eldercare. |
Buyers of homes for multigenerational living are most commonly motivated by caregiving responsibilities; other motivators include spending more time with aging parents, accommodating children 18 years and older who moved back or never left home, and saving money.
