Multigenerational Households Hit New High
According to a study released by the prestigious, non-partisan Pew Research Center, the number of multigenerational families living in one home is on the increase. In 2016, the number of these households hit an all-time high of 20% of all Americans – about 64 million people. As recently as 2009, the number stood at 17%.
The study considers an adult as anyone 25 or older to avoid potential college students who may be living at home.
While the trend toward multigenerational living is increasing among all racial groups and both genders, it is particularly strong among racial minorities. About 29% of Asians, 27% of Hispanics, 26% of blacks, and 16% of whites are involved in these living arrangements.
In some of these immigrant households the trend is explained by cultural (living at home till married) or economic reasons (not being able to afford to buy or rent) a home at a young age.
The age group between 25 and 29 were the most likely to be living at home and accounted for 33% of folks in that age group.
But before we tease the young ones, a full 24% of those aged 55 to 64 are living in their children’s households (mostly for financial reasons). And 21% of those 65 and older also live with their children or adult grandchildren.
Women are slightly more likely to live in multigenerational households than men – 21 % to 19%.
Certainly, builders are taking this trend into consideration when designing new homes, with an eye toward making them more amenable to more than one generation living in a single domicile. Examples would include floor plans which contain in-law suites, which are self-contained apartments or cottages with their own entrances, kitchens, and bathrooms. This affords a greater level of privacy, as well as more space for everyone. A less dramatic option is simply two master suites with baths on the main floor. Other ideas include easier access to the entrance and more space in the hallways for those confined to wheel chairs or use walkers.
And remember, a multigenerational home needs to support a family as it grows (new baby), and if it shrinks (junior goes off to college), Therefore, no room should be so customized to the point that it is no longer adaptable (except at considerable expense). Try to keep things simple and flexible so that it is easy to adapt as the family evolves.