Changes in Milestones of Adulthood

The journey into adulthood looks very different today than it did two decades ago. This U.S. Census Bureau study tracks how fewer young adults are reaching all five traditional milestones of adulthood—living independently, completing education, participating in the labor force, marrying, and living with a child—while economic milestones like work and education are increasingly prioritized over family formation. Factors like housing costs, educational attainment, and metropolitan living have played a growing role in reshaping this transition. The findings highlight how shifting demographics, economic pressures, and evolving cultural norms are redefining what it means to become an adult in America.