Young America’s affordability crisis has political consequences

One and a half million more young adults live with their parents today than a decade ago. They’re losers … economically.

Since the pandemic, fair market rents have increased as much as 40% in Chicago, the cost of owning a car is up more than 40%, and car insurance and health care prices have spiked. Student loan debt has quadrupled since 2000, and entry-level wages haven’t kept pace with inflation.

For young people without financial or family support, it’s an affordability crisis that feels insurmountable.