Growing shares of Americans say things are harder for young adults today than they were for their parents’ generation
% of U.S. adults saying each of the following is ___ for young adults today than it was for their parents’ generation
Note: Other response options included “About the same for young adults today as it was for their parents’ generation.” The shares who said this (7%-20%) or who didn’t offer an answer are not shown. Refer to topline for full question wording.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted May 4-17, 2026.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Growing shares of Americans say things are harder for young adults today than they were for their parents’ generation
% of U.S. adults saying each of the following is ___ for young adults today than it was for their parents’ generation
| Buying a home | Harder | Easier |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 87 | 6 |
| 2021 | 70 | 16 |
| Paying for college | Harder | Easier |
| 2026 | 82 | 7 |
| 2021 | 71 | 14 |
| Saving for the future | Harder | Easier |
| 2026 | 82 | 6 |
| 2021 | 72 | 11 |
| Finding a job | Harder | Easier |
| 2026 | 64 | 15 |
| 2021 | 39 | 40 |
Note: Other response options included “About the same for young adults today as it was for their parents’ generation.” The shares who said this (7%-20%) or who didn’t offer an answer are not shown. Refer to topline for full question wording.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted May 4-17, 2026.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
