Historically, major life events for Americans included moving out, getting a job, getting married, and having children. However, this is changing. A recent census paper reveals that only 28% of young adults aged 25-34 in 2024 have achieved these milestones, compared to 50 years ago when around half had done so.
The shift in priorities among young people is significant. In the past, getting married and starting a family were seen as natural next steps after establishing a career and financial security. Now, many are choosing to prioritize their careers and personal independence before considering marriage and parenthood.
Census statistics show that finding economic stability has become a top priority for young adults. With rising costs of living, housing, food, and other expenses, it’s becoming harder for people to balance work, debt, and family responsibilities. This is reflected in the decrease in traditional milestone patterns, such as moving out, getting married, and having children.
In 1975, only 6% of young adults were independent, employed, but unmarried and without kids. In contrast, 22% had achieved this combination. Today, the opposite scenario is more common: 28% live independently with jobs, but few have achieved the traditional milestone pattern of moving out, getting married, and having children.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/08/23/young-adults-delay-marriage-kids-jobs-census