Data from U.S. Census Bureau IPUMS microdata (as analyzed/reported by wealthvieu .
Visual chart created with Datawrapper
Based on U.S. Census Bureau IPUMS Census microdata, the percentage of Americans who were both married and homeowners by age 30 dropped dramatically over the past 65 years, from roughly 52% in 1960 to 12% in 2025.
During the 1960s, early marriage was common and housing was fairly affordable compared to incomes; As a result, households could often be supported with one person working full-time. By 1980, 45% of people had reached the combined goal of homeownership and being married, this number decreased to 35% by 2000, continued its downward trend to 25% by 2010 and further to just 12% by 2025.
This trend occurred due to many factors including the rapid increase in home values relative to wage growth makes it more difficult for younger people to purchase homes early in life
People now marry later and spend more time in school and initial career paths; in addition student loans; living costs in cities; and the change of social norms have all resulted in these changing marriage and home ownership patterns.
Overall, It has become increasingly unusual for people to be married and own property by 30 than it was at the middle point of the last century.
This implies a more general trend towards the increasing difficulty for younger generations of achieving fundamental life stages such as access to housing or starting a family as a result of growing economic obstacles.
Over time, this may have wider effects on social stability and economic security.
References
WeathvieuHomeownership Rate by Demographics
U.S. Census Bureau IPUMS Census microdata & American Community Survey
Related analysis on marriage and homeownership trends: https://ifstudies.org/blog/no-spouse-no-house-marriage-decline-and-homeownership-among-young-adults
