Survey says economy led to increase rise of multi-generational households

A new report shows that the current economic climate was a factor in the large increase of multi-generational households. A new poll by Generations United shows that 66 percent of adults believe the economy has influenced more family members to share a roof, and 21 percent reported that they think it was the only factor.

The number of Americans living in multi-generational households jumped 10 percent since 2007, with a record 51.4 million individuals of all ages living in said households, according to the source.
The survey reports that 40 percent of polled adults reported that job loss, a change in job status or underemployment as a reason, while 20 percent said healthcare costs prompted the formation. Fourteen percent reported that foreclosure or other housing loss initiated the change. Additionally, many agreed that there should be more government programs and policies in support of multi-generational households, while 63 percent said that social security plays a vital role in their household's financial stability.

"With this report, we wanted our policymakers to see all sides of multi-generational living: what is driving the rise in the number of multi-generational households, how family members are coping, and what advantages they derive from having several generations under one roof, said Donna Butts, executive director of Generations United.