A Pew Research Center analysis of Census Data reveals a fundamental shift in the way U.S. residents are living—last true in a time closer to the Civil War than the 20th century.
"Broad demographic shifts in marital status, educational attainment and employment have transformed the way young adults in the U.S. are living," according to an article by Richard Fry, "and a new Pew Research Center analysis of census data highlights the implications of these changes for the most basic element of their lives – where they call home."
According to Fry, the primary demographic trend responsible for the new domestic arrangements is the reluctance of young people to settle down romantically before 35. "Dating back to 1880, the most common living arrangement among young adults has been living with a romantic partner, whether a spouse or a significant other." That arrangement's dominance, however, has been in steady decline since 1960.
By 2014, reports Fry, "31.6% of young adults were living with a spouse or partner in their own household, below the share living in the home of their parent(s) (32.1%)."
The article includes several useful visualizations of the data, as well as deeper breakdowns of the demographics, by gender, employment status, educational attainment, and race and ethnicity for example.
Living Alone Now the Most Common Type of Household
A revealing examination of demographic data shows a country that bears little resemblance to the 1950s era that bequeathed its housing and transportation models to current generations.
Solo Renters on the Rise Despite High Housing Costs
Between 2016 and 2021, the share of American tenants renting apartments and homes alone grew, with the fastest growth in Salt Lake City.
Mapping the Growth of the U.S. Hispanic Population
Almost every county in the country has more Hispanics than in 2010, according to recent Census data now searchable by interactive map.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions