KGMI News
BELLINGHAM, Wash. – A WWU prof is detailing the reasons more young adults than ever are still living at home.
Western Washington University Economics Professor Hart Hodges was quoted by Q13 as saying the economy, their parents’ affluence, and technology all play a role in the growth in numbers of 18-34 year olds living at home with Mom and Dad.
“I think technology enables a variety of behaviors. If I’m a kid today, I don’t have to think ahead and plan ahead the way I would have 20, 30, certainly more than that, years ago,” said Hodges.
26 percent of 18-34 age group continued to live at home in 2005; by 2015 the percentage had increased to 35 percent.
Hodges says the 2008 recession may have played a part, in addition to longer life spans that allow young people to postpone major life milestones such as marriage or family.