Inflation and Economic Woes Lead 54 Percent of Gen Z Americans to Live With Their Parents

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Generation Z, the youngest generation of American adults, are struggling in an era of high inflation and expensive housing, with more than half of them living with their parents in an uncertain economic environment.

At least 54 percent of adults aged 18–25 are opting to live with their parents out of economic necessity, according to a new study of over 300 participants conducted by The Harris Poll and commissioned by DailyPay.

The Gen Zers now in adulthood and who are seeking to become independent from their families are starting to have trouble remaining financially afloat, as the cost of everyday items goes up.

Out of all of the respondents polled, 80 percent of Gen Z say that they expect the U.S. economy to remain the same or decline through next year.

This youngest American age cohort started to enter the workforce in the midst of a pandemic and increasing political instability at home and abroad.

They also happen to be the most technologically savvy generation when it comes to social media.

Unlike the previous millennial generation, which came of age during the “War on Terror” and the Great Recession, American Gen Z have grown up in an era of relative peace.

However, for most of this year, inflation has remained around 8 percent, a 40-year high, pushing up prices across the board, as the Federal Reserve raises borrowing rates to control rising prices.

A spike in housing and rental prices across the country since the pandemic have also made it hard for young adults to find an affordable home.

Gen Z Is Facing an Initial Disadvantage Entering the Workforce

Much like the millennials over a decade ago, many of these young Americans are very concerned about their long-term financial prospects, according to the survey.

“Between COVID, inflation, and a looming recession, Gen Z has kicked off adulthood in the most uncertain of times,” Jeanniey Walden, chief innovation and marketing officer at DailyPay, told FOX Business.

“So it’s no surprise that many say current economic conditions are keeping them living at home and/or worrying about paying bills on time.”

Only 28 of those surveyed between the ages of 18–25 said that they were regularly able to pay off their bills on time.

About 41 percent said they were concerned that rising inflation would make it more difficult for them to pay their bills over the next year, and 38 percent expect that necessities like food and fuel would become more expensive to buy.

The study also found that rising costs have greatly affected the ability of many of these young people to save.

“Potentially most concerning is that Gen Z does not feel they are able to save for the future,” said Walden.

An alarmingly signicant number, 78 percent out of of those surveyed, admit that they have saved less compared to last year, or have the same amount of savings as they did last year, while some have not been able to save at all.

Young Adults Remain Optimistic About the Future

However, many of  the Gen Z are less pessimistic about their long-term economic future, with only 33 percent worrying about finding a house due to high prices, while only 20 percent of them are finding it difficult to pay for health care for family members.

“This report demonstrates the need for employers to provide meaningful and impactful financial benefits to help their employees, particularly Gen Z, despite the negative effects of inflation,” said Kevin Coop, CEO of DailyPay.

Nearly 72 percent of Gen Z in the workforce said that having their salaries delivered directly to their accounts at the end of the day, instead of waiting for their regular payday, would aid them in paying bills on time.

The survey recommended that employers could better assist their workforce by applying these changes to help their younger workers take care of their monthly expenses.