Growth in MultiGenerationi housing – NAR
In 1900, 57% of adults 65+ lived in a multi-generational household.
This fell to 9% in 1970, in part due to the migration of people from agriculture to cities. On farms, there were often multiple homes for extended family. The availability of Social Security, pensions, and Medicare made it possible for the elderly to live independently, when they may not have had such options in the past.
Thus, multi-generation living gave way to more independent living in the 20th century.
In recent years, multi-generation housing has grown again.
- Multigenerational living rose to 18% of those age 65+ by 2021 due to population demographic changes
- the large “baby boom” bump resulted in the median population age rising from its long standing 30+/- to almost age 40 now – there are more elderly,
- many young adults are living with their parents into their 20s,
- There are large immigrant communities where intergenerational housing has been common. In 1972, about 4.7% of the US population was foreign born; in January 2025, 15.8% was foreign born. 40+% of the US population is either foreign born or has 1 parent who was foreign born and up to 60% is foreign born, has 1 parent or 1 grandparent who is foreign born. Cultural traditions are a factor in this as well.
Much online commentary blames economics or caregiving issues but the above factors are likely the largest factors in this trend.
A second factor today is the growth of elder housing – ranging from elder centric apartments to elder centric complexes that including independent apartments, multi-unit apartments, assisted living and skilled nursing services in a single large retirement complex. This may reduce the total multi-generation housing trend to less than in the distant past.
